Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Claire instinctively hid her hands behind her back, drawing a flicker of sympathy from Claude, who turned to me with a stern look. "Don't let it happen again." What did he mean by that? I couldn't figure it out.

But as I held the milk, my grip loosened, and it spilled over my hands.

"Ouch, I'm such a klutz."

Kate rushed to grab some napkins to clean me up, but I grabbed a disinfectant wipe instead and quickly dried my hands, tucking them behind my back.

I mumbled, looking down, "It wasn't on purpose. Hearing that Kate got scalded by the milk made me feel so guilty I just couldn't hold it steady."

Kate tried to check my hands for burns, but I pulled away.

I wondered if she felt guilty, knowing well that this temperature couldn't possibly cause a burn.

Probably the only one fooled was Claude.

"If it's a burn, we should head to the hospital," Claude mentioned, his gaze unreadable.

I shook my head. "It's nothing, really."

Compared to the time I was engulfed in a wildfire, this was nothing. Back then, every inch of my skin was seared, and Claude was nowhere to be found, too busy being lovey-dovey with Kate to care about my wellbeing. "You're always so stubborn."

"Claire's still young, Claude. Let's not be too hard on her." She then pulled out an invitation from her bag. "There's an auction tomorrow. Claude wants to bid on a stone for my engagement ring. I

I thought my judgment was the worst. Otherwise, why would I have fallen for Claude and brought

me clench the fabric of my dress, lips pressed tight,

on

to go, just say

go along with Claude's suggestion. Instead, I felt a

I pick out a few trinkets for

swnovel

words, her expression changing slightly, a hint of something indescribable lingering in her

Claude countered, only

on jewelry for me? Fine, I won't

reason, Claude sighed softly, "If you want to

my wrist gently, smiling, "Of course, Claire. Claude wouldn't mind spending a bit. When you get married, I'll add to your wedding funds myself. Pick out whatever you like tomorrow night,

I agreed, smiling.

felt if she didn't betray me, I

back at Claude, he was casually sipping his

Hart, your guest is in

me as if to warn me not to

to leave too. Kate