Rebirth Into My Second Chance

When I got on board, Kearney was shaking with anger. "Claire Floyd, you're just a small-town nobody. Just because your parents are gone and there's no one to tame you doesn't mean we won't find a way." Helen closed the door behind us, muffling any further outbursts from him.

But his message was clear: he intended to dig up my relatives to use them against me.

Leaning back in my seat, I thought about my relatives. If they really cared about my parents, they would have reached out long before letting me grow up in an orphanage. Arriving back at the Hilton family estate, I found Max had just arrived too.

I approached him and asked, "What drama are the Hilton elders stirring up now?"

Max's expression darkened.

"They're digging into your parents' roots, seeing if there are any other relatives. I've looked before and found nothing. But if they're really looking, I hope they find something."

In that moment, I understood Kearney's words and what Max meant. He hoped my relatives would be found, but their discovery could also mean a weapon against me. "Max, I've thought about it. My parents must have had parents too, right? My grandparents?"

"I've got people on it, trying to get ahead of them, to find anything related to your parents. My dad destroyed a lot of records, so there's not much to go on."

I saw a hint of frustration in his usually stoic face.

"It's okay," I tried to reassure him. "Even if they find them, it might not threaten me. If they haven't reached out in all these years, they probably don't know I exist or don't want me."

Feeling a pang of sadness, I quickly

changed the subject. "I'm hungry

didn't want to dwell on the sorrow, choosing to face challenges head-on with a smile. "Let's eat."

Max tapped my nose. "The kitchen has prepared something light; you probably don't have much of an appetite today."

Nodding, I sat down to a meal that included bread, salmon, and some greens, and quickly felt full.

Helen added with a smile, "Many pregnant women don't have your appetite or energy early on. And you even performed surgery and emergency aid today."

I paused, then placed a hand on my stomach. I momentarily forgot my pregnancy.

"Mr. Hilton, the civil affairs office is scheduled for tomorrow, and the bridal shop has your fitting," Helen reported, seeing me zone out.

Puffing my cheeks, I hadn't quite adjusted to the situation.

Was I really about to marry Max?

It felt so rushed. Usually, there's courtship and a proposal before marriage, but none of that happened with Max.

I frowned slightly.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere,

Max was kneeling before me. "Were you thinking of this?" he asked, opening a ring box to reveal a large pink diamond ring.

When had he prepared this?

Helen nudged me gently. "Ms. Claire, are you overwhelmed? Mr. Hilton had this ring prepared a long time ago. We never knew who he got it for after spending a fortune at the auction. Now it all makes sense. He's had his heart set on you."

I looked at Helen, touching my forehead. "You're really Max's best spokesperson."