After her rebirth

The next morning, Juniper left home half an hour early, carrying breakfast made by the family cook, and headed to the hospital.

She tiptoed into the ward, only to find Katniss already awake.

Juniper blinked. "Did I wake you?"

Katniss gave a weak smile. "No, I didn't sleep well. Why are you here so early? Don't you have classes this morning?"

"I brought you breakfast. I asked the nanny to make it special. She simmered it for hours-chicken soup. Smells amazing, right?" Juniper put down her backpack and quickly pulled out the lunchbox. "Whenever I got sick, the nanny would make this for me, and I'd get better in no time!"

As soon as she opened the lid, the room filled with a delicious aroma, making Katniss's stomach growl a bit.

She hadn't had a proper meal in days, relying solely on IV nutrition.

"Have you eaten? Let's eat together," Katniss's voice was still a bit hoarse. Juniper felt a pang of heartache, "I've eaten. This is all for you."

Knowing Katniss was injured and couldn't move, Juniper carefully fed her.

"Not to be rude, but your dad is really something. You're his biological daughter, and you just woke up. How could he be so harsh?" Juniper said indignantly. "Seriously, you should be my dad's daughter. He may not be educated, but he knows how to care for his daughter."

The Davis family had risen to wealth quickly and had plenty of money but lacked culture and couldn't integrate into high society. They were looked down upon for their lack of heritage.

Even at school, the rich kids didn't like to hang out with Juniper for the same reason.

Katniss quietly drank the chicken soup and said with a wry smile, "Good thing my dad isn't here, or he'd beat me again."

"What do you mean?" Juniper asked.

"I suggested cutting ties, and that's why I got beaten," Katniss said lightly.

It was this incident that made her realize that some blood ties must be severed; otherwise, he could endlessly harm her under the guise of family.

Juniper was shocked and then gave a thumbs up, "You're really brave, but also a bit foolish. At least you should wait until there are people around to say it." With others around, would Oliver dare to beat her so recklessly?

At least someone could have intervened.

Katniss's bright eyes dimmed, and she gave a sarcastic smile, "I'm his daughter. Who has the right to stop a father from disciplining his daughter?"

"That's not necessarily true. If it were Clara, your brothers would protect her, afraid she'd get even a scratch. They treat her like a princess."

Katniss squinted her eyes. Juniper was right. When she was beaten nearly to death, her mother and brothers watched coldly, not even stopping it. But if it were Clara...

Family bonds are not forged by compulsion.

Such a simple truth, how did she remain so obsessed until death in the past life?

"Katniss, is this your classmate?" The door to the ward was suddenly pushed open a bit, and Saskia poked her head in, asking curiously.

"Saskia." Seeing it was Saskia, Katniss moved, only to pull at her wound, her face turning pale with pain.

Saskia hurried in, concerned, "Don't move, just lie down."

Katniss lay back, puzzled as to how Saskia knew she was in the hospital. She hadn't told Wesley and the others to avoid worrying them.

Seeing it was getting late, Juniper politely greeted Saskia and told Katniss she'd visit later before rushing off to school.

After Juniper left, Katniss asked, "Saskia, how did you know I was here?"

Saskia's eyes reddened as she looked her over, "My mother-in-law's relatives came over and brought some local specialties. I thought you lived alone and brought some for you. I went to Aurora's house, but no one was there. Then I went to the school and found out from your counselor that you hadn't attended classes for days."

"Saskia, don't cry. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry," Katniss quickly comforted her.

"What happened? Tell me the truth," Saskia said sternly, pulling up a chair to sit down.

Knowing she couldn't hide it, Katniss confessed everything.

After hearing it all, Saskia's face darkened further, "Katniss, if you keep such big things from us, are you planning to cut ties with us too?"

Katniss felt a bit lost and obediently lowered her head to take the scolding, knowing Saskia was only angry because she cared about her.

After Saskia finished lecturing, Katniss said softly, "Saskia, don't be mad. I know I was wrong. I've already called the police, and they'll catch the culprit soon."

Seeing Katniss, her face gaunt and drawn, her eyes hollowed, Saskia's heart ached again. "Was that your classmate just now? She brought you food and seems to care a lot about you."

Katniss smiled warmly and introduced Juniper, saying she was her best friend at school.

Saskia asked, "You've been in the hospital for days. Do your parents know?"

Katniss's smile faded, and she nodded.

Since they knew and still didn't show up, Saskia bit her lip, feeling a surge of frustration. But as a junior, she couldn't criticize Oliver.

She just felt sorry for Katniss.

After chatting for a while, Saskia had to leave due to family matters.

The ward became quiet again. Katniss looked out the window at the beautiful scenery, there were blue sky and the faint morning glow.

Having just finished the chicken soup and breakfast, she felt warm and relaxed.

All day, there were people left by Maximilian at the door, taking turns watching. Any movement, and they'd come immediately.

This day was the most comfortable and peaceful Katniss had felt in a while.

She just needed to eat and sleep.

In the evening, Maximilian arrived, with Felix behind him.

Felix carried a wooden lunchbox, square and elegant, with Starry Night Hotel written on it.

He must have gone to Starry Night Hotel to get it.

Felix cheerfully took out a small dining table, opened the lunchbox, and laid out the food, "Here's your favorite dessert, Red Velvet Cake, I specially saved for you. There's also porridge and a few side dishes." Katniss was weak, and she could only eat light food recently.

Though light, the dishes from Starry Night Hotel still looked appetizing.

Katniss couldn't move her arm, so the nurse skillfully fed her. She ate contentedly, almost finishing everything.

After eating, Katniss felt a bit embarrassed, "I ate too much. Maximilian, have you had dinner?"

Maximilian took out a wet wipe and handed it to Katniss, smiling lightly, "Not yet. I'll eat with Carlton and the others at the old house tonight."

Katniss looked up. It was the first time she'd heard Maximilian mention his grandfather.

Maximilian added gently, "To discuss our marriage."