Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Kate's mouth hung open, ready to protest, but was cut off by Gabrielle's furious table slam. "Wasting perfectly good milk like that. Is that what the Goodwin family taught you?" "Mrs. Hart, I didn't..."

Watching Kate struggle to defend herself without much fight, I found a twisted pleasure in making her path even more difficult.

"Enough already, it's just a glass of milk. Getting a cow from my uncle wouldn't be a problem," Claude stood up for Kate and quickly pulled her away from the scene, leaving just Gabrielle and me behind.

Pointing at their retreating figures, Gabrielle hissed, "Kate will be the death of me one day," then turned to me with tears edging her voice, "Claire, I know you fancy Claude, but you must see, that Kate Goodwin has ambitions. She's not as fragile as she appears. Claude's been deceived. I want you to bring him back to us."

I forced a half-hearted smile.

Claude's heart was never mine to bring back.

Some people, once their heart decides to leave, not even a team of horses can pull it back.

"Mrs. Hart, I'll see what I can do."

I feigned agreement, fearing her retaliation otherwise.

She sighed, dropping the subject.

"Mrs. Hart, next month is Memorial Day. I'm grown now; I should visit my parents' graves, don't you think?" My words caught Gabrielle off guard.

Her tea-stirring became erratic as she dodged the topic, "No rush. Settle your affairs with Claude first."

"Sure."

past was filled with secrets known only to Gabrielle

I'd play along with their game, taking

to stay at the college for a while. The commute from

already

near

the

university, planning to uset

they'd given

years to buy it.

sign the lease

the

this with Claude. I worry

Hart, I'll do my best. But are you sure you won't tell Claude

of even the best doctors.

defeated.

it weren't for her drugging me in my

are shaping the outcomes

few essentials, I left

Hospital, a perfect fit for me. Most neighbors were hospital staff, ensuring

the lease, the