?Chapter 105:


    As he moved to wipe away her tears, she took a sudden step backward.


    Her eyes, filled with tears yet shining with a luminous smile, met his gaze. “Brian, the act ends here. It’s time for us to move on. Goodbye.”


    With those parting words, she picked up her high heels and dashed away. Brian reached out toote to stop her; he only managed to brush against the fabric of her dress as it slipped through his fingers. He was left with nothing.


    For her, their interaction had been a mere act, a performance orchestrated for Jeffrey. Now the music had ceased, and the spectators had left.


    It was almostical how seriously he had taken the charade.


    On her way back to the hotel, Rachel encountered Trey.


    Noticing her barefoot and disoriented appearance, he quickly approached. “Rachel, what happened?”


    Reflected in the mirror, Rachel noticed a familiar man approaching. It was unmistakably Brian. He hade after her.


    She was aware that he carried a heavy burden of guilt toward her.


    Yet, she could not let herself be swayed by feelings that stemmed solely from guilt.


    She was weary of the ongoing sense of defeat and the constantparisons to others, such as Tracy or Doris, realizing she would never match them. Nor did she wish to try any longer.


    “Could you help me inside? I’m really tired,” Rachel murmured, seekingfort in his arms.


    Immediately, he picked her up gently.


    Frozen in ce, Brian watched their figures grow smaller and disappear into the night, slipping away from his reach.


    gα?ησν????s??????? brings great stories


    The next morning, Brian left with Tracy.


    Rachel received a call from Ronald, saying, “Ms. Marsh, Mr. White’s flight is scheduled for 9 a.m.”


    “Thank you. I wish him a safe flight,” Rachel answered calmly.


    A shadow passed over Brian’s face, but he kept his silence.


    Three days after his return, he buried himself in work, immersing himselfpletely until he emerged to invite Norton and some friends out for drinks. The outing was nothing less than luxurious, with rumors flying that he had reserved the entire club for the evening.


    Despite the manager introducing group after group of women, Brian sent each away.


    As the manager became increasingly concerned, Brian, now visibly tipsy, signaled to a waitress who had just served their drinks.


    “You. Come here,” Brian said with a decisive tone.


    “Me?” The waitress halted, visibly startled.


    “Yes, you.” He confirmed.


    Alcohol sharpening his tone, his words cut sharply through the air.


    Startled and scared, the girl ced the drinks down and faltered. “Please, let me be. I’m only here part-time. I’m not here for… other services.”


    Brian’s response was a harsh chuckle, his disbelief evident.


    Her eyes darting around the room in panic, she felt her fear escting. Seizing the moment, she dashed away, heading straight for the restroom to call her boyfriend.


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