?Chapter 231:


    “Rachel…”


    Interrupting him, she said, “I’m at the airport.”


    “Why are you at the airport?” he asked.


    “Jeffrey is facing some issues, so I must return to support him. It was unexpected, and you were upied, so I didn’t inform you.”


    “When is your flight?”


    “It departs soon, within the hour.”


    “Wait for me. I’m on my way.” His tone wasden with urgency.


    As Brian neared the airport, he tried reaching Rachel by phone, but to no avail.


    At the same time, Rachel was in a hospital bed, contorted with pain. Sweat trickled down her face; despite the doctor’s orders to take only one painkiller, she had taken two due to the excruciating pain.


    She was pressing one hand against her lower abdomen and clutching the bed rail with the other, her teeth gritted as she fought through the agony.


    Tears welled up in her eyes, on the brink of spilling.


    Her phone, whichy next to her on the bed, vibrated continuously. She saw Brian’s name sh on the caller ID, but shecked the energy to answer.


    Eventually, mustering all her strength, she bit down on her clothing and edged toward the phone, managing to grab it after his seventh attempt.


    Holding the phone, she paused, uncertain. What could she possibly say if she answered?


    As the phone vibrated relentlessly in her hand, pain surged through her.


    Despite her condition, she found it too hard to just let it ring.


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    She took a deep breath to manage the pain and picked up the call.


    Brian’s voice was anxious when the connection went through, saying, “I’m at the airport. Where are you?”


    Gritting her teeth and squeezing her palm, Rachel responded calmly, “It’s okay. I’m at the boarding gate.”


    “Which one?” he insisted.


    “I didn’t really notice. I’m about to board. Don’te here, just head back,” she said and hastily ended the call before her pain overwhelmed her.


    By the time Brian tried calling again, Rachel had already switched off her phone.


    In the expansive airport, he scoured every corner desperately. Despite the sweat on his brow, Rachel was nowhere to be found. It appeared she had made her flight.


    He had missed hisst opportunity to say goodbye.


    Exiting the airport, Brian gazed skyward, his heart heavy with longing and regret.


    As he drove away, his phone rang; it was Tracy.


    “Brian, I’m sorry. There’s something on my mind that I need to share with you.”


    “What is it?”


    “Rachel is aware that I was here and that you were with me yesterday.”


    Brian responded sharply, “What did you just say?”


    At that instant, anger flooded through him, his stare turning cold. “When did she learn this? Why wasn’t I informed immediately?” His tone was sharp and unweing.


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