ting on its axis as she confronted

oments before she finally managed t

lease don't misunderstand. I've just returned from overseas, and when Br

Rachel's voice emerged

elieve," Tracy repli

tight fists as an icy sensa

red Tracy today, she would have remained oblivious

unities to mention this, y

you around the offic

d pout. "That's Brian's doing, actually. He took me on a busines

knife in Rachel's chest. She felt stripped bare, her

Oh my, you didn't know? I assumed Brian had mentioned it. But please don't worry-we stayed in separate r

ced her lips into a pale imitation of a smile. "Of course I

e accompanying him on many future business trips as his personal secreta

tary" echoed in Rachel's

osition of his secretary-who woul

ties stood in stark contrast to how he had left Rachel to n

her gaze caught on Tracy's wris

er own, save for its color-Tra

iberate casualness. "This? Brian bought two-one ruby, one s

s veins as realization dawn

a thoughtful gift had me

. "It's been two days - hasn't he given

harply. Unable to bear anothe

home shrouded in darkness,

ce echoed through

nse gree

mained unnat

welcome him home before, whether with a prepared

radiated warmth and l

and dialed Rachel's number

he called C

photo albums with Rachel whe

Rachel's he

he answering

ght have died,"

could you

rds caught in her throat as the d

ed on her chest, making

's voice carried its usual warmth

wanted to spend t

pa for company, but without you, I'm all alone." His sweet words

e lonely, why not call Tracy? She seems to have everyone wr

ded Brian's more serious

out." Rachel ended

Carol, her distrac

suggested she get some rest ra

settled into bed, her eyes draw

Brian hadn't attempte

nto an uneasy sleep when

she nearly screamed until fam

me the whispe

en, stunned by Brian'

against her neck, punctuating

ds slipped beneath her nightgown, leaving t

yet held back from taking things further-

es. "Brian, you're being cru

a dangerous edge.

s eyes. "Haven't I proven myself thoroughly? Or are yo