Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I spent the whole night waiting, hoping for a rescue that never came as dawn broke. Deep down, I knew I shouldn't have expected anyone to save me, especially not Max.

Right on cue, Lydia knocked and entered, "Ms. Claire, it's time for breakfast."

I barely glanced at the meal she brought in. After years of taking care of me, Lydia knew my eating habits all too well. Breakfast was a lean chicken broth with a side of toast this time. "Ms. Claire, you need to eat well to keep up your strength to fight back."

Her voice cracked as she covered her face and rushed out, tears streaming down her cheeks. It struck me then how she was just as much a prisoner of circumstances as I was. Despite her and her family's innocence, Claude's madness had torn them apart, leaving them in constant danger.

I forced myself to eat, knowing full well that waiting for the end wouldn't help anyone.

Determined to not just sit around, I attempted to leave my room only to find that the villa was under constant surveillance, leaving no corner unwatched. Claude's paranoia seemed almost laughable now.

When I loved him, he pushed me away. And now, when my feelings had faded, he watched me obsessively.

"Ms. Claire, the villa is spacious; feel free to explore. But stay away from the front door. The backyard, however, is full of the flowers you love. Maybe take a stroll there..."

Her words hinted at a possible escape through the back, yet the thought of leaving Lydia and her family in danger held me back.

"Lydia, come with me. If we can reach Richard, he'll help us." I was certain Richard was unaware of my predicament. He had plans with me to attend the Hilton family's investment in a new prosthetic limb showcase. If he couldn't reach me, he'd surely come looking. But then it hit me; I had changed the security code to my place. He wouldn't know how to get in. A frustrating oversight on my part.

"Ms. Claire, I'll wait here for you to come back for me. The guards are changing shifts by the back door right now. If you leave, I'll keep up the pretense of bringing your meals. That should get you back to Silverlake City. If the house seems empty, the guards will notice." "And the surveillance in my room?"

"I'll cut the power to give you more

time. The young master has returned to Crestview Metropolis. It'll take him some time to come back."

Swr

Before I could answer, Lydia added, "My phone's been confiscated. So, Ms. Claire, you need to come back quickly to save me."

But with no ID, no money, no phone, how was I supposed to flee, much less board a plane?

Richard's number was the only one I knew by heart. I had to escape first, then figure out the rest.

However, just as I made my dash for freedom through the back, Claude's car was already there, waiting. Lydia's shock mirrored mine.

"You... you were supposed to be in Crestview Metropolis," she stuttered.

Claude approached, a cold, determined look on his face, a metal chain in hand.

"I had my doubts, and it seems they were justified."

A sinking feeling took over me, and I ran. But Claude didn't rush; he followed leisurely, his driver trailing me in the car.

The villa was isolated, surrounded

by nothing but stretches of heated

asphalt under the glaring sun. Despite the hopelessness, I had to

keep running.

No soul was in sight, and Claude's patience was wearing thin. His bodyguards quickly apprehended me and brought me to his side.

"This area is deserted. Don't think

anyone will come to your rescue There's a small community up ahead, but it's mostly elderly folks. They won't be able to help you."

Claude had planned my capture too well, familiar with every detail of our surroundings.