Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 355:

She shrugged off his hands. “Let’s set one thing straight—we’re not together anymore. Moreover, my friendships are my own to decide. You don’t get to dictate that.”

His tone grew firm as he said, “This isn’t just anyone—it’s Natalia. The Carpenter family is not to be messed with.”

His disapproval only fueled her defiance. “What are you really worried about? That I can’t handle the Carpenter family, or that Natalia’s interest in you might complicate things if we’re friends?”

Brian asked, “Is that what you think?”

“What else should I think? That you’re concerned for me, that you care as you do for Tracy? I’m not that gullible. I know my place and have no illusions.”

With no further words, Rachel forced him out the door.

other side, “Please open

things strictly professional. Please don’t reach out

the heartache that might follow. More importantly, she dreaded the thought of hesitating when it

moments, she was wracked

Brian’s voice echoed

energy fading rapidly; she slumped to the floor, defeated. She tried to signal for help, to knock on the door, to call for him. Her arms, however, refused to cooperate, remaining lifelessly by

soundproofing meant that Brian, just outside, remained oblivious to her suffering. Separated by just a door, Rachel was sprawled on the floor, her gaze fixed emptily on the ceiling above. The overhead light was blinding, yet a chill and dread were all

to find her lifeless body, never to witness her smile again. She imagined him holding

her last conversation with Brian, tainted by disagreement, might have been the last time they saw each other. If only she had known, she would have held him close, ensuring their parting was filled with

me too quickly.” But now, it seemed all opportunities had slipped

slowly ceased, fading into silence. Overwhelmed by pain, Rachel could bear it no longer and collapsed