?Chapter 179:


    After securing a new charger and getting his phone to power on, they had lost at least another thirty minutes.


    Brian wasted no time and dialed Rachel’s number as soon as his phone came alive. His call went unanswered. Despite several attempts, he only received an automated response each time. Growing impatient, Brian began gathering his clothes to head out.


    Tracy caught his arm in a swift motion. “Brian, please don’t leave. I’m frightened. The memory of what Simon Prescott did terrorizes me every time I blink. Stay just one more night. Once I feel safer, you can go, okay?”


    Brian met her gaze, his expression unreadable, concealing his inner turmoil. “I’ll get Ronald to stay with you.”


    Tracy’s eyes welled up at his words. “Ronald can’t provide the security I need, Brian. Only you can. If you hadn’t been there that night, I… I could have been raped.”


    Her voice dropped to a whisper, thest words barely audible as tears rolled down her cheeks. She bowed her head, her posture one of deep distress, while gripping his hand tightly.


    With Brian still showing resistance, Tracy yed on his sympathies. “Think back to those times, Brian. I’d grasp your arm like I am now. You never could resist my affection then.”


    She reminisced with a hint of sadness. “There was a time I was feverish, unable to enjoy any vors. I longed for just a bit of spice. Everyone else said no, but you—you found that gentle spicy snack that was just right, not upsetting my stomach at all.”


    Reflectively, she continued, “That should have been my moment of realization. The one who really cared for me was right there, all along. I failed to see it, to appreciate it.”


    Her voice grew heavy with remorse. “I regret that so much now. It gnaws at me. Brian, I’m pleading—give us another chance, won’t you?”


    At that moment, Brian felt no anger, only a bitter stillness. He gently freed his arm from her hold.


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    He addressed her calmly. “Tracy, our time has passed. Rachel is now my fiancée. She has stood by me through thick and thin, and I must honor thatmitment.”


    Vigorously shaking her head, tears rolling down her cheeks, Tracy replied, “No, Brian, this isn’t right. You have such strong feelings for me; how can you just end this? And remember, you and Rachel aren’t married yet. There’s still a chance to reconsider. If… If guilt over Rachel concerns you, let’s ensure she and her brother are cared for. We can provide them with a secure home and everything they need.”


    As she spoke, Tracy’s demeanor became increasingly frantic.


    Brian gently touched her shoulder. “Tracy, we need to move on from certain things. Get some rest. I’m leaving now.”


    He didn’t give her another chance. This time, he just opened the door and walked out.


    Since Brian couldn’t reach Rachel by phone, he headed straight to the bridal shop.


    “She fainted? When did that happen?”


    A tight sensation gripped Brian’s heart.


    “Ms. Marsh copsed shortly after you departed. It was Ms. Natalia Carpenter who escorted her to the hospital.”


    “Understood,” Brian replied sinctly.


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