?Chapter 198:


    “You’re just too easygoing and never cause trouble. If it were me or anyone else in that situation, we’d be making a fuss, calling our boyfriends toe running,” Natalia said casually, but Rachel felt a sting.


    Her chest tightened, as if she had just been hit with an ufortable truth she had been avoiding for years.


    It was painfully obvious. Even Natalia, who barely knew the details, had picked up on it.


    But Rachel had spent years pretending it wasn’t the case.


    Brian had chosen her because she was quiet and agreeable—someone who wouldn’t stir up trouble. She had no powerful family, no safety. If he ever decided he was done with her, cutting ties wouldn’t cost him a thing. No bacsh, no consequences—just a clean break, as if she had never been there.


    “Come on, let’s go,” Rachel muttered, grabbing her things with a newfound heaviness in her heart.


    Just as they stepped into the corridor, Brian appeared out of nowhere. The moment he saw her holding her bags, he quickly reached for them.


    “Why didn’t you call me? I would’vee sooner.”


    “You had work, and I didn’t want to bother you,” she answered, keeping her voice light.


    “You don’t have to do everything alone. Let me know next time,” Brian said softly, but firmly.


    Rachel simply nodded, keeping her thoughts to herself.


    Without another word, the three of them got into the car.


    Rachel rested her head against the window, staring nkly at the passing city lights, lost in thought.


    Natalia, ever the social one, kept the conversation lighthearted, joking with Brian and keeping the atmosphere lively.


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    Rachel found herself smiling at Natalia’s energy, a small pang of envy creeping in.


    Youth had a way of making everything seem effortless, full of endless possibilities.


    “Are you okay?” Brian nced at her, sensing something was off.


    “I’m fine. Just tired,” she murmured.


    Without a word, he took her hand in his, offering silent reassurance while gently guiding her head toward his shoulder. “Come here, lean on me, and rest for a bit.”


    “It’s fine. I’d rather watch the view outside,” Rachel said simply.


    Brian’s hand, mid-air, lingered for a moment before he hesitantly lowered it. After a brief pause, he awkwardly pulled back.


    Soft music yed in the background, but the sudden shift in mood didn’t go unnoticed. Even Natalia, usually chatty, went quiet. The silence stretched, thick and undeniable.


    As the car turned a corner, Rachel suddenly spoke. “Ronald, pull over for a second.”


    “But we can’t stop right here. We’ll need to go a little further.”


    “Alright, just find somewhere we can pull over.”


    As soon as the car stopped, she stepped out at a steady pace. Brian was right behind her.


    “What is it? Did something catch your eye?”


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