Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I spent the whole night waiting, hoping for a rescue that never came as dawn broke. Deep down, I knew I shouldn't have expected anyone to save me, especially not Max.

Right on cue, Lydia knocked and entered, "Ms. Claire, it's time for breakfast."

I barely glanced at the meal she brought in. After years of taking care of me, Lydia knew my eating habits all too well. Breakfast was a lean chicken broth with a side of toast this time. "Ms. Claire, you need to eat well to keep up your strength to fight back."

Her voice cracked as she covered her face and rushed out, tears streaming down her cheeks. It struck me then how she was just as much a prisoner of circumstances as I was. Despite her and her family's innocence, Claude's madness had torn them apart, leaving them in constant danger.

I forced myself to eat, knowing full well that waiting for the end wouldn't help anyone.

Determined to not just sit around, I attempted to leave my room only to find that the villa was under constant surveillance, leaving no corner unwatched. Claude's paranoia seemed almost laughable now.

When I loved him, he pushed me away. And now, when my feelings had faded, he watched me obsessively.

"Ms. Claire, the villa is spacious; feel free to explore. But stay away from the front door. The backyard, however, is full of the flowers you love. Maybe take a stroll there..."

Her words hinted at a possible escape through the back, yet the thought of leaving Lydia and her family in danger held me back.

can reach Richard, he'll help us." I was certain Richard was unaware of my predicament. He had plans with me to attend the Hilton family's investment in a new prosthetic limb showcase. If he couldn't reach me, he'd surely come looking. But then it hit me;

to come back for me. The guards are changing shifts by the back door right now. If you leave, I'll keep up the pretense of

power to

Crestview Metropolis. It'll take him some time to come

Swr

Lydia added, "My phone's been confiscated. So, Ms. Claire, you need

was I supposed to flee, much less board a

the only one I knew by heart. I had to escape first,

as I made my dash for freedom through the back, Claude's car was

were supposed to be in Crestview Metropolis," she

a cold, determined look on his face, a metal chain

my doubts, and it

didn't rush;

villa was

nothing but stretches of