?Chapter 511:


    “We’re friends. A superior and subordinate, but not a couple. That’s all.”


    “Really?” Rachel asked, her voice barely above a whisper, a trace of disbelief hanging in the air.


    She wanted to believe him. Really, she did. But the uncertainty that lingered in her chest made it hard to shake the feeling that Tracy, even if not officially in his life as a partner, would always be there—a shadow casting over whatever they could have. Even if they weren’t a couple now, it felt like only a matter of time.


    And Rachel wasn’t sure how she felt about that.


    “Let’s just sleep,” Rachel said, her voice tinged with exhaustion. She patted her chest, took a shaky breath, andy back down, hoping to quiet the storm inside her.


    But the moment her head touched the pillow, another fit of coughing wracked her body, violent and unrelenting.


    “I’m sorry,” Rachel whispered, her voice hoarse. “I didn’t mean to keep you awake.”


    Not wanting to disturb him further, she slipped out of bed and hurried to…


    She hurried to the bathroom. Leaning over the sink, she coughed again, her body trembling. This time, she thought she saw faint streaks of blood, though they vanished with the water.


    The sight sent a chill through her. She knew what it meant—what it always meant. Blood was a harbinger, a cruel reminder that time was slipping through her fingers.


    As Rachel emerged from the bathroom, she was taken aback to find Brian waiting just outside the door.


    “What are you doing here?” Rachel asked, startled. She lost her bnce for a moment, but Brian was quick to react, catching her effortlessly. His brow furrowed as he looked at her, concern deepening in his eyes.


    “You look pale. Are you still feeling unwell? If the coughing keeps up, I’ll call a doctor.”


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    Rachel shook her head, her voice calm but tinged with exhaustion.


    “There’s no need to bother anyone. I don’t want to worry Carol.”


    Brian’s expression softened, but the worry in his eyes remained.


    “Then at least go back to bed and rest.”


    “Okay,” Rachel murmured, nodding.


    As she took a step toward the bed, she suddenly felt herself lifted off the floor, her body instinctively tensing as she was cradled in Brian’s arms.


    His low andforting voice reached her ear.


    “You look weak. It’s safer if I carry you to bed so you don’t fall.”


    His words were simple, but they had a warmth that made her heart tighten.


    In just a few long strides, he had already crossed the room, and before she could protest, she was gently ced on the bed. He carefully pulled the nket over her.


    “Sleep well,” he said softly, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he turned to leave.


    But Rachel’s hand shot out, gripping his sleeve.


    “Wait,” she whispered, her voice fragile.


    He paused, his gaze softening as he looked down at her.


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