Chapter 34 Murmuring Tracy’s Name
Brian’s touch felt almost magical.
Each touch sent tingles cascading down her spine.
Bathed in soft yellow light, their surroundings took on a stunning quality.
Tonight, the moon shone with a special magic, a fine crescent adorning the sky.
Gentle breezes made the white curtains at the windows dance, adding a cozy, tender
vibe to the room.
Lying on the bed, Brian’s features were illuminated by moonlight, casting him in an almost ethereal glow.
The sharp edges usually evident in his demeanor had mellowed with the alcohol, lending him a softer, more approachable air.
His lips, flushed a soft pink, seemed especially inviting.
Rachel found herself captivated, her thoughts drifting.
This man was deeply familiar to her.
He was the one she had tirelessly chased and yearned for over the years.
He embodied maturity, authority, and charisma. He was irresistibly charming to her.
Despite all his qualities, his love for her was nowhere to be found.
What was she supposed to do? Despite everything, she remained hopelessly in love
with him.
“Brian, has anyone ever mentioned just how charming you are?”
The serene ambiance of the night seemed to embolden Rachel. Her delicate fingers gently traced his features, each stroke filled with yearning.
“Of course, I’m naturally attractive,” Brian said, prompting laughter from Rachel.
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Chapter 34 Murmuring Tracy’s Name
His confidence was unwavering.
Overwhelmed by her feelings, she pulled him into an embrace, her eyes lingering affectionately on his face.
“Brian, I love you! Promise me it’s only me you love, okay?”
At that moment, she embraced him tightly, appearing small and fragile.
Brian leaned in close, their foreheads touching, his breaths short and urgent. “Prove your love then. Kiss me!”
Without a moment’s hesitation–unlike ever before–Rachel’s quivering lips tentatively
found his, before he deepened the kiss.
His touch was tender, his voice nearly dissolved her resolve.
Tears flowed down Rachel’s cheeks as she gazed at him.
To be adored this way felt so right; it was unbearable to think of letting go.
“Tracy… Tracy…”
What Rachel hadn’t anticipated was that after their moment of intimacy, as Brian rested wearily next to her, it was Tracy’s name he murmured.
In that instant, it felt as though a knife had been plunged deep into her heart, leaving
her no chance to speak.
He had whispered Tracy’s name.
All the love, the sweetness, the gentleness, had they been intended for Tracy?
How utterly humiliating!
It dawned on Rachel that from beginning to end, it had all been a cruel joke. And she, taking every bit of it to heart.
“Rachel, you’re the world’s biggest fool,” she told herself bitterly.
A sudden coldness swept through her, chilling her to the bone.
After tucking Brian into bed, Rachel couldn’t fall sleep.
She wrapped herself in a robe and paced the garden repeatedly.
The chilly morning dew settled on her, soaking into her skin.
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Chapter 34 Murmuring Tracy’s Name
Soon, a creeping cold overtook her.
Once back in the bedroom and beneath the covers, Brian drew her close.
His familiar scent surrounded her. “Where have you been? Why did it take so long for
you to return?”
“Brian…” Rachel raised her eyes to his, her voice laden with an unasked question. “Do
you even know who you’re holding?”
“Not a clue,” Brian replied, with no patience. Only moments ago, she had been desperately holding onto him, pleading for his undivided love. Now she had turned cold
and distant.
“You really are ridiculous,” he said, full of disdain.
In his eyes, Rachel thought, she must appear utterly pathetic.
Indeed. Before, she was a delicate, petite girl, almost appearing underfed.
Such a figure hardly made her noticeable in any gathering.
Tracy, on the other hand, had always stood out, even in high school. Tall and elegant, her physique was the kind many boys admired and longed for.
Driven by a deep–seated need to compete, Rachel had later devoted herself to fitness, transforming her body in a relentless pursuit to match up.
“Brian, why did you decide to marry me?” Rachel asked.
However, Brian had already drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, a splitting headache awakened her.
Her body was sore and drained of energy.
Every movement was agony, as if she had been trampled.
By now, Brian was up and getting ready, donning a suit and adjusting his tie.
The gentle morning light cast a glow on his sharp features, emphasizing his timeless good looks.
“Could you drive me to the hospital?” Rachel managed to sit and ask.
up
“Everything okay?” asked Brian.
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Chapter 34 Murmuring Tracy’s Name
“Just feeling a little off. Can you come with me? It shouldn’t take long” She spoke without much expectation.
Brian gave her a brief look, appeared to consider it, then said, “Ronald will take you.”
Rachel’s enthusiasm was doused.
With a lowered head, she murmured, “If you’re too busy, I can manage on my own.”
“Alright.” Brian exited the room without further discussion.
Rachel lost track of when he left or when she passed out.
Amidst her haze, she heard a commotion.
The sound intensified, and soon, she thought she recognized Debby’s voice.
Debby? Rachel knew she couldn’t wait any longer. She hurriedly dressed and was just about to head downstairs when the bedroom door burst open.
Debby marched in, saying, “Rachel, you’re really good at living it up. You aren’t even married to Brian, yet you’re living like royalty. My son starts his work at dawn, and here you are, lounging in bed.”
Rachel knew arguing was pointless, so she chose to remain silent.
Feeling too ill to engage in a pointless conversation, she conserved her strength. “Why are you still standing around? Get moving and start working!”
In the end, Rachel went to the office under Debby’s urging.
Upon entering the company premises, she could feel Debby’s piercing gaze trailing her.
Reaching her office, the overwhelming sensation became too much.
A wave of dizziness and breathlessness overtook her, and she collapsed, losing
consciousness.
“Ms. Marsh!” Trey shouted as he dashed to support her fall.
Samira hurried to the scene as well.
A respectful greeting interrupted them, exclaiming, “Good morning, Mr. White!”
Mr. White?
Samira looked at Rachel, quickly assessing the scenario.
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Chapter 34 Murmuring fracy’s Name
She nudged Trey, whispering, “Let her go, I’ve got her.”
“You know you can’t carry her. I’m taking her to the hospital immediately.”
Brian’s attention was drawn by Trey’s words.
In the chill of the morning, their gazes locked in a silent exchange.
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