Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I intentionally tried to lighten the mood, hoping it would help lower Max's guard so I could check his wound. After all, he was known for his stubborn streak, having performed surgeries despite being injured himself more than once. "No need." He gripped my hand a bit firmly. I just smiled, knowing by his earnest expression that it probably wasn't anything serious.

As I was about to stand up, a series of loud bangs on Max's door halted me. "Open up. I know you're in there."

The rough voice made me instinctively shrink into Max's embrace.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulder, soothingly whispering, "Don't be scared."

I clung to his arm as he tried to get me to sit on the couch while reaching for his phone. "Don't go."

The pounding at the door persisted.

Max comforted me. "I'm calling the building security to come over."

I stood up with him, not letting go of his arm, as the relentless knocking continued. We could even hear the sound of the electronic lock smashed.

"Someone is breaking into a door on the 12th floor of Building 3. Can't your cameras catch that?"

"Broken? What a coincidence."

a fierce look in Max's eyes. Yet, when he glanced down at me, his tone softened to the gentle indifference. "It's going to be okay." He

minutes, the noise

guy gone?" I asked, my eyes

the couch, sat down beside me, and

soon as he finished speaking, his phone

answered the call. "The lock's broken? The locksmith can't open it? I'll open it from inside." He stood up, and followed

he was surprised. "Did I

then did I remember I was still holding onto Max's arm. With Ronald there, I finally let

ele

changing. I've always said, MS Floyd, your lock was a security risk. And Max, why not install an electronic lock with surveillance? You could've seen exactly

but it's not safe to stay here

where I told Kate where Daniel was. She might

I pleaded with Max, who pinched the bridge of his

Ronald asked, "Shouldn't we get a