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.

faze Katniss. She kept

ever notice me?' she silently wondered, hoping

get her anywhere. Desmond stayed out of

couldn't take it anymore

you; you're just a joke to him," he said, his words cutting through her

sincerity would win Desmond over.

words were probably no big deal, but to Katniss, they were a lifeline. She suddenly remembered that in two years, Maximilian would die

a beat. She glanced

the Manners family drama that she didn't know when Maximilian died. When

then at Maximilian's wheelchair. She decided to pour him a cup

bother trying to butter me up; I can't do anything

just the hum of the water heater and their breathing filling the space. Katniss felt

only to realize he wasn't worth it. I'm done being someone else's doormat; I want my independence and

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

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

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

Katniss was left hanging, seemingly invisible. She stood silently at the hospital entrance, watching the luxury

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