Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 895:

After three years of near-constant companionship, it was inevitable that feelings had developed. But sometimes, it took one fleeting moment of courage for something reckless to unfold.

Brian broke the silence, his voice steady but probing. “What are your plans now?”

Rachel’s gaze softened, and she leaned slightly forward. “I want to focus on charity work in the poor areas with children, like Jeffrey. I hope to bring them joy, to make a real difference in their lives.” Her words were filled with resolve, revealing her intention to leave—and not just for a short while.

Brian’s voice trembled slightly, betraying the uncertainty he was trying to mask. “You’ll return, won’t you?”

Rachel met his gaze with soft determination. “Yes, I’ll definitely come back to visit. Thank you—for these three years, for letting go of the past, and for your unwavering support of Lizzie and the Vance Group.”

Brian’s expression softened. “I did it willingly,” he said, tilting his head back and downing another glass of wine.

Rachel offered no further words, simply joining him in the silence, their glasses clinking softly as they shared the moment.

The evening stretched on longer than either had anticipated. They went through several bottles of wine, and by the time Rachel felt the alcohol settle in, her thoughts had slowed, her speech a little less sure. Ronald, sensing the shift, arrived to settle the bill and quietly escorted them out.

At first, Brian had planned to take Rachel back to her home, but just as they were about to leave, Ronald spoke up. “I’ve already booked a hotel nearby for her. She’s quite drunk, and it’s better that she rests for the night. Otherwise, she’ll feel awful in the morning.”

Brian nodded in silent agreement, his gaze lingering on Rachel.

In the car, Brian watched as Rachel slept soundly. Without a word, he carefully lifted her, cradling her against him, and made his way into the hotel.

Still drowsy from the alcohol, Rachel instinctively nestled against him, finding solace in his warmth.

In that brief moment, Brian allowed himself to hold her, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her breath. He knew this would be the only time he could have her so near. At other times, his longing for her remained a distant, unspoken desire—an impossible dream.

𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤: 𝗀𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧸𝗰𝗼𝗺

In the room, Brian carefully laid Rachel back onto the bed, his movements tender as he wrung out a soft towel and gently wiped her face. The room was filled with a pleasant scent, grounding him as he breathed deeply, savoring the rare peace in the space between them.

Once Rachel was settled, Brian tucked her in, his fingertips lingering on the edges of the blanket as if to prolong the moment. He turned to dim the lights, preparing to slip away and let her rest, when a gentle tug on his wrist stopped him in his tracks.

“Rachel?” Brian’s heart skipped a beat as he turned around, startled and uncertain. His gaze locked on hers. “Do you know who I am?” he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

Rachel’s eyes fluttered open, barely awake. She shook her head weakly, her throat dry as she whispered, “Water… I need water.”

.

.

.noveldrama