Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Helen's trust in Max was something I could only dream of having.

"Did he have someone rough you up? Was it bad?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.

I watched the typing indicator blink on my phone screen, waiting for a reply that never came. Sighing, I set the phone down and headed out.

As I approached the chapel, I overheard some of the staff gossiping. "Mr. Hart spent the whole night kneeling in the chapel," one whispered.

"Poor guy," another replied softly. "But Mr. Hilton sent over some pain relief ointment first thing this morning."

Their voices were hushed, but I heard every word. I wasn't deaf, after all.

When I reached the chapel, there was Max, personally tending to Claude. He helped him to his feet and handed him the ointment with a firm voice, "Walk straight when you leave. I don't want Claire feeling bad when she sees you."

Claude let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Don't worry, Uncle. Even if I died, Claire wouldn't be sad. She can't stand me."

Max snorted, a sound that seemed to say 'at least you're aware.'

But what he actually said was, "The Hilton Group is yours for the taking. I can groom you for it. But if you spread lies in front of her again, I won't hesitate to silence you permanently."

A shiver ran down my spine. Max was clear about his boundaries. He'd give away his wealth, but not me.

Helen's words echoed in my mind. No matter what, I should trust Max's feelings for me.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder, if I were on my deathbed, would he really be heartbroken? He seemed so alone in this world, with no one to walk alongside

him.

"She's eavesdropping," Claude said, nodding in my direction. Max turned to see me standing there, caught red-handed.

I awkwardly waved, and Maxnoveldrama

responded by giving Claude a playful kick where it hurt. It seemed Maxè had a penchant for settling scores immediately, showing a hint of childishness beneath his composed exterior.

"I've arranged for us to go to the courthouse at ten," Max murmured as he approached me, his voice Tow and intimate. "There's an hour to go. Wait for me inside. Certain people are an eyesore."

I shook my head. "I need to swing by St. Mary's Health Center. Can you pick me up from there later?"

Max nodded slightly. "Sure. I'll have my assistant drive you."

He took my hand, and I couldn't help but compare it to mine-his was so much larger, his fingers longer. My middle finger barely matched

ring finger. It struck me then, his ring

finger was still bare

him a ring yet.

I had made up my mind to get a check-up at St. Mary's Health Center. I wanted the tests done by someone I trusted, so I arranged for Allen Ramsey to meet me there.

This way, Max wouldn't suspect a thing.

Upon arriving at St. Mary's, I found Allen, already led to the back by Kate. He wore a hat and mask, and greeted me with a concerned frown. "What's up?"

"Nothing major. Just want a check-up. I've been feeling unusually tired. I thought I might be pregnant. If the center's doctors knew, they might spill to Max. I want to surprise him."

Allen exchanged a glance with Kate and said, "Well, it would be an honor to be part of such a surprise."

But as they performed the ultrasound, their brows furrowed with concern.

"What's wrong?" I asked, anxiety creeping in.

Kate waved her hand dismissively. "No, it's nothing."

But her tense demeanor said otherwise.

Allen looked at me with worry in his eyes. "Claire, brace yourself. You're not pregnant. Your uterine lining is almost non-existent. Conceiving would be extremely difficult."