Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Claire instinctively hid her hands behind her back, drawing a flicker of sympathy from Claude, who turned to me with a stern look. "Don't let it happen again." What did he mean by that? I couldn't figure it out.

But as I held the milk, my grip loosened, and it spilled over my hands.

"Ouch, I'm such a klutz."

Kate rushed to grab some napkins to clean me up, but I grabbed a disinfectant wipe instead and quickly dried my hands, tucking them behind my back.

I mumbled, looking down, "It wasn't on purpose. Hearing that Kate got scalded by the milk made me feel so guilty I just couldn't hold it steady."

Kate tried to check my hands for burns, but I pulled away.

I wondered if she felt guilty, knowing well that this temperature couldn't possibly cause a burn.

Probably the only one fooled was Claude.

"If it's a burn, we should head to the hospital," Claude mentioned, his gaze unreadable.

I shook my head. "It's nothing, really."

Compared to the time I was engulfed in a wildfire, this was nothing. Back then, every inch of my skin was seared, and Claude was nowhere to be found, too busy being lovey-dovey with Kate to care about my wellbeing. "You're always so stubborn."

Before I could respond, Kate intervened, "Claire's still young, Claude. Let's not be too hard on her." She then pulled out an invitation from her bag. "There's an auction tomorrow. Claude wants to bid on a stone for my engagement ring. I thought, Claire, since you have such great taste, you could help us choose."

She thought I had good taste. Yet, I thought my judgment was the worst. Otherwise, why would I have fallen for Claude and brought disaster upon everyone who loved me?

The thought made me clench the fabric of my dress, lips pressed tight, not wanting to say a word.

However, I could feel Claude's gaze on me, shifting from cold to blazing.

"If you don't want to go, just say no."

But I didn't go along with Claude's suggestion. Instead, I felt a surge of defiance.

"Can I pick out a few trinkets for my wedding gifts if I go?"

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Kate seemed taken aback by my words, her expression changing slightly, a hint of something indescribable lingering in her eyes.

"You're not even graduated yet," Claude countered, only fueling my determination.

"So, you're saying you won't spend on jewelry for me? Fine, I won't go."

For some reason, Claude sighed softly, "If you want to go, then go."

Kate also grabbed my wrist gently, smiling, "Of course, Claire. Claude wouldn't mind spending a bit. When you get married, I'll add to your wedding funds myself. Pick out whatever you like tomorrow night, okay? Stop arguing with your Claudy."

I agreed, smiling.

But deep down, I felt if she didn't betray me, I should be thankful.

Yet, as I looked back at Claude, he was casually sipping his drink.

Then his secretary approached him, "Mr. Hart, your guest is in the next room."

He stood up to leave, glancing back at me as if to warn me not to mess with his Kate.

After he left, I made an excuse to leave too. Kate didn't stop me, just mentioned she'd wait for Claude.

Passing by Claude's room, I accidentally caught a glimpse of Max.

Claude, ever so superior, was pouring wine for Max.

Was Max also Claude's client? Did Max need legal assistance?

Claude surely treated his clients well.

I didn't linger and headed back to my apartment.

But late at night, after finishing my thesis, the doorbell rang.

Who could it be at this hour? For some

of Clason, my first thought was

of Claude, especially after the look he gave me earlier-part warning, part intense heat.