Chapter 4 Identical Bracelets

Rachel stood frozen, her world tilting on its axis as she confronted the impossible sight before her.

Words failed her for several long moments before she finally managed to speak. "What are you doing here?"

Tracy's smile held an edge of sweetness that felt calculated. "Rachel, please don't misunderstand. I've just returned from overseas, and when Brian heard I was struggling to find work, he offered me a position here."

"When did this happen?" Rachel's voice emerged steadier than she felt.

"Just last week, I believe," Tracy replied with casual ease.

Rachel's fingers curled into tight fists as an icy sensation crept through her palms.

The revelation struck her hard-had she not encountered Tracy today, she would have remained oblivious to the latter's week-long presence at the company.

Brian had countless opportunities to mention this, yet he had chosen silence.

"Why haven't I seen you around the office?" Rachel pressed.

Tracy glanced down at her documents, her lips forming a practiced pout. "That's Brian's doing, actually. He took me on a business trip these past few days. Today's my first day in the office."

The irony of Brian traveling with Tracy twisted like a knife in Rachel's chest. She felt stripped bare, her deepest insecurities exposed to the harsh light of day.

Tracy observed Rachel's stricken expression with calculating eyes, yet maintained an air of innocence. "Oh my, you didn't know? I assumed Brian had mentioned it. But please don't worry-we stayed in separate rooms. The hotel records can verify that. Besides, he takes relationships seriously. You should trust him."

A numbing cold spread through Rachel's entire body. She forced her lips into a pale imitation of a smile. "Of course I trust him. He's my fiancé, and we're getting married soon."

Tracy's answering smile held a hint of triumph. "Wonderful. Since I'll be accompanying him on many future business trips as his personal secretary, it's good to know you're comfortable with our working relationship."

The words "personal secretary" echoed in Rachel's mind like a death knell.

Brian had elevated Tracy to the position of his secretary-who would believe there wasn't more to it?

His rush to protect Tracy from potential workplace difficulties stood in stark contrast to how he had left Rachel to navigate the design department alone when she first joined.

Rachel was about to retreat when her gaze caught on Tracy's wrist. "Your bracelet is beautiful."

The jewelry was identical to her own, save for its color-Tracy's stone was sapphire blue.

Tracy's smile grew sweeter as she raised her wrist with deliberate casualness. "This? Brian bought two-one ruby, one sapphire. He let me choose first, asking which I preferred."

Ice crystallized in Rachel's veins as realization dawned. Her heart felt frozen.

What she had treasured as a thoughtful gift had merely been a sloppy second.

Tracy's voice dripped with false concern. "It's been two days - hasn't he given you yours yet? Should I ask him about it?"

"Don't," Rachel cut her off sharply. Unable to bear another moment, she fled the scene.

That evening, Brian returned home shrouded in darkness, every room silent and still.

"Rachel?" His voice echoed through the empty space.

No response greeted him.

The house remained unnaturally quiet.

Brian stood bewildered-Rachel had never failed to welcome him home before, whether with a prepared meal or the sounds of her cooking in the kitchen.

The house that usually radiated warmth and life now felt abandoned.

Brian retrieved his phone and dialed Rachel's number, but received no answer.

Concerned, he called Carol next.

Carol was leafing through old photo albums with Rachel when Brian's call came through.

"Brian! Yes, Rachel's here with me."

"Why isn't she answering her phone?"

"Her battery might have died," Carol offered.

"Grandma, could you put her on?"

Rachel accepted the phone, but words caught in her throat as the day's events crashed over her anew.

A crushing weight settled on her chest, making each breath a struggle.

"Why didn't you come home?" Brian's voice carried its usual warmth, which only intensified her pain.

"I missed Carol. I wanted to spend time with her today."

"But I miss you too. What am I supposed to do? Grandma has Grandpa for company, but without you, I'm all alone." His sweet words felt like poison now, knowing how his actions contradicted them.

The pain burst forth before she could contain it. "If you're lonely, why not call Tracy? She seems to have everyone wrapped around her finger - your perfect, charming secretary!"

A moment of silence preceded Brian's more serious tone. "So you found out?"

"Yes. Your secret's out." Rachel ended the call abruptly.

When she rejoined Carol, her distraction was evident.

Sensing Rachel's turmoil, Carol suggested she get some rest rather than pressing her to stay.

In her room, Rachel showered and settled into bed, her eyes drawn repeatedly to her silent phone.

No calls. No messages. Brian hadn't attempted to reach her again.

She had barely drifted into an uneasy sleep when her door creaked open.

A weight settled over her, and she nearly screamed until familiar lips grazed her earlobe.

"It's me," came the whispered assurance.

Rachel's eyes flew open, stunned by Brian's midnight appearance.

"Still angry?" Brian murmured against her neck, punctuating his words with gentle kisses.

Rachel feigned sleep, but his wandering hands slipped beneath her nightgown, leaving trails of warmth that made her breath catch.

He methodically dismantled her defenses, yet held back from taking things further-a calculated move to make her cave first.

Tears pricked at Rachel's eyes. "Brian, you're being cruel. Are you even a grown man?"

His voice took on a dangerous edge. "What did you say?"

His intense gaze pierced through her as he narrowed his eyes. "Haven't I proven myself thoroughly? Or are you suggesting last night left something to be desired?"