Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 623:

“Of course, I am. I’m a Carpenter—I always bounce back.”

“Yes, Miss Carpenter, welcome home,” Brian teased with a small smirk. For a brief moment, it felt like they had gone back in time.

Natalia stepped out of the car and tapped lightly on the window. “Brian, step out for a second.”

Without overthinking it, he unfastened his seatbelt and got out.

Under the moon’s soft glow, Brian stood before her, his silhouette blurred yet striking. Natalia took a deep breath and finally said, “Give me a hug.”

“That wouldn’t be appropriate,” he refused gently.

gave me a real hug,”

around him, holding on tightly like

farewell to the past. From now on, you’re just my friend, nothing more. Honestly, I’m closer to Rachel than I am to you. If you ever make her upset, don’t

go, Natalia’s expression

tell you actually matters. I only found out recently—the reason my dad let you off so easily back then wasn’t because of my begging. It was because Rachel stepped in and had a tough conversation with him.

is packed with

family has this old, ice-cold storage cellar. Rachel was in there for an entire hour. And…” Natalia’s voice wavered, overcome by the memory. “She was relentlessly punished with a heavy whip,

it coming. Knowing my dad’s temper, he wouldn’t let anyone who put me in danger get away lightly unless they could quell his wrath. So, Brian, it was Rachel who saved

in silence, all for you, and you

moon and sighed deeply. “Honestly, I’m luckier than Rachel. I can let go of you and start over whenever I choose; but Rachel, she’s tethered by her heart.

Brian like a bolt from the blue. “Natalia, thank you!” Brian exclaimed,