Chapter 182 Why Did You End Things With Brian
The patron looked over scornfully. “What’s the problem? You can’t even talk properly?”
Rachel’s hand immediately formed a tight fist. She barely held back, preventing herself from confronting the harsh patron.
If not for her restraint, she might have whisked Jeffrey away right there.
Jeffrey, meanwhile, bowed deeply. “I–I apologize, I’ll replace it immediately.”
His words stumbled slightly, yet his sincerity was clear.
Eventually, the patron relented with a nod. “Fine, just be quick about it.”
“Understood, I’ll handle it now.”
Jeffrey’s relief was evident in his faint smile as he hurried to rectify the situation.
When he successfully served the replacement coffee and the patron raised no further issues, he exhaled deeply. in relief.
From afar, Rachel let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
At that moment, Natalia, stirring her coffee, turned to Rachel with a puzzled look. “I’m curious–why is your brother working, given his condition?”
Rachel’s eyes snapped up, her look sharp.
Natalia sensed she might have overstepped and hurriedly explained, “Please, I didn’t mean any disrespect to him. I’m just concerned that his conditions might expose him to mistreatment or undue stress at work. Besides, wasn’t your financial situation quite stable? And Brian was quite generous during your time together. It doesn’t seem like money is an issue.”
Natalia’s remarks were perceptive.
Rachel took a calm sip of her coffee before responding, “If my brother and I were in perfect health, you’re right, we wouldn’t be lacking financially.”
Healthy? Natalia tilted her head, processing the implication. She thought Rachel was referring to her brother’s
autism.
This condition was known to be costly and difficult to manage, often leading to unpredictable outcomes.
It was like throwing money down the drain.
Natalia paid no mind to Rachel’s words, unaware of the astonishing secret they concealed.
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Chapter 182 Why Did You End Things With Brian
She was too careless. In the future, she would often reflect on this conversation with deep regret. Yet, no
amount of remorse could turn back time.
Rachel added, “Life is full of surprises, isn’t it? Gaining a skill that ensures one’s independence and not having to depend solely on others adds a layer of security and peace.”
Natalia gave a nod, though it was unclear whether she grasped the full meaning.
Rachel understood her confusion well. Their lives were worlds apart; Natalia had lived like royalty, sheltered and far away from such worries. Rachel, on the other hand, was grounded in the reality of day–to–day survival.
“Let’s change the subject from your brother. Why did you end might take him from you?”
nings with Brian? Don’t you fear that Tracy
Rachel admitted, “I was scared, but that was in the past. I’ve made peace with it now. Being with someone who doesn’t reciprocate your love isn’t joyful. It’s better to step aside and let him be happy.”
Natalia asked, unwilling to give up, “You’re willing to let Tracy have him?”
Rachel responded honestly, “I dislike the idea, but what choice do I have?”
For Brian, Tracy was the only one who mattered.
This reality was something Rachel had been unable to alter for nearly a decade and wouldn’t change any time soon. Thus, she had to come to terms with her situation.
“Do you think there’s a chance you two might get back together?” Natalia questioned once more.
Rachel simply shook her head. “The odds are about as good as winning the lottery.”
Natalia’s eyes sparkled with a hint of playfulness.
Pausing to consider, she then said sincerely, “Rachel, these are your own words, not mine. You weren’t coerced.”
Rachel was confused by her statement, unsure of what it really meant.
Natalia quickly added, “So, would you help me? Help me win Brian over.”
Rachel’s reaction was immediate; she choked on her coffee, descending into a fit of coughs.
“Are you suggesting that I…”
“Yes, I’m quite serious. I could perhaps handle losing to you, but I refuse to lose to Tracy,” Natalia said with resolve.
In that moment, Rachel almost spoke out. Gazing at Natalia, she briefly saw a reflection of her own younger self–energetic and audacious….
Natalia, however, radiated a confidence and vitality that she had not possessed at that age.
Yet, the thought of helping a rival in winning the affection of the man she loved was beyond her capacity for generosity.
And while she might fool others, she couldn’t fool herself. Deep down, she knew her feelings for Brian hadn’t faded. Her love for him was as deep as ever.
Chapter 182 Why Did You End Things With Brian
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. You’ll need to look elsewhere,” Rachel replied clearly and firmly.
Natalia was momentarily disheartened. “Why? I was hoping you would help. I know you’re the only one who could help me win. No one else understands Brian as well as you do. You know what he likes, what he needs. Your support would make my pursuit much more effective.”
Rachel stood her ground. “I really can’t assist you.”
Natalia didn’t press further after her initial request was declined. “Okay, but expect me to reach out. Could you save my contact? We should add each other on Messenger too,” Natalia suggested, pulling out her phone.
“There’s no need for us to connect on Messenger, Miss Carpenter.”
“I told you, just call me Natalia. We aren’t rivals now. Perhaps we’ll even be allies one day. Allies should definitely stay connected through Messenger.”
Despite Natalia’s persistent urging, Rachel reluctantly agreed to add her on Messenger.
Once they connected, Natalia quickly filled Rachel with a series of emojis.
Through her choice of emojis, Natalia came across as endearing and playful.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, what is it about Brian that you find appealing?” Rachel suddenly asked.
Natalia began to respond, “It’s because I…”
She stopped midway, playfully teasing, “You know what? I’ll keep that a mystery for now. Maybe I’ll share it next time. What about you? When did you start falling for him? Has it been longer than me?”
Natalia appeared genuinely intrigued by the conversation, eagerly firing off one question after another.
