Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"Claire, I'm so sorry. I never realized the danger you were in all these years. This time, I won't let Richard hurt you again."

I replied with a simple, "Thanks," and handed the phone back to Kate.

Just as Kate was about to take the phone back, she said, "Don't you want to hear about Max's situation?"

I shook my head. I couldn't bear to hear any news about him right now. Besides, if he were to return to Crestview Metropolis, I feared he'd turn the whole city upside down with his rage.

"You should've kept him in the loop when you were planning this. He's already furious. When two people love each other, they need to communicate, not keep everything bottled up and create misunderstandings. Look at us with Claude; you and I missed our chance because of that. Do you really want the same to happen with Max?" Kate looked at me, and I could see how much she had changed; my whole perception of her had shifted.

Seeing me silent, she tossed the phone back with a little snark, "Don't thank me. I just wanted to make up for the times I've hurt you."

I dialed Max's number from memory, and he picked up instantly.

"Max, it's Claire," I whispered.

There was a heavy silence on the other end. I knew he was angry.

"I'm okay, and so is the kid."

I still didn't get any response.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice tinged with worry.

It was then I heard a bodyguard in the background, "Mr. Hilton, let me tend to that wound."

Max's icy response cut through, "Shut up."

He was hurt and didn't want me to know.

"Max, where are you injured?" I panicked, regretting ever letting him go on this mission.

"Just a scratch. I've secured the girls from Elmwood Springs. I'll bring them back to Crestview Metropolis tomorrow. How about you?"

He didn't blame me, even though he

was the

was one hurt. He still asked if

was okay. My heart clenched, and I

had to fight back tears, not wanting to distract him.

"Max, I've found some girls here, too. I'm working with Kate and Claude, staying in the shadows while Kate covers for me. That way, Richard won't suspect me. I'll keep myself safe."

The line went silent. Then, the call dropped.

Suddenly, the summer air felt cold. Was Max in trouble? I couldn't stop shivering.

Kate came over, saying, "The line probably dropped due to bad reception. Many girls are taken to the countryside."

But something felt terribly wrong in my gut. "Please, get Ronald to check on Max in Silverlake City. I need to know he's safe." Kate, unable to argue, contacted Ronald.

I felt like I was suffocating, praying nothing had happened to Max.

"Mr. Hilton isn't as simple as youNôvelDrama.Org owns this.

think. If he can stand alone against the formidable Hilton family, it means he has unknown forces

backing him. He'll be fine," Kate said, trying to comfort me. She hesitated to hug me, perhaps feeling the distance still between

instead patted my shoulder.

I didn't know Max as well as I thought, but he had become an irreplaceable part of my life.

"Ronald will bring him back," I said with conviction, forcing a smile.

My Max would be okay. But why did my heart feel so uneasy, like there was a bad omen hanging over me?