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.

no one can ever hurt you again. And if someone tries, I'll be the first to take the hit for you," he said

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

want you taking hits

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

for you," he said, trying

you don't take me to see him, I'll go

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

a project Max has been personally overseeing, and he might show up. I'll take you there Now, focus on getting

mood with a joke didn't miss its mark. He

the cherries, feeling

cry. How was I supposed

Richard that the

the

ove

protect Richard, ensuring he

in this