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.

again. And if someone tries, I'll be the first to take the hit for you," he said earnestly, his voice thick with

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

don't want you taking hits

be a passive player in the shadows, nor did I want

he said, trying to change the subject,

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

sighed deeply, eyes closed, as if making a 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 Claude in the past, a

Group is hosting a 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

mark. He knew all too well why I was

cherries,

to cry. How was I

that the

me two lifetimes was the

ove

protect Richard, ensuring he

unharmed in this