Chapter 180 Consistently Tried To Protect Tracy
Rachel dismissed her concern with a shake of her head. “I’m okay.”
Brian’s features relaxed a bit, then he asked, “Do you spend much time with Natalia? You two seemed quite close earlier.”
“Not at all. She only came to visit me today. We rarely interact otherwise.”
He gave a nod of approval. “That’s probably for the best. It’s wise to maintain some distance from her.”
She looked puzzled by his advice.
Noticing her confusion, Brian explained, “Dealing with the Carpenter family is no simple matter. The backgrounds of her parents are complex. Being friends is fine, but enemies? That could cause you trouble. Natalia is an only child, which makes her particularly significant to them.”
That explained a lot. It was no wonder Natalia exuded such self–assurance. Coming from a privileged background certainly had its perks.
Rachel mused that if she shared Natalia’s lineage, perhaps she too might behave as boldly.
Yet, Natalia tended to keep a low profile. Today’s reaction was purely defensive against Tracy’s aggression.
“I understand. Thanks for the heads–up.” Rachel nodded, maintaining her composure.
Brian, seeing she wasn’t overly concerned, continued, “Do you think Natalia’s remarks earlier were just to intimidate Tracy?”
This took Rachel by surprise. What did he mean?
Brian clarified firmly, “You’re mistaken. For her father, those statements aren’t an exaggeration in the slightest.”
At his words, Rachel felt a jolt of realization and inhaled sharply.
She remembered Natalia’s words to Tracy vividly. Natalia’s father could easily disfigure Tracy’s face.
Natalia had uttered the chilling threat with a deceptively cheerful tone.
Rachel had once believed Natalia was merely trying to frighten Tracy.
Now, her whole perspective had changed. Previously unclear matters now seemed to clarify.
“You didn’t intervene and allowed Natalia to vent her frustration. You did that just to protect Tracy, right? You’re afraid that making Natalia angry could turn her family against Tracy, right?
Rachel’s questions were direct and sharp.
Chapter 180 Consistently Tried To Protect Tracy
Brian moved to the sofa and sat down, choosing not to respond.
Yet, his lack of response spoke volumes. He had gone to extraordinary lengths for Tracy, the woman he truly loved. He had consistently tried to protect her, a testament to his dedication.
“Appreciate your concern today. However, in the future, I suggest you concentrate on your girlfriend. As for us, let’s maintain a strictly professional relationship.”
With these words, Rachel began to walk away.
“Hold on, what girlfriend? Who else would I be involved with besides you?”
Rachel paused yet did not turn back. She answered firmly, “You seem to forget. We’ve ended our relationship. As for Tracy Haynes, given your evident concern for her, it won’t be long before she assumes that role. So, congratulations in advance to you both.”
Rachel decisively turned and walked away.
She had fought so hard to face him calmly, but now she could endure no more. Another moment here, she feared she might crumble emotionally.
More alarming was her concern about acting impulsively.
In her heart, the complicated web of their past love now felt insignificant compared to Tracy. The love they had shared now felt like a cruel joke.
“Congratulations?” Brian impulsively stepped forward and seized her arm.
Rachel immediately turned around, putting on a forced smile. “Of course, life’s joyful moments deserve celebration.”
In that moment, Brian felt a rush of blood to his head, struggling to maintain his composure.
His hold on her wrist grew increasingly firm.
When he spoke again, his voice was filled with anger, his words coming out almost like a growl. “Do you genuinely believe that? Doesn’t it bother you at all?”
Rachel smiled again.
This time, however, her expression was serene and warm. “Of course not. Do you expect me to stay hopelessly attached, following you around like I used to? Would you rather see me humble myself and beg?”
Suddenly, Brian found himself choking on his words, unable to respond.
“Do you know the best part about growing up?” Rachel suddenly asked.
Brian regarded her with a chilly stare, offering no reply.
Undeterred, Rachel answered her own question, “It’s about accepting your imperfections, understanding your place among others, letting go of blind arrogance and pointless pursuits. Now, I see myself for who I truly am. I can’t force what isn’t meant to be. I can’t make someone love me. My priority now is to stand strong on my own Please just let me go.”
Rachel’s gaze fixed on his hand, her intent unmistakable.
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Chapter 180 Consistently Tried To Protect Tracy
Yet Brian’s fingers seemed locked in place, unable to release her.
“Marry me, and you’ll be free from worries forever.”
Her smile was knowing. “Yes, a younger version of myself might have jumped at the chance, swayed by naivety and idealism. But the woman I am today declines.”
She was no longer the person she once had been.
Determined, she forcefully withdrew her hand from his grasp.
Her wrist showed signs of redness and swelling, causing her slight pain, yet she deemed it a small price to pay.
Choosing brief discomfort over enduring emotional agony felt right to her.
Exiting the office, Rachel noticed Tracy at her desk, her eyes puffy and moist as she secretly dabbed at tears.
Tracy likely thought Brian had not defended her, which explained her visible distress. She had no idea that every compromise Brian made was in her favor.
Rachel wasn’t magnanimous enough to tell her that. She knew Brian would soothe Tracy’s sorrows in time.
As expected, moments later, Rachel overheard Tracy’s choked voice on a phone call, saying, “I’ll stop troubling you.”
Unaware of Brian’s exact words, Tracy ended the call, her eyes still brimming with tears, and retreated back into the office.
As the office door swung shut, Rachel paused, her gaze lingering, drawn to take one last look.
Requiem of A Broken Heart
