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

do you want to talk about? If it's to convince me to move to Elmwood Springs to be

was that you were talking to at the

Claude's Maybach, its window rolling down to

none of your business."

into the hospital, suddenly, two bodyguards grabbed

what are you

only listened to Claude, throwing

hurt

disobedience will be

resist, but he made me inhale something, and in seconds, I

say, "Claire, you can only

being kidnapped, but never by Claude,

myself on a bed, Claude sitting nearby on a sofa, the dim light