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.

even gave me

could protest, she darted forward and wrapped her arms around him, holding on tightly like a child unwilling to let

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,

go, Natalia’s

was just me getting emotional, but what I’m about to tell you actually matters. I only found out recently—the reason my dad let you off so

is packed with great

hour. And…” Natalia’s voice wavered, overcome by the memory. “She was relentlessly punished with a heavy whip, each strike searing

in danger get away lightly unless they could quell his wrath. So, Brian, it was Rachel who saved you. And

for you, and you never noticed. Now that she’s your wife, I hope you’ll cherish

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. She can either continue to love you more, or… pretend

bolt from the blue. “Natalia, thank you!”