Chapter 172 Developing Independence
Following the movie, Jeffrey attended his afternoon interviews, but as expected, neither yielded positive results.
Jeffrey’s demeanor revealed the weight of rejection, and Rachel’s heart clenched as she observed his usual optimism replaced by a crestfallen expression.
At that moment, she couldn’t help but direct her frustration inward. Her fragile health and the constraints it imposed prevented her from being the unwavering support she wished to be.
For their evening meal, Rachel chose a restaurant with a yard, which stirred memories of her grandmother’s home, a place of simplicity, warmth, and nostalgia. The yard boasted two inviting deck chairs, perfect for an evening under the stars.
After dinner, they reclined on the chairs, their gazes fixed on the shimmering night sky. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though they had been transported back to their childhood, a time of innocence and ease. Jeffrey’s worries seemed to dissipate in this tranquil setting, replaced by a rare sense of calm.
The following morning, Jeffrey was up early, dressed in relaxed clothing. When Rachel got up, he greeted her cheerfully, “Good morning, Rachel. I got you some bread and milk. Have a taste.”
Rachel glanced down and immediately recognized the bread; it was from her favorite bakery, a place quite far away and always bustling with long queues. Securing that bread typically meant either rising at dawn or enduring a tedious wait; there were no shortcuts.
As she held the bread, she was struck by its warmth. “It’s still warm,” she murmured, surprised.
Jeffrey rubbed the back of his neck, a touch of bashfulness in his expression. “I heated it in the microwave. Have a taste.”
“Alright,” Rachel replied softly.
Yet, as she clutched the bread, it felt strangely weighty in her hands, and she hesitated, unable to bring herself to take a bite.
Noticing her hesitation, Jeffrey grew concerned. “Please, just try a bite,” he urged gently.
“Okay, I’ll eat it,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Gathering her strength, she slowly brought the bread to her lips and managed a small bite. But the flood of emotions she had been suppressing suddenly burst forth, and she quickly turned her back to Jeffrey.
Tears spilled silently down her cheeks, each landing softly on the bread in her hand.
Despite the ache in her chest, she forced herself to finish the bread, now damp with her quiet sorrow.
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Chapter 172 Developing Independence
As she swallowed the last morsel, Jeffrey broke the silence, his tone hesitant. “Rachel, take your time. I… I think
I’ll go out and search for jobs.”
“Going job hunting again?” Rachel’s voice carried a note of surprise. After yesterday’s string of rejections, she
had not expected him to persist. His resilience took her aback.
“I’ll come with you,” she said quickly, taking large bites of the bread.
Her haste led her to choke, prompting Jeffrey to hand her a glass of water promptly. “Take it easy, Rachel. Slow down, drink some milk… There’s no need to rush,” he advised, his voice faltering slightly with worry.
Once she calmed her coughing with a few gulps of milk, she caught her breath.
Jeffrey, collecting his thoughts, spoke with a newfound resolve, “You can eat at your own pace. This time, I need to learn to be independent.”
Jeffrey’s words left Rachel with a blend of reassurance and concern. “Jeffrey, job hunting isn’t easy,” she said gently, her tone tinged with worry. “You might face all sorts of challenges, harsh words, difficult people. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
Jeffrey nodded firmly, his resolve clear. “Yes, I’ve thought it over. I need to do this on my own.”
“Then I’m behind you all the way,” Rachel assured him, though her heart was heavy with concern.
As Jeffrey prepared to leave, Rachel’s anxiety surfaced. She offered a gentle reminder, “If you land a job, fantastic. If not, don’t overexert yourself, okay? And remember, if anything feels off, call me right away.”
Jeffrey nodded in understanding, “I will. I’m heading out now.”
“Stay safe,” Rachel called after Jeffrey, her eyes tracking his every step until he was out of sight.
With Jeffrey gone, Rachel nibbled absentmindedly on the bread. A sudden thought struck her, and she quickly grabbed the bread and milk and hurried after him.
Knowing Jeffrey preferred to go alone, she maintained a careful distance, trailing him quietly from behind.
Rachel’s caution wasn’t without reason. This was Jeffrey’s first solo attempt at job–hunting, and her worry was almost unbearable.
However, despite her best efforts to remain unseen, Jeffrey noticed her the moment she reached the apartment complex’s entrance.
“Rachel…” Jeffrey’s voice broke through Rachel’s thoughts, his sudden presence catching her off guard.
“Jeffrey, 1… I was just…” Rachel stumbled over her words, unsure how to justify her actions.
“I appreciate your concern, but please, I need to handle this by myself this time,” Jeffrey asserted gently yet firmly. He was no longer a child, and it was essential for him to develop independence. He could not perpetually rely on her.
Faced with Jeffrey’s sincere appeal, Rachel was at a loss for words, managing only to nod her acknowledgment. He then turned and continued on his way to the bus stop. As she watched his retreating figure, a complex mix of pride and anxiety filled her heart. However, despite her deep–seated fears, she refrained from following him. Committed to her promise to let him manage on his own, she watched until he disappeared from view, holding
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onto her trust in his growing independence.
Soon after, her phone buzzed with a call from Samira. “Hello, Rachel, are you planning to come to the office
today?”
“I’ll be there soon,” Rachel responded.
Samira’s tone was tinged with apprehension, her words faltering slightly.
Rachel, ever pragmatic, urged, “Go ahead and tell me what’s on your mind.”
“I heard Mr. White was in a terrible mood yesterday. I’m a bit concerned… Perhaps you should consider waiting until he’s in a better mood before you come in,” Samira cautiously advised.
While Samira fretted, Rachel remained unshaken. “If he chooses to stay upset, that’s his prerogative. I can’t control how he feels. My priority is to focus on my work and do it well.”
The urgency of her tasks weighed on her, necessitating swift action. Furthermore, Brian had not dismissed her the previous day; she felt a degree of security. Confident in her standing, she prepared to face whatever awaited at the office without fear.
Upon reaching the office, she was promptly met by Ronald, who lingered near her door with an urgent message. “Mr. White is expecting you.”
“Right now?” Rachel asked.
“Yes,” Ronald confirmed. “He insists you report to him immediately upon arrival to review yesterday’s meeting proceedings.”
“Alright, I’ll gather the materials,” Rachel replied, resigned to the inevitability of the situation. She decided to confront the matter with composure.
Upon reaching the top floor, Ronald knocked lightly on the office door. “Mr. White, Ms. Marsh has arrived.”
The initial lack of response heightened the tension.
After a short wait, Ronald knocked again.
This time, a resonant voice from within commanded, “Come in.”
Ronald opened the door, and Rachel entered cautiously. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the scene that unfolded
before her.
Brian was silhouetted against the sprawling window, his stance relaxed yet authoritative, one hand nonchalantly resting in his pocket. Directly in front of him was Tracy, her proximity intimate as she deftly adjusted his tie with her refined touch.
Requiem of A Broken Heart
