After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 3

Katniss gave a nod, kinda shocked that Maximilian even knew who she was. She'd only seen him a couple of times; he was Desmond's half-brother on their dad's side. Anything tied to Desmond always grabbed her attention. Word on the street was that Maximilian had been dealing with some chronic illness since he was a kid, but he had mad skills in business.

The Boleyn family's whole empire was basically in his hands, making him the top dog in the family. Even though he was the oldest son, for some weird reason, he didn't carry the Boleyn name.

Maximilian was drop-dead gorgeous, but those icy eyes of his gave off some serious bad vibes, making Katniss a bit uneasy.

At school, Katniss was always in the limelight, but not for any good reasons. It was all because she was head over heels for Desmond. In her past life, her heart beat only for him.

Desmond was the big man on campus. Handsome, charming, and talented, he had girls falling for him left and right, with Katniss being the most obsessed.

From the moment they met, Katniss was hooked on Desmond, chasing after him like a madwoman, just to get a little closer and feel his warmth.

"Desmond, I like you!" she once yelled in a crowd, getting all sorts of weird looks and laughs.

But Katniss didn't give a damn. Desmond was her whole world; nothing else mattered.

"Haha, look at Katniss, she's lost it!" people would gossip, pointing fingers.

that noise didn't faze Katniss. She kept stalking Desmond, obsessed with his

she

stayed

couldn't take it anymore and spilled

to him," he said, his words cutting through

in her eyes, but she kept doing her thing, thinking her sincerity would win Desmond

they were a lifeline. She suddenly remembered that in two

her heart skip a beat. She glanced at Maximilian's almost perfect profile, her eyes filled with mixed

life, she was so wrapped up in the Manners family drama that she didn't know when Maximilian died.

the water dispenser, then at Maximilian's wheelchair. She decided to pour him a

took the cup, saying coolly, "Don't bother trying to

dipped below the horizon, the hospital's water room got eerily quiet, with just the hum of the water heater

a lot for Desmond, only to realize he wasn't worth it. I'm done being someone else's doormat; I want my independence and self-respect back." Her voice was a mix

eyes showing some deep emotion. He seemed to be soaking in every word, trying to get a read

gaze, like a refreshing spring for her parched soul. She looked at him gratefully, finding a sense of peace and reliance in his eyes. Maximilian's eyes had a profound light. He seemed to see the fire and courage in Katniss's heart, and his impression of her quietly shifted. Soon enough, it was discharge

Lucas and Nathan, all dressed up, stood by the car, anxiously waiting for Clara to be discharged. Finally, the hospital doors swung open, and out walked a girl in a light blue dress, all graceful and poised. This was Clara, the family's precious gem. Lucas and Nathan immediately rushed forward, showering her with warm welcomes. "Clara, you okay? We're all set; let's get you home," Lucas asked, ready to drive

stood silently at the hospital entrance, watching the luxury car

felt like everyone had forgotten about her. She walked out of the