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.

you trying to shame me?" I realized he

Claire. I raised you, so you

that, Claude let go of me, and the tension in my body eased. He was still the same old-fashioned man who wouldn't touch me before marriage, even till then. But as he released me, his gaze turned

you? Or do you think he'll come

into a scornful laugh. "Yes, I'd love to see him

he setting a trap to hurt Maximilian when he tried

believed it, even though

I'm bait? You

any

bales in Maximilian until

you're killing two birds with one stone, waiting to see if he'll come for me. If he does, you'll hurt him. If not,

"Clever, Claire. Now, let's have dinner before

pulled a chair for me to sit on as the maids served dishes and soup. I knew resisting was futile at this point.

truffles flown in from Marrowfall. You've always loved this soup. Let's see

soup, interrupted, "Ms. Claire, I'm from Crestview Metropolis, so my soup skills are top-notch. Whenever you want soup in Elmwood Springs, I'll make it

it. Get me another plate of soup," I said coldly. The new maid was too