Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"Look, we can't go after Kate right now." Claude eased his grip, seeing my defensive stance, and said in a calm, almost soothing voice.

I laughed bitterly. "So, you're the bad guy in all this, aren't you? You always knew Kate was hurting me, didn't you?"

Living through this life for the second time, I finally saw Claude for who he truly was. For his business empire, he would go to any lengths.

'What am I even searching for in this life?' I wanted to uncover who was pulling Kate's strings, but even that person couldn't be as cruel as my husband, knowing fully well I was in harm's way and doing nothing to save me.

I offered, "Claude, give me my parents' ashes. Let's cut all ties. My family will have nothing to do with you from here on out!"

The only thing I wanted from the Hart family was my parents' ashes, to give them a proper resting place.

"No can do," Claude shot back firmly.

I looked at him. "Are you afraid of the backlash? Don't worry. I won't let anyone know how heartless and insane you've been."

Without another word, Claude grabbed my throat and pinned me against the wall. "I want the empire, and I want you."

His desperation was palpable as he suddenly tore at my clothes and bit my neck. "Who were you with that night at the hotel, huh?"

was cold, threatening. I froze, overwhelmed

to push him away was futile. He was relentless. "Claire, I didn't want to

shouted, "Claude, you're disgusting. Let me

stop. "I'll be engaged to Kate,

wanted to keep me trapped, not allowing me to leave, because, with Kate, he could achieve his grand plans. And I was just an object to be possessed. "No..." I struggled,

sneered, holding me tighter. "Still want your

parents wouldn't want

forsake their ashes

Whet

head, fueled

break free and

laughed behind me. "Don't you want to know

was poured into my legs, kneeling on

thorn in my heart, and I desperately wanted to know. But the only ones who knew the truth were

Hilton family."

at him, and he leaned back in his chair, looking

in the car crash. But I lost my father in the car accident, too: Their deaths, all

truth I'd been seeking for two lifetimes