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."

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 thought, Claire, since you have such great

Otherwise, why would I have

dress, lips pressed tight, not wanting to say a

could feel Claude's gaze on

want to go, just

suggestion. Instead, I felt

trinkets

swnovel

her expression changing

graduated yet," Claude countered, only

you're saying you won't spend on jewelry for me?

softly, "If you want to go, then

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, okay? Stop arguing with your

I agreed, smiling.

I felt if she didn't betray me, I

as I looked back at Claude, he was casually

approached him, "Mr. Hart, your guest is in the

stood up to leave, glancing back at me as if to

he left, I made an excuse to leave too. Kate didn't stop me,