Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I deliberately reminded him, expecting maybe a flicker of change across his face, but no, it remained impassive. Yet beneath that calm, I knew too well the storm that was raging. "It's okay. I brought you some coconut water, your favorite brand," he said, his voice steady.

I tilted my head in agreement, watching as he began to lay out our late-night snack. Despite myself, I went over to help.

Then, cutting straight to the point, I asked, "Did the dean cause the wound on your back?"

He seemed taken aback by my bluntness, pausing momentarily in his actions.

"It's fine. I've already applied some ointment."

He didn't mention his visit to my apartment last night, and I decided not to push it.

He got me a lobster with basil flavor this time, instead of his usual spicy choice. Was he thinking about my pregnancy?

"Richard, could there be anything harmful in this? It won't cause a miscarriage, right?" I couldn't keep up the pretense any longer.

As he methodically prepared the lobster and placed it in my bowl, he reassured, "I've told you, I would never hurt you in this lifetime."

I scoffed lightly, "What about in a past life, then?"

"Richard, do you believe in reincarnation?" I asked him once more.

looked at me firmly, "I

some reason, that

suggested I was crazy,

back to eating

calling Max, but I couldn't get through," I said, watching

to know

bother hiding it, a cold glint passing briefly behind his glasses. "Yes, you've

become

must have known he was walking into danger," Richard

pressure from my mother to protect you and Max's child, but Max

was

my unborn child

he dies, I'll die too," I declared, knowing I had nothing

boldly speculated that

tainted heart,

the only purity he

in years, which is

he hadn't hurt me.