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 wouldn't hurt me, so I knew

out a light laugh. "Good, Claire. I raised

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

matter to you? Or

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

so much. Was he setting a trap to hurt Maximilian

Max was Maximilian. I believed it, even though I didn't

I'm bait? You

any

bales in Maximilian until

if he'll come for me. If he does, you'll hurt him. If not, you'll keep me locked away.

Claire. Now, let's have dinner before

a chair for me to sit on as the maids served dishes and soup. I knew resisting was futile at this point. I'd better eat and then plan my next

fresh truffles flown in from Marrowfall. You've

"Ms. Claire, I'm from Crestview Metropolis, so my soup skills are top-notch.

me another plate of soup," I said coldly. The new maid was too close to my plate