Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 444:

When Rachel opened her eyes again, she lifted her head from Andres’s shoulder.

“It’s all in the past now.”

Then, glancing up at him, she offered a small nod. “Thank you. For everything tonight.”

Andres studied her for a long moment before simply nodding. “It’s late. Let’s head back.”

“Alright.”

When they reached the door to her room, Rachel turned to bid him goodnight.

But before she could step inside, a familiar figure appeared from the shadows—Brian.

The sight of him sent an instinctive jolt through her, her body tensing, her fingers tightening on the doorknob. Her first thought was to retreat, to slip inside, close the door, and shut him out completely.

her wrist before

his voice edged with urgency. “I just need to say a few words. That’s all. After that, I promise I won’t

face. But there was none. Still, her voice remained

at the pool… I didn’t know you had fallen

a quiet,

had known… I wouldn’t have left you behind. I swear, Rachel, I

him off, her voice like ice. “Maybe you’re right,” she said. “Maybe you would’ve saved me. After all, I’ve been by your side for so many years. Even a dog raised that long would inspire

it? How could you just let it

available now

end,” she continued, her words slow and deliberate, “your first instinct will always be Tracy. Always. Only after ensuring her safety would you even think to look for me—whether I lived or

it as a question. Because it wasn’t

with remorse. “I’m sorry, Rachel. After all these years, I’ve

laugh

couldn’t bear to look at him

inside, her weary body sliding down against the wooden surface, collapsing like a marionette with severed strings. The weight of his

hadn’t anticipated his complete