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.

you than anyone. Why don't I resemble you? Maybe because I know you're the

Well, time will tell. I'll

down to inspect the marks on

electronic anklet from his bag, crouching again to place it

en

QUMS

fist so tightly that my nails almost broke the

was always so

writing. You've got everything you need

up around us. But they were more like surveillance than servants. He wanted to keep an eye on me, ensuring I couldn't leave. Claude ruffled my hair and then

the discomfort

but

the new maid already delivering her meal. That

conversation. "Just now, Chernet

Mr. Hart. So, I'll take it out on you. Once M Hart returns to Crestview Metropolis to get engaged to Ms. Kate, who will