Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I could barely breathe. Claude's voice was warm, but his words sent a chill down my spine.

"Why did you promise to stay by my side forever if you were going to leave? You moved out and refused to come home, not even for my mother's funeral. I gave you so many chances to come back on your own, but instead, you spend every day with another man. Claire, He wrapped his arms around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.

you forced my hand to lock you away."

I remained silent, my heart racing, fearing what he might do next.

Claude asked, "Scared?"

I bit my lip, not responding.

He pressed on, asking, "Richard or Max, have either of them touched you?"

I stiffened even more.

In a past life, he dragged me home and doused me in ice-cold water just because I was too close to Richard.

shame me?" I realized he

"Good, Claire. I raised

go of me, and the tension in my body eased. He was still the same

it matter to you? Or do you think

confidence turned into a scornful laugh.

family so much. Was he setting a trap to hurt Maximilian when

me, Max was Maximilian. I believed it, even though I didn't have solid proof just

"So, I'm bait?

any

bales in Maximilian until

to see if he'll

smiled. "Clever, Claire. Now, let's

served dishes and soup. I knew resisting was futile at this point. I'd better eat and then plan

You've always loved this soup. Let's see

so my soup skills are

another plate of soup," I said coldly. The new maid was too close to my plate as she spoke. And considering how she treated Lydia