Chapter 71 I’ve Fallen In
Love With You
Rachel was gently awakened by a slight pressure on her shoulders. She opened her eyes slowly, taking a moment to focus on the person before her.
“Thanks,” she said, her voice still heavy with sleep.
When she tried to get up quickly, a sudden dizziness made the room spin. Fortunately, Trey was quick to support her. “Be careful with yourself,” he whispered gently.
His hand was placed around her waist, his presence close and comforting. The scent of him, undeniably masculine, brought a flush of embarrassment to her face.
Regaining her balance, she cautiously moved away from him. “Thanks for that, Trey!”
He smiled warmly back at her. “Of course. You must be hungry. Why don’t you join me for some food? I brought your favorites.”
“That sounds good,” she responded, nodding in agreement.
As they shared the meal, Rachel lightened the mood by inquiring about his work.
Their conversation flowed easily and naturally, which led Rachel to express her deep you did for my brother. gratitude once again. “Trey, I can’t thank you enough for what Diving into the water to save him was incredibly brave. I’m so relieved he’s safe. Please know I’m here for anything you need, ready to return the favor whenever you call.”
Trey raised his gaze to meet hers.
Her skin had paled from lack of sleep, yet the gentle sun cast a soft glow on her features, highlighting her calm and delicate beauty. She looked ethereal, bathed in the warm light that accentuated even the stray hairs around her face.
It had been a while since he had been so captivated. His heart thudded wildly, a rapid drumbeat against his chest.
His mind, however, wandered back to the figure who had stood close to Rachel on the bridge that night.
23:59
Chapter 71 I’ve Fallen In Love With You
The shadows had masked the man’s face, but Trey clearly recalled his name: Brian
White.
“Rachel,” Trey said, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty, “may I ask you something?”
“Absolutely. What’s on your mind?”
Hesitating, he took a breath and asked, “Do you… have a boyfriend? Was that man on the bridge… your boyfriend?”
Rachel paused, her spoon suspended in mid–air. She placed it down gently and stood, moving wordlessly towards the window.
Outside, the sunlight was inviting, yet a cold settled over her heart.
All day, she had tried to banish thoughts of Brian from her mind.
Yet, Trey’s words had steered her thoughts back to him.
Her boyfriend? Could she call Brian her boyfriend? This question haunted her often.
If he truly was, why wasn’t he there when she needed him most?
Yet if he wasn’t, how could she make sense of their deep connection and their plans for marriage?
Trey noticed her melancholy and approached, resting his hand tenderly on her fragile shoulder. “I’m sorry, Rachel. We don’t have to discuss it if you’re not ready,” he replied gently.
Rachel leaned her head back, her eyes fluttering as she fought back tears.
She inhaled sharply and answered, “He was.”
That was the simplest way to summarize her relationship with Brian.
Trey, standing close, could sense the burden of her grief. “Rachel, you once mentioned that I remind you of Jeffrey,” he murmured. “Let me be there for you like a brother. Just lean on me for a bit, okay?”
His smile remained as comforting and genuine as always.
“Is it okay if I?” whispered Rachel, her voice just a breath.
“Of course, you can.”
23:59
Chapter 71 I’ve Fallen In Love With You
“Thanks,” she replied, gently placing her head on his shoulder.
Though Trey was young, his shoulder was as solid as Jeffrey’s had always been.
She reminisced about the times she leaned on Jeffrey, filled with laughter and deep
conversations.
Before Brian was part of her life, Jeffrey was her entire world.
Life had its challenges–often skipping meals and suffering under Moira’s stern hand—
yet Jeffrey’s company made those tough times manageable.
“Jeffrey, when you’re better, we’ll go see the stars, just like old times,” Rachel whispered nostalgically. “You still love road trips and kite flying, don’t you? We’ll do all that again.” As she lost herself in these thoughts, she drifted into sleep, comforted by Trey’s steady
presence.
Watching her, Trey observed her breathing steady into a calm rhythm. He paused, observing her peaceful features, cautiously holding his breath to keep from disturbing
her peace.
His shoulder stayed rigid, not allowing even a slight twitch.
Whispering close to her ear, his voice shook gently, “Rachel, do you understand? I believe I’ve fallen in love with you.”
He looked down at her peaceful face, feeling both the closeness and the distance, as his
heart thrummed with intense emotions.
Such feelings were utterly bewitching.
After confirming Rachel was deep in slumber, Trey tenderly picked her up and settled
her onto the couch.
Though not as snug as a bed, it was certainly better than having her sleep in a seated
position.
He covered her with a thin blanket and turned to leave, but Rachel caught his hand in her sleep. In a soft, pained voice, she murmured, “Why… why are you so unkind to me? Brian, why can’t you believe in me?”
If only he had chosen to side with her just once at a critical time, it might have provided her some comfort, some relief.
But he had never made her a priority.
Chapter 71 I’ve Fallen In Love With You
Tears silently rolled down her cheeks as she continued to sleep.
Clearly, she was confusing Trey with Brian.
“Rachel…” Trey knelt down next to her, gently unbuttoning his sleeve and using it to carefully wipe her tears away, again and again, until her sleep deepened and stabilized.
Ronald paused outside the hospital room, his face marked by indecision. “Mr. White, should we proceed?”
“Let’s go back,” responded Brian, his voice sharp.
For once, Brian managed to keep his composure.
Yet, the ominous silence, paired with his darkened expression, seemed even more foreboding.
Upon their return to his own room, Tracy was there to meet them.
“Brian, what’s the situation? I rushed over as soon as I got word you were injured,” Tracy said, quickly stepping in to relieve Ronald.
Brian remained silent, his expression cold and aloof, clearly in a foul mood.
Elsewhere, Rachel woke up later that day.
Norton had already taken Yvonne home, but she had left a message for Rachel before departing. “I spoke with the doctor about Jeffrey. He’s expected to regain consciousness in the next few days. Try not to worry too much. Remember to rest and take care of yourself. Plus, I’ve considered it and think you should know. I personally saw that Brian’s arms and leg appear severely injured.”
Rachel stopped to process this.
Brian was likely injured himself when he shielded her during their fall.
Despite this, she harbored no desire to visit him.
At that moment, Samira entered the room.
Upon entering, she blurted out with clear irritation, “Tracy was just here!”
