?Chapter 94:


    “You’re squashing me!” sheined, trying to free herself from his weight.


    Brian quickly rose to his feet, giving her space.


    In the dim light, his tall figure seemed imposing, and as he settled next to her, Rachel finally took a deep breath, relieved to have some distance. “It’ste. You should go back and rest,” she said. “And if Tracy finds you here, you’re going to have to calm her down.”


    Brian started to justify his stay, but Rachel cut him off. “Just leave. I don’t want to hear it.”


    “Alright, I won’t say anything more. I’ll stay until you’re asleep, then I’ll go,” he replied.


    “I can’t possibly sleep with you here,” Rachel retorted firmly.


    With a sigh, Brian conceded and made to leave. His movements were slow, his injured leg clearly affecting his usual graceful stride.


    Watching him struggle in such an uncharacteristic way made Rachel feel conflicted. She had to remind herself not to soften. Why should she care about his condition? Pity was not something she could afford to feel.


    As Brian approached the door, he paused and looked back at her.


    His eyes found Rachel, snug under the nket, her eyes vivid in the low light.


    He opened his mouth to speak, but Rachel turned away sharply, presenting only her back to him.


    Brian held back the words he had intended to say. As he neared the door, her voice stopped him.


    “Wait!” Her voice was gentle and soothing.


    A glimmer of hope shone in his eyes as he turned back.


    Rachel rose, slid off the nket, and approached him. Her tone remained calm. “Could you possibly dy your return until tomorrow?”


    “Of course,” he responded instantly, assuming she wanted him to stay longer.


    “Jeffrey would like to have dinner with you tomorrow. Can you make it?”


    A shadow crossed Brian’s face at her words.


    His reply came in a subdued tone. “Is that the reason you want me to stay?”


    Rachel averted her eyes. “I understand you’re nning to leave with Tracy. If it’s too much trouble, never mind. I’ll manage on my own.”


    With those words, she turned away, bracing herself for his departure.


    However, Brian seized her wrist. “I haven’t refused. Do I need to bring anything for dinner? Any particr considerations?”


    At his words, Rachel experienced a wave of relief. Without his agreement, she dreaded the thought of facing Jeffrey alone the next day.


    “I’lle to you tomorrow. What time suits you?”


    “Anytime is fine.”


    A crease formed on Rachel’s brow. Tracy had been attentively looking after him. Thest thing she wanted was a confrontation with Tracy.


    “Could we make it early morning?”


    She reasoned that if they met early in the morning, Tracy might still be at the hotel, and they could steer clear of each other. It wasn’t that she feared Tracy, but the recent ordeals had left her drained and too weary to engage in any further conflicts.


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