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.

more time with you than anyone. Why don't I resemble

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

crouched down to inspect the marks on my ankle from the chain. "Does it

instinctively pulled back, but he smiled and took an electronic anklet from his bag, crouching again to place it on my ankle. "This

en

QUMS

that my nails

always

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

than servants. He wanted to keep

could feel the discomfort

but refused

on Lydia, I found the new maid already delivering her

conversation. "Just now, Chernet

me in front of 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 remember Claire from this remote village? I can bully you