Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"Claire, are you okay?" Helen's voice pulled me back from my daze, her concern evident in her tone.

I shook my head, trying to force a smile that came out more like a grimace. "I'm just tired, that's all. Let's head back."

As we turned the corner, a shadow darted from behind a wall, disappearing before I could take a second look. I wasn't hallucinating; it was too real, reminiscent of what I had witnessed the night before. There's no way I could be mistaken. The bond between Max and Richard wasn't as straightforward as it seemed. They must have feigned their fallout, leading everyone astray. It allowed them to operate under the radar, united by a common goal they were not ready to disclose. Who were they protecting with such fervor?

Leaning against the car window, lost in thought, I remained silent all the way back to the Hilton family estate. Max was already there, greeting me with a comforting arm around my shoulders. "Tired? Feeling unwell?" His concern was palpable. Looking into his eyes, I caught a flicker of something I couldn't quite define. "Max, can I really..." Trust you? I wanted to ask but chose silence. If he had something to say, he wouldn't keep me in the dark: "I'm just really scared for you going back to Elmwood Springs. The flood, Lydia's death... it all leads back there."

Max handed me a stack of papers. "I went to Elmwood Springs for Lydia. She meant the world to you, and she saved your life. When the police called for identification, I went ahead for a DNA match. It's confirmed... it was Lydia. I've even arranged for her burial there." The forensic evidence laid out before me left me at a loss for words. He went to Elmwood Springs to identify Lydia's body?

Sensing my confusion, Max apologized, "I'm sorry. I should have discussed the Elmwood Springs trip with you. I just didn't want to worry you."

I shook my head, memories of Claude using Lydia's family as leverage flashing through my mind. "Max, did you look into Lydia's family? Claude threatened her with their safety."

"We couldn't find them. Claude later claimed he let them go with some money. Where they went after that, nobody knows," Max replied, his eyes earnest.

In that moment, I couldn't help but believe him again.

"Max, I visited the lab today, hoping to see my professor, but he wasn't there," I shared, still processing everything.

"You can meet your professor anytime you feel ready," he reassured.

"I'm a bit tired now. I think I'll head to

bed," I said, my tone colder than I intended. Max sensed my mood and didn't stop me as I headed upstairs. Instead of going straight to my room, lingered in the shadows, overhearing Helen reporting my day to Max. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

So, Helen was keeping an eye on me, not for my protection, but to surveil me.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Allen.

"I spoke with Richard today. His collaboration with the Hilton Group didn't raise any flags. But after you left, Onoticed a car tailing me. Seems like I'm being followed."

My grip tightened on the phone as I read Allen's message, then quickly deleted it. Helen had been cautious, assigning someone to track Allen as well.

After a shower, I stared at my reflection, struggling to grasp any sense of reality. The lines between truth and deception blurred, leaving me wondering what, if anything, was truly real. en