Rebirth Into My Second Chance

It worked like a charm. He asked, worried, "Where are you? I'll come over right now."

I rushed to explain, "My friend had a rough time at the bar-looks like someone messed with her drink or something. She's burning up. We're just college kids, too scared to call our folks. Could you bring some sort of antidote?" There was silence on Ronald's end.

Just when I thought my acting had flopped, I heard a cold, stern voice, "Kids these days always seem to find trouble. Help her out."

Max? At this hour, he was with Ronald?

Turns out their relationship wasn't as simple as being mere acquaintances.

And Max, with his icy demeanor, alongside Ronald with his sunny disposition, seemed oddly well-matched.

"Can Mr. Collins deliver it to the guardhouse at Serenity Lane Estates? I'll come out to get it."

Ronald sighed, "Girls gotta learn to look after themselves. I'll be there in 15 minutes."

I thanked him, smiling.

Then I heard him mutter to Max, "Wakey, wakey. Time for you to hit the road."

And with that, he hung up. I felt like I'd stumbled upon some juicy gossip. They were definitely together.

I took a detour to pick up some essentials before heading to the guardhouse to retrieve the package from Ronald. With this, even if I accidentally ingested something sketchy, I'd be safe.

Sure enough, as soon as I got back, Mrs. Hart called me for afternoon tea. All sorts of pastries, all to my liking.

This was definitely aimed at me.

So, I texted Kate, "Kate, Mrs. Hart had the Hilton family's chef whip up some incredible treats today."

I even sent her a photo.

Knowing her, she'd rush back in a heartbeat to suck up to Mrs. Hart, especially with the Hilton's chef behind the feast. She'd want to make a good impression no matter what. Mrs. Hart seemed pleased to see me enjoying the food, smiling contentedly.

"Claire, graduation's just around the corner. Aside from grad school, got any plans?" she inquired.

I shook my head, "I'm all ears to whatever you suggest, Mrs. Hart."

Like in my past life, resistance was futile. This time, I figured I'd play along, to avoid any drama due to her condition, something I wasn'baware of before.

"Ever thought about marrying Claude?" she suddenly asked, point-blank.

I feigned shock, my fork clattering to the plate.

I kept my lips sealed, head bowed.

She handed me her medical report.

"Claire, I don't have much time left. I'm worried..." she choked up, shoulders trembling. "Mrs. Hart, I..."NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

"I'm worried that if I'm not around, you'll have nobody to rely on. Cla is all alone in this world, too. If you two could be together, I'd rest easy, even in death."

She held my hand, her eyes brimming with tears. In my previous life, her sincerity moved me.

But back then, I could feel Claude cared more for Kate. So, I rejected her.

I said I didn't love Claude. And Claude just happened to walk in and hear it.

So, this time, my answer had to be different.

"Mrs. Hart nothing's going to happen to you. Modern medicinezis amazing, and I know some top-notch surgeons. I can get them to look after you. And I... I can take care of myself. Claudy..."

Just then, the front door clicked open.

"Claudy has Kate. They're perfect for each other."

The door swung open, and in walked Claude, "Mom, what nonsense are you spouting to Claire now?"