?Chapter 87:


    His mind, however, wandered back to the figure who had stood close to Rachel on the bridge that night. 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 gently ced it down and stood, moving wordlessly toward the window. Outside, the sunlight was inviting, yet a cold settled over her heart.


    All day, she had tried to push 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? But if he wasn’t, how could she make sense of their deep connection and their ns for marriage?


    Trey noticed her mncholy and approached, resting his hand gently on her fragile shoulder. “I’m sorry, Rachel. We don’t have to discuss it if you’re not ready,” he said softly.


    Rachel leaned her head back, her eyes fluttering as she fought to hold back tears. She inhaled sharply before answering, “He was.”


    That was the simplest way to summarize her rtionship with Brian.


    Trey, standing close, could sense the weight 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 remainedforting and genuine, just as it always was.


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    “Is it okay if I?” Rachel whispered, her voice barely audible.


    “Of course, you can.”


    “Thanks,” she replied, gently resting her head on his shoulder.


    Though Trey was young, his shoulder felt as solid as Jeffrey’s had always been. She found herself reminiscing about the times she leaned on Jeffrey, filled withughter and deep conversations. Before Brian was part of her life, Jeffrey was her entire world.


    Life had its challenges—often skipping meals and enduring Moira’s stern hand—but Jeffrey’spany made those tough times more bearable.


    “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,forted by Trey’s steady presence.


    Watching her, Trey observed her breathing steadily into a calm rhythm. He paused, studying her peaceful features, cautiously holding his breath to avoid disturbing her tranquility.


    His shoulder remained rigid, not allowing even a slight twitch.


    Whispering close to her ear, his voice trembled gently, “Rachel, do you understand? I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”


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