Rebirth Into My Second Chance

In the middle of the night, for some reason, I felt a chill breeze sneak through the window, probably a signal that autumn was creeping in. The blanket over me felt too thin, and as I reached to pull it closer, I remembered I had dozed off while blow-drying my hair. Max wasn't beside me, so I got up, intending to close the window. That's when I spotted him down in the garden gazebo, seemingly in conversation with Richard. I frowned slightly, checking the clock on the wall which showed it was already 2 a.m. What could Richard possibly want with Max at this hour? And more importantly, could Richard be a threat to Max?

Concerned, I made my way downstairs, only to find Max sitting alone when I reached the garden.

He noticed me approaching and smiled, waving me over, "What brings you here?"

"I thought I saw Richard with you," I said, looking around.

"You must've been mistaken," Max replied, casually draping a blanket around my shoulders and pulling me close. "When did you become such a light sleeper?"

I glanced at the table, noticing only one cup in front of Max.

My lips pressed together tightly.

Had I really been mistaken?

After we went back upstairs, Max held me close, and soon, he was asleep. I, however, was wide awake.

Then, in the darkness, his phone's screen lit up. I checked to see if he was really asleep before trying to look at his phone, but there was nothing. I was left wondering why it had lit up. Slightly puzzled, I eventually drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Helen knocked on my door to tell me Max had already gone to work, a situation that had become increasingly common these days.

"Helen, when did Max leave?" she asked.

"You were asleep, around four in the morning. Mr. Hilton had to make a trip to Elmwood Springs. He should

be back today," Helen explained, then added, "Mr. Hilton didn't want to worry you, so he planned for me to tell you when you woke up. He'll be back soon."

I remained silent, thoughts wandering to the potted plants on the floor. Max had left after I fell asleep, so he hadn't slept at all. Did he know I checked his phone? Feeling a bit unsettled, I asked Helen, "Do you know if Max met with Richard last night? Was that something you were going to tell me today?"

Helen looked genuinely surprised. "You must have seen wrong. Why would Mr. Hilton meet with Richard here? He was in the yard having tea alone last night." Her reaction seemed honest, but I couldn't doubt my own eyes.

What was Max hiding from me? And what was really going on between Max and Richard?

My trust in Max instantly dropped from sixty to thirty. Yet, I didn't want Helen to notice my suspicion and instead asked, "How are the workers from yesterday? Is the renovation at Evergreen Health Center proceeding as planned?"

Helen took out her notebook, showing me surveillance footage of the worker who was continuously monitored at the hospital. "Everything is under control, and the health center's renovation has started on schedule. We've chosen an auspicious day next Wednesday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony."

As Helen continued, my mind drifted away.

"Helen, I'm thinking of visiting the school today. There was a problem with the surgery yesterday I need to clarify with my professor."

Helen paused, tapping on her tablet. "Ms. Claire, if you have any questions, you can always ask Mr. Hilton."

I shook my head. "Max is too busy, don't you see? He's off to Elmwood Springs now."