Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I frowned slightly. My fellow researcher, Allen Ramsey, was also known for his obsession with experiments, much like me. We weren't social butterflies, which meant we spent most of our days in the lab, making us academic siblings in arms. And then there was the fact that he was Director Ramsey's son. Director Ramsey had tried playing matchmaker between us, but he eventually gave up, given my rather frosty demeanor.

"We'll go," I urged. "Director Ramsey is counting on us for this material project. Without the materials, we're pretty much stuck."

Allen agreed, "Okay, I'll swing by your place to pick you up. If I'm driving, I won't drink, and since you're a lady, you'll likely be spared, too."

With a nod, I returned to my apartment to change out my black dress, which felt too formal compared to my usual white tee and jeans combo.

After checking the date, I realized it had been a month since my last period. If I were pregnant, I'd need another week to be sure. I had been holding out for that day.

I picked up my phone and called Ronald. "Mr. Collins, have there been any recent cases with burned bodies? I'd like to come over and practice my autopsy skills." But I couldn't tell who Ronald was with from his hesitant voice.

"No... none at the moment," he stammered before quickly hanging up.

I suspected Max was with him. But it didn't matter. Since he moved out and had his driver deliver birth control to me, resentment had grown deep within me.

'Max, oh Max...' Just as I was in thought, the doorbell rang. Expecting Allen, I opened the door without a second thought.

But there was Claude, drenched to the bone and apparently drunk.

When he saw me, he wrapped his arms around me. "Claire, I'm getting married, and you're not even a bit upset? Why have you changed so much in just two months? You once said you'd only love me." Feeling uncomfortable in my wet clothes, I pushed him away.

"Claude, I appreciated your care during the ten years with the Hart family. I was naive and misspoke back then, and I'm sorry. But you're getting married tomorrow. Showing up here now will make Kate use this against me. I'm an orphan, easy prey for her."

Just like before, she could have me kidnapped or killed with a snap of her fingers.

"Wait for me. The firm will go public next month, and once it does, I'll give you all the support you need. I'll always be there for you." Claude's efforts were all for the firm's public listing.

"No need." I refused because he was the storm in my life, not the shelter.

I tried to close the door, but he blocked it with his hand, making me hesitant.

"Claire, can't we go back to how things were? Once the firm goes public, I'll divorce Kate and marry you, okay?" He stepped closer, his strong arms pulling me into an embrace. I struggled, but he held on tighter.

As I was about to grab a vase from the entrance to hit Claude, my research partner, Allen, appeared. He was as tall as Claude, quickly pulling him away and landing a solid punch on his face. "Claire, go inside I'll take care of him." Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

I closed the door with a chilling indifference, my clothes completely soaked. After changing, I opened the door again to see Allen, his lip bloodied from the fight.