Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"What do you want to know?" Max asked, his voice cool and detached.

Suddenly, I lost all my courage to press him further. Shrugging, I tried to sound casual, "Nothing, just messing with you."

I hadn't gone out for the porridge at Porridge City, but I did eat the barbecue ribs he made, all from the leanest cuts. And there were also some chicken wings. Judging by the amount, he must have wanted to share a meal. It's a pity, really. I'm fickle, only out to please myself.

And the bodyguard Richard had assigned to me? I sent him packing too. If someone was out to get me, they'd go all the way, so why drag two more lives into it?

Back to the hospital for work, I saw Max right at the entrance. He saw me too, slowing his brisk pace. I ran up to thank him, "The barbecue ribs were delicious. What brand of vinegar did you use? I might try making it myself." "I've got a box at home, will bring it to you after work."

His reply took me by surprise. How many times was he planning to make barbecue ribs for me? He bought a whole box of vinegar.

Yet, there I was, retreating like a scared turtle.

He stepped forward, about to say something more, but my phone rang. I waved it at him, "I need to take this call, Dr. Hilton. You go ahead to work." Turning, I went to answer the call.

It was Claude.

want to

just see

talk about? If it's to convince me to move to Elmwood Springs to be your

talking to at

back to see Claude's Maybach, its window

your business."

to head into the hospital, suddenly, two bodyguards

daylight, what are you

to Claude, throwing

hurt from the

disobedience will

made me inhale something, and

"Claire, you can only be

imagined being kidnapped, but never by Claude, and certainly not to Elmwood

Claude sitting nearby on a sofa, the dim light revealing his triumphant,