Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"If he doesn't show, I'm not eating."

"Darling, you'll starve yourself."

No matter what I said, Helen always brought up the child in me.

"By the way, Mr. Hilton said you might like these books," Helen handed me a stack of books, but I didn't take them. "Oh, isn't today the ribbon cutting at Evergreen Health Center?" Suddenly, it hit me. Today was the grand opening of Evergreen Health Center, and I was supposed to be its proud owner. However, Max had forbidden me from attending. He had left early in the morning.

At the opening ceremony, Richard's bound to notice if I'm not there and he'll surely come looking.

A sly smile crossed my face. Max was clever, locking me in my room so publicly was a move designed to catch Richard's attention.

It was a clear sign of our rocky relationship.

"Tell Max I want the best fish fillet soup and sweet and sour pork from Silverlake City," I said, even though I hadn't felt like eating these past few days.

But now, thinking about it, Max had ultimately agreed to my request despite being angry yesterday.

I slumped on the couch, musing over my next move. It was only a matter of time before Richard would make his move on the Hilton family.

Max had the soup delivered, but he didn't show up himself.

Helen was getting anxious on my behalf. "My dear, how can you be so relaxed? Mr. Hilton is seriously upset this time. You need to find a way to make amends."

I leisurely enjoyed my fish fillet soup and took a bite of the pork knuckle.

"Don't worry, someone will save me soon enough."This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

My words left Helen utterly confused.

Sure enough, a worker knocked on my window soon after, handing me a phone. "Mr. Price asked me to give this to you."

Richard had taken the bait too quickly. It hadn't even been a full morning.

I took the phone, turned away, and whispered into it with a sobbing voice.

Richard sounded anxious. "Claire, did that bastard Max mistreat you? I've told you, he's not from our world; he can't truly love you. I'll get someone to rescue you right away."

Looking at the men prepared to install burglar bars, I almost choked. If I tried escaping from the third floor using a rope, I wouldn't die from the

fall but the shock might do me in.

"Richard, I'm fine," I said honestly.

But Richard became even more frantic. "Claire, I promise I won't let anything happen to you. Trust me, I'll never let you get hurt in this lifetime."

His words felt so sarcastic to me.

Still, I replied, "Richard, I can take

care of myself. If you really want me to be happy, please ask your mother, Hannah, to back off. Stop hurting innocent girls."

Richard laughed over the phone, "Even if Max has you locked up, you still want his baby, don't you? You refuse to have an abortion?"

He was particularly keen on the idea.

"Ms. Claire, Mr. Hilton is back," Helen informed me, prompting me to return the phone to the worker.

As long as Richard believed Max and I were estranged, things would be easier.

Max glanced at the worker behind me as he approached, his voice deep and cold, "Enjoying your food? Seems like you're getting used to captivity."

"Max, I'd watch my words if I were you, for the sake of your child."

I turned back to him, sticking out my tongue in defiance.

He smirked, understanding my gesture. The fleeting moment of camaraderie quickly turned to sternness. "Well then, enjoy your confinement. No one can save you now." I stuck my tongue out at him again, knowing he'd miss having me by his side tonight.