Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 46 Chapter 46: The pen slipped from Brian's grip, hitting the desk with a sharp sound.

Rising suddenly, he fixed Ronald with a look of disbelief. "Say that again." Ronald's response was short and tense. "Ms. Marsh's plane is currently unreachable." "Get the jet ready," Brian commanded, and he dashed out of the room.

The aircraft trembled violently.

A steep descent threw everyone into chaos, their screams piercing the air. Holding Jeffrey close, Rachel instinctively tried to protect him.

Fear gripped her completely.

She shook uncontrollably, her hands slick with sweat, and her heart seemed lodged in her throat.

The plane's erratic drops continued, and even Jeffrey's calm demeanor faltered.

"Are we going to die?" he asked, his small voice barely audible over the turmoil.

Rachel was confronted with the concept of death more directly than ever before.

She held Jeffrey tighter, forcing calm into her voice as she whispered, "No, we won't. You're our lucky charm. We'll make it through this." But doubt gnawed at her, making her words feel fragile.

If this was truly the end, at least she could take Jeffrey to see their mother in heaven. She was certain their mother had missed them dearly over the years.

As Rachel faced these thoughts, she realized her fear of dying wasn't as overwhelming as she had expected. Let your imagination soar with gVlnovalsInstead, regret flooded her. If she had known this flight would be her last, she would never have brought Jeffrey, Samira, or Trey.

She would have visited Brian's grandparents one last time, enjoying a peaceful afternoon with Yvonne.

Above all, she wished she could say goodbye to Brian. She would have smiled at him, the man she had cherished since her youth, and given him a heartfelt farewell.

She would have left quietly.

That would have been the most fitting way.

The cries on the aircraft surged and ebbed, relentless as the sea.

The cabin was filled with wails, shrieks, and the raw sounds of despair.

Tseemed to stretch unbearably, each minute dragging into what felt like eternity. Rachel could hardly remember enduring that ordeal.

What stayed with her was the flood of relief when the flight attendant announced they had made a safe emergency landing at an alternate airport. By then, her clothes were soaked with sweat.

Relief swept over everyone as the plane finally settled onto the runway.

Overcwith emotion, many passengers wept openly.

Clutching Jeffrey close, Rachel allowed her own tears to fall quietly.

Jeffrey hugged her back, his small fingers gently wiping away her tears. "We're... we're safe now. We're not going to die." "Yes, just like I promised, right? You're our lucky charm; nothing bad will happen." "There, there. Don't be sad." "I'm not sad. I'm just very, very happy." Once off the plane, they grabbed a bite at the airport diner to settle their nerves.

Afterward, they caught a train to Amberfield. By the tthey arrived, night had already fallen.

Trey and Jeffrey were to share a room.

Before leaving Jeffrey with Trey, Rachel set clear expectations. “Trey, look after him, please. Callif you need anything." "Don't worry. He's in good hands with me." "Much appreciated!" Returning to her own room, Rachel collapsed onto the expansive bed.

A wave of fatigue from the day's events overwhelmed her instantly. She had just reached for her phone when a knock interrupted her thoughts.

Thinking it was just the hotel staff, Rachel casually opened the door.

But the person standing there left her rooted to the spot.

Brian? How was he here? Her eyes locked onto his, her mind going blank.

Almost instantly, Rachel found herself enveloped in his familiar embrace, his scent wrapping around her, offering an immediate sense of comfort.

"Were you frightened?" His voice, unmistakable and reassuring, jolted Rachel from her shock.

"Why are you here?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

"Why didn't you letknow?" Brian's hands gently cradled her face, and she could feel a slight tremor in his touch.

"I'm safe because we landed without incident. Also, there wasn't a chance to call from the plane," she explained. "But you still didn't callwhen we landed," Brian said, his words laced with concern.

Rachel averted her eyes, breaking contact with his intense gaze.

Tears threatened to spill as she fought to keep her composure. It wasn't that she hadn't considered reaching out.

At the height of her fear, Brian was the one she yearned to call.

His voice was the one she craved to hear once safety was assured.

Yet past disappointments had left her disheartened.

Her bravery had waned.

"I figured you might be tied up with work. I didn't want to impose," she murmured.

Brian enveloped her in his arms, his silence speaking volumes.

He stayed the entire night.

Rachel made no request for him to leave.

They spent the night apart, each in their own bed.

By morning, Brian was up and dressed, signaling his readiness.

"Are you heading out?" Rachel asked, her voice laced with sudden concern.

Brian approached her. "You're not continuing with the trip. We're returning together." Rachel withdrew her hand gently. "You should head back first. Everything's set here. I can't just walk away from this project." "But you're here by yourself. That worries me." Brian expressed earnestly, his hands gripping her shoulders so firmly that his veins stood out.

"Yesterday's events were simply a freak accident, something no one could foresee or control. With Samira and Trey around, I'm in good hands." At the mention of Trey, a tightness clamped around Brian's heart. "You've got that intern with you too?" Rachel confirmed with a small nod. "Yes, he's here." At her affirmation, Brian's grip on her wrist tightened, his face hardening into a stern mask.

The atmosphere grew noticeably cold, the warmth that once lingered between them evaporating in an instant. "Release me, you're causing pain!" Rachel's frown deepened as she tried to free herself from his hold.

"Do you really favor that intern so much that he must accompany you everywhere?" Brian's voice was NOV edged with sharp frustration, the question that had been gnawing at him finally spilling out.

"Yes, he's skilled and has a real eye bea! for design. He could be a great asset to me. Plus, he's good protection against any potential harassment.” "Really?" Brian's laugh was bitter, laced with jealousy. "Seems your tastes are quite... diverse." "That they are, not nearly as limited as yours," she retorted.

The tension in the room crackled, both standing their ground, neither willing to yield.

The deadlock was broken by a knock. Ronald entered. "Mr. White, it's tfor your meeting." Rachel looked up sharply, her eyes locking with Brian's. "You're here because there's an important meeting you need to attend?" Brian met her gaze intently, a heavy silence hanging between them. Finally, he uttered a single word. "Yes." Rachel's hand shook slightly, then she clenched it into a fist.

In that moment, she could feel her nails pressing into her skin, though the pain felt distant.

So, this was the reality. She scolded herself for foolishly believing he had traveled here out of concern for her. It dawned on her that she had read too much into his presence. Brian's primary reason for being there was the meeting. Her encounter with him had been nothing more than a coincidence. "Mr. White, we..." Ronald interjected, checking his watch.

Yet, Brian continued to hold Rachel's gaze. "Is there nothing you want to say?"