?Chapter 232:


    Tracy, overwhelmed by his reaction, began to cry and stammered out apologies. “I’m so sorry. I assumed you were aware. I didn’t mean any harm. Rachel mentioned that you two would be married as soon as you returned. Is that still the n?”


    “Yes.”


    Brian’s firm reply hit Tracy like a blow. With trembling lips, she continued, “I’ll clear everything up with her when we return. Please, don’t hold this against me, okay?”


    In times gone by, Tracy’s gentle appeals might have eased Brian’s heart. However, today was different; he was too agitated to be soothed.


    Rachel had deceived him. She hadn’t left because of Jeffrey. She had departed consumed by sorrow and despair.


    Previously, the mere presence of Tracy would have ignited Rachel’s temper, possibly leading to a confrontation.


    However, this time, she maintained herposure throughout. She purchased a ticket and headed to the airport with a serene demeanor, refraining from any usations orints. Even at the boarding gate, she refrained from making any spiteful remarks.


    Brian longed for Rachel to address him directly as she used to, whether sheined or lost her temper.


    He found that preferable to her current silence.


    Eight hours after her supposed departure, Brian dialed Rachel’s number, assuming she had reached her destination.


    Withposed assurance, Rachel responded, “I’ve arrived.”


    However, that wasn’t the case. She remained in the hospital, enduring agonizing pain.


    Overwhelmed by the desire to cry, she felt the acute absence of aforting presence to soothe her distress.


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    “You must be worn out after all the rushing around,” he said kindly. He had noticed the fatigue in her hoarse, weakened voice.


    “Yes, I’m quite exhausted and would like to get some rest now. Goodnight, I’m hanging up,” she responded.


    “Hold on.”


    Rachel’s finger hesitated over the end call button.


    “What’s on your mind?” she inquired.


    Brian paused, searching for the right words. “Do you have any questions for me? Anything at all, I’m ready to exin.”


    He had rehearsed numerous justifications in his mind, prepared to disclose everything if she asked.


    Yet, her response was devoid of curiosity. “No.”


    “Alright then… have a good rest,” Brian said, managing a strained smile.


    “You too,” Rachel replied quietly.


    After ending the call, Rachel remained in her hospital bed, staring up at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts. She tried to calm her racing heart, but it fluttered uncontrobly, refusing to settle.


    The treatment over the past two days had helped somewhat, and she felt slightly better the following morning. Her doctor rmended another dialysis session, but being in a foreign ce mademunication difficult.


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