Chapter 447 I Loved Only You, Rachel

Flora stared at Hiram who was about to leave. She knew that he treasured their friendship too much to ever say anything to embarrass her.

Hiram told Flora that if she would just stop thinking about crazy things like sharing a husband with Rachel, they could go back to being friends.

But if she couldn't…

"Hiram!" Suddenly, Flora shouted at Hiram, who had been moving to open the door and leave.

Hiram stopped, but didn't turn around.

"I... I'm sorry. I'm too impulsive, always have been. I hope you can forgive me," Flora rubbed her hands anxiously as she pleaded.

Hiram didn't say a word. He opened the door and walked out.

The room he walked into was empty.

Outside the restaurant, on the now dark street, a crisp evening breeze played across Rachel's face. It always managed to surprise her how cold it could get at night.

Rachel wrapped her coat tighter around her as she walked along the street, lowering her head against the cold.

Not far behind, Chad was following Rachel. He shook his head when he saw Hiram. "Mr. Rong… Since she went into the restaurant, Rachel hasn't said a single word."

Chad could see why. He doubted anyone would know how to react if something like this had happened to them.

Rachel came out of the restaurant, lowered her head and kept walking briskly away.

Hearing footsteps behind her, she quickened her pace. Suddenly, she was pulled a warm, strong embrace. It was Hiram. "Rachel, I know you're upset. But it's cold outside. Please just get into the car first, we can figure everything out from there."

Hiram pulled Rachel close. He reached down to take her hands, and was alarmed to find them almost blue with cold. He unzipped his jacket and pulled her into it, enveloping her in his warmth, protecting her from the cold.

"Hiram, I know how... how...incredible you are. You're strong, and kind, and just. So when I look at myself in comparison, I don't see anything special. Even as the mother of your children, I feel replaceable. I know there are women out there that want you, and would do anything to be with you. Women like Flora."

Rachel closed her eyes sadly after she had spoken. Last time, it was Lydia. And now Flora. Who would be next? Who would be the next person, even after all their years of marriage, to lay claim on her husband?

Hiram leaned back and looked at Rachel. "Who told you that? How could you possibly believe that you're not special? You're my wife, my partner. We've raised children together! No one could replace you!"

Hiram placed his finger under Rachel's chin, and lifted her face to meet his gaze and murmured gently.

"Rachel, you have no idea how much I love you. I don't care how other women feel, nor can I control what they do. The only thing I know is that I love you and only you, Rachel."

Rachel finally relaxed into his arms and let herself be comforted. As she inhaled his familiar scent, she let her sadness and worry melt away.

Hiram cupped Rachel's

Jean Wen sacrificed herself for family interests. Before her husband divorced her, she made every effort to please him.

"You are inexperienced in bed," he said coldly.

"You! Give that land to my family, or I won't agree to divorce," Jean replied furiously.

"Fine. It is exactly what I am thinking about," he sneered.

nd try to make it as grand as I can."

Hearing this, Celine could hardly contain her excitement. "Really? Tomorrow?" She beamed.

"Uh-huh. Would I lie to you?" Rachel smiled at her friend.

Celine's face fell, and she furrowed her brow. She gazed at her worn-out jeans and a threadbare t-shirt. "Damn! I don't exactly have a party outfit to wear. I'll need to go buy some clothes, maybe even get a haircut. With my work scrubs at the hospital, I rarely have to think about looking good! I'm going to have to dress to impress tomorrow."

Rachel gave it a thought. "Clothes? No problem! I have plenty in my wardrobe at the Tulip Palace. You can come back with me later and pick some for the party." Rachel hoped that her friend would agree with her solution.

She had so many clothes that she couldn't possibly wear them all. Giving them to Celine was making the best use of them, and she was happy to help her friend.

"Okay, it's settled then. I'll go back with you!" Celine giggled. She was looking forward to tomorrow night.

When she had enough rest, Rachel stood up and turned to Celine. "Alright, let's keep going. We're still only halfway there."

An hour later, Rachel and Celine finally reached the top of the mountain. Panting, they looked down from to clifftop to the view down below. The bright morning had given away to a heavier air, and the greenery was surrounded by clouds and mist. On the path below them stood a group of tourists taking videos and posing for pictures.

Inspired, Celine grabbed her cell phone and snapped a selfie of the two of them.

"Rachel, help me. I want to get a picture of me standing here!" Celine handed her cell phone to Rachel and skipped closer to the edge of the cliff. She chose a relatively stable rock to stand on, and struck a pose.

Rachel stepped back, wanting to find a good angle for Celine's photo.

However, she did not expect to find anyone behind her. She bumped into someone and turned around to apologize.