Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I sensed something off about Claude lately, but I knew better than to let my guard down around him.

As I was about to close my door, I caught sight of Dr. Hilton across the hall, his door wide open, eyes fixed on me. It was almost certain he'd seen Claude leave my place. With his lips pursed, I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, especially since he'd met her

earlier

today.

He must have recognized Claude.

Feeling awkward yet compelled, I grabbed a bottle of milk my brother had dropped off earlier and walked over to him. "This is from my brother," I said, handing him the milk without waiting for a response and leaving it at his doorstep.

Then, remembering Ronald, I dashed back to fetch another bottle. "This one's for Mr. Collins," I mused, feeling a sense of warmth towards both men. Without their presence in my life, my untimely demise would've likely remained a mystery.

No sooner had I placed the second bottle down when a summer breeze slammed my door shut behind me.

And, of course, I was locked out.

Biting my lip in frustration, I turned to Max. "Could you lend me your phone? I need to call a locksmith."

"I don't have a locksmith's number. Try Ronald," he suggested, barely concealing the smirk on his face.

them all the more appealing, especially since

his tone firm yet casual, "Need you to unlock

but I could tell there was a different kind of affection between them,

recognition in his eyes. "Is this from the Hilton

question caught me off guard. The milk bottle was plain, devoid of any branding. How he identified its

milk to his fridge, which, to my surprise,

delivering gifts to Max? And here I was,

Max's stash, my

placing two bottles in the microwave to warm

a stiff smile, not committing to a

me down a complicated path with Claude, a mistake I wasn't keen on

didn't press

annoyance palpable. "Seriously, couldn't

dragging

sitting calmly on the sofa, a

Max and me, confusion written all over

didn't expect

"Shut it,"

snapped, making

instantly pay