Rebirth Into My Second Chance

The message was clear as day. Lydia was the queen bee of the kitchen, and I wasn't about to let the new maid forget that. Having achieved my goal, I settled down to a good old local breakfast.

Then, Claude, having eaten his fill, came over with a tie in hand and said, "It's been a while since you've tied my tie, hasn't it?"

I frowned slightly. In my past life, I insisted that I be the one to tie his tie every day. Since my rebirth over a month ago, I kept my distance from him.

Claude held the tie to me, but I pressed my lips together and didn't take it.

Claude opened his mouth, "I know you were establishing Lydia's authority earlier, and I went along with it. Shouldn't you be thanking me?"

I snatched the tie from him and, standing on my tiptoes, moved closer to tie it for him. He wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed my forehead gently. "Claire, can we go back to how things were? Stop being so cold, okay?" He didn't sound bossy. It was almost like he was asking for permission.

But how could things ever go back to the way they were? When I first came back to life, I was a wreck, waking up from nightmares over and over. Max was by my side then. Max was my savior. And those nightmares were because of Claude.

I stayed silent, and he let go of me. "Your indifference starts to remind me of Maximilian. It seems like you two have spent quite some time together."

I was stunned. Yes, Max and I had spent a considerable amount of time together.

don't I resemble you? Maybe because I

scoffed coldly. "Evil version. Well, time will tell. I'll make you

on my ankle from the chain. "Does

instinctively pulled back, but he smiled and took an electronic anklet from his bag, crouching again

en

QUMS

clenched my fist so tightly that

was always

books in the study. You've always loved reading and writing. You've got everything you need here. The staff are all yours to command. Nobody would dare

more like surveillance than servants. He wanted to keep an eye on me, ensuring I couldn't leave. Claude

feel the discomfort

but

new maid already delivering her meal. That was

conversation. "Just now, Chernet

returns to Crestview Metropolis to