Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Waking up in a hospital had become an all-too-familiar scenario for me. But this time, when my eyes fluttered open, instead of the sterile white ceiling or the indifferent faces of nurses, it was Richard who came into my blurry vision. His grip on my wrist was tight, his face etched with concern. As soon as he saw signs of consciousness in me, his eyes lit up with unbridled joy.

"Claire, you're finally awake."

I took a quick look around the room, kinda expecting to see Max, but he was nowhere in sight. My heart sank a little as I reached up to feel the bandage wrapped around my head, then looked back at Richard, contemplating the turmoil that lay ahead.

If Richard ever found out that the person he had been tirelessly searching for was also the one who wanted me dead, what dreadful choice would he have to make between me and Tracey? It was a thought too cruel to bear.

"Am I okay? Did you figure something out?" I asked, avoiding the direct mention of what I was really inquiring about. But Richard, catching my drift, hesitated for a moment before understanding dawned on him.

"Do you really want to see him? Considering your current state..." He trailed off, implying I was already in a good place.

But he couldn't finish his thought.

"Looks like I'm a magnet for trouble, huh?" I said with a bit of sarcasm.

"I'll have someone protect you during this period. You won't get hurt again," Richard declared, immediately making a call. No sooner had he hung up than two bodyguards appeared at the door, a clear sign they were assigned to keep me safe. "Richard, the enemies I'm dealing with aren't going to back down just because I step back. They won't stop," I analyzed calmly.

out into the open, throw him in jail, so no one can ever hurt you again. And if someone tries, I'll be the first to take the hit for

past, when the whole world doubted me, Richard stood by

don't want you taking hits for

passive player in the shadows, nor did I want to wait in the light only to

you feel like eating? I'll go get it for you," he said, trying to change the subject, his body

don't take me to

painful decision. But he knew well enough that once I set my mind on something, there was no turning back. Just like how I had loved

launch event for a new prosthetic line. It's a project Max has been personally overseeing, and he might show up. I'll take you there Now, focus on getting better," ke reassured me, then handed me a few cherries. "Eat these, you

with a joke didn't miss its mark. He knew all too well

cherries, feeling a

to cry. How was I

Richard that the person who

was the one

ove

protect Richard, ensuring he

unharmed in