Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I leaned against the door, trying to eavesdrop on what Max was mumbling about, but all I caught was the soft click as the door shut.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

In this life, I found out Richard knew Max and held him in high regard. In my past life, my world revolved solely around Claude, oblivious to everything I missed.

Lost in thought, I drifted into a deep sleep after the day's ordeal in the elevator. Awakening in the morning, I found Richard waiting in the living room of my apartment. "Figured out my password, huh?" I shuffled to him in my slippers and poured him a coffee.

"You claim you're over Claude, yet his birthday is still your password. Seriously..." Richard sipped his coffee while playfully chiding me.

I shrugged. "Too lazy to change it. That's all."

Richard was well accustomed to my laziness by then.

"I've got an appointment with a therapist today. Would you like to join me for a session?" Richard's gaze drifted out the window, a hint of evasion in his eyes.

"And why would you think I need therapy?" I tensed up, the memories from my past life still a haunting presence, though I believed I had them under control without the need for a psychologist. "I'm fine," I stated firmly.

Richard didn't press further. Instead, he gestured toward the breakfast laid out on the table. "Eat up. I'll drive you to work. The elevator's fixed. No more scares." He didn't say it, but I knew he must've learned about last night's elevator incident from Max. Richard added, "Eat more. We'll meet Claude today to get your scholarship spot back."

His words nearly made me choke on my cereal. "I'm quite content now." Being Max's student seemed to offer more learning opportunities.

"Didn't you always dream of grad school, pursuing a PhD in medicine to become a top-notch doctor?" Richard paused, putting down his fork to look at me sternly, his hand reaching to ruffle my hair. "I wonder what goes on in your head these days. What have you been through these past two years?"

I shrugged. "You know, the usual stuff you hear about in prison."

How could he know about my past life? Remembering how he died protecting me in that life, all because of Kate's behind-the-scenes scheming, made me tighten my grip on the spoon. I aspired to be better. Yet the hurdle I couldn't overcome was Kate's release, likely due to her backers' influence.

"There are many ways to be the best doctor. Saving lives and giving people a chance to live is all that matters," I suddenly found my childhood dream somewhat amusing.

Richard dropped the subject. After dropping me off at work, I noticed him driving off in a different direction, not toward home but the orphanage, probably seeking closure from Tracie's story.

Entering the office, I saw Kate smugly sitting in my chair.

She said, "Surprised I could find you?"

I frowned, maintaining calm. "Evil catches up to you, you know. What about those young girls who ended up dead and burned because of Daniel? You think you've got nothing to do with that?"

Kate stretched Nazily. "I wanted

Daniel to kidnap you, sure, but never

for you to end up like those girls.

Besides, have no clue how their deaths are related to me. Why would I sabotage myself with sucho

actions?"

"So, what brings you here?" I stepped back, my hand ready on the door handle, prepared to flee at the first sign of aggression from her.