Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I couldn't recall the exact moment I passed out, only that an excruciating pain had gripped my stomach, making me break out in a cold sweat before everything went black.

When I finally came around, I found myself hooked up to an IV drip, a concoction of glucose and nutrients flowing into my veins.

Helen rushed to my side as soon as she saw my eyes open. "Ms. Claire, you're finally awake," she exclaimed, relief washing over her face.

I turned my head towards her, remembering the flood of words she had shared just before I fainted-words heavy with guilt and despair. Without uttering a word, I simply turned away.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Claire," Helen continued, her voice laced with regret. "I shouldn't have burdened you with all those troubles. Please, forgive me."

I remained silent, not out of resentment towards her, but because I couldn't forgive myself. Max had done so much for me, yet I had doubted him, harboring suspicions and insecurities. And Richard, well, he would do anything for the Dean's mother, committing deeds most foul on her behalf. It was then I despised myself for not seeing through Richard's actions sooner, for not realizing they were all to please the Dean's mother.

Feeling down, I watched Helen leave the room, the sound of the door shutting echoed in my mind.

Mustering what little strength I had, I attempted to rise, intent on finding Ronald Collins.

But as I tried to get up, I saw Max standing at the doorway, halting my efforts to remove the IV needle. Weak and unsteady, I barely managed to stand.

"Where are you off to in such a rush?" His voice carried a hint of annoyance, perhaps even anger.

A shiver ran through me as I replied, fearing his reaction, "I... I need to see Ronald."

Ignoring his presence, I continued to pull at the needle, only to hear the drip of the IV fluid hitting the wooden floor.

"What's this secret plan you have that you can't share with me?" he pressed, moving closer.

As the fear of collapsing got to me and my legs gave out, he was fast to grab me. His arms didn't wrap around me with the former warmth anymore, rather he carefully taid me back on the bed. en

He then took a piece of cotton and pressed it against the needle mark on my hand, stopping the bleeding.

"Claire Floyd, I detest being kept in the dark," he said, his gaze piercing through me, causing tears to well up in my eyes. He turned away, perhaps sighing in frustration.

Then, unexpectedly, he turned back and kissed me, taking me by surprise. I was too startled to react, confused by his anger just moments before.

It felt like an eternity before he finally let go. My lips felt swollen, and though I knew I was at fault, it was hard to overlook his part in our misunderstandings.

Feeling both aggrieved and frustrated, I couldn't help but tear up, turning my face away.

Max suddenly knelt before me, a slight smile on his lips. "Are you mad?" he asked softly.

"Yes, you keep things from me, expecting me to guess. And when 1 get it wrong, you accuse me of not trusting you," I retorted, resorting to a tone of coquetry-my last resort.

It worked like a charm. Max took my hand, caressing it gently. "See, I'm here now, aren't I? Even if you're mad, I came to find you."

"This is your house. You can go

wherever you want. How does that

count as coming to find me?" LE continued in my playful, sulky manner, knowing well that Max found it hard to resist.

"Even if you make a mistake, I'll always forgive you. I'll work on earning your complete trust," he promised, slowly easing my unhappiness away.

I couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, seeing him relax and then playfully added, "Didn't you just call me by my full name in anger?"

"Claire..." he started, his usually stoic demeanor showing signs of surrender.

Knowing he was at his wit's end, I was about to let him off the hook when he suddenly produced a small jewelry box from behind him.