Rebirth Into My Second Chance novel Chapter 3

I followed Claude and Kate to the detective's office.

When the detective pulled out a severed finger, Kate's eyes rolled back, and her legs gave way, leaning heavily against Claude. “Claude, is this Claire’s finger? Didn’t she run away from home? How could something like this happen?”-

Holding Kate by her shoulders, Claude was in denial. "It can't be. Claire had a ring on her ring finger, and this one doesn't."

The detective asked, "Mr. Hart, are you sure it's not Ms. Floyd's? Because we found it near her phone."

Claude nodded. "I'm sure."

The detective cracked a small smile, noting that Claude's detailed knowledge about the ring suggested a close relationship with Ms. Floyd.

I watched from the side, sneered.

That ring would always be on my finger as if embedded in my bones because it was too small. I forced it on, thinking it would loosen over time. I thought Claude’s heart would soften over time as well. But the ring became a part of me, impossible to remove.

Regrettably, the detective approached with the forensic report, "The DNA doesn’t match Claire’s, but this shoe was confirmed to be hers. Would you like to take it with you, or should we keep it here?”

Seeing Claude and Kate together, the detective asked with suspicion, “Mr. Hart, may I ask what your relationship with Ms. Claire is?”

Claude snorted, "Strangers."

Strangers? Even my spirit shuddered at that. We were married and had sex. He was my lawful husband.

Aware of the marital status, the detective found it odd and glanced at Kate again.

Terrified, Kate sought refuge in Claude's embrace. “Claude, I can’t stand being here anymore. Let's go.”

Claude’s expression darkened as he told the detective, “Leave it here. She’ll come for it herself. She’s fine.”

Claude believed I was only hiding, throwing a tantrum.

The detective frowned, disappointed by the lawyer's apparent infidelity.

Floating above, I scoffed at myself, “I won’t be returning. Not ever. In your heart, I was just a stranger.”

His indifference was like that day I had an accident. There was a moment when I woke up, my phone nearby, and I called Claude.

Tears blurred my vision. I wished I could tell Richard not to confront Claude, the heartless man. It would only bring harm. He was cold and uncaring. No, his heart belonged to Kate.

I remembered promising Richard that I’d pick him up from jail.

When we got back home, Claude locked me up and ordered the staff to keep a close eye on me, forbidding me from leaving.

That night, as I protested, insisting on keeping my promise to Richard, Claude overpowered me, his eyes filled with fury. “You wanted to get into my bed to have me marry you, and yet you still have the nerve to chase after other men? Or is this another test to see if I get jealous? Claire, drop your little schemes.”

I retorted, “I didn’t. Richard has always been my best friend. You imprisoned him. I just wanted to make things right.”

Suddenly, he gripped my chin, sneering, “From today on, you can’t see him without my permission.”

I questioned him, “And what about you? You’re going to see Kate for her birthday, right?”

“Mind your business.” After saying that, Claude left to meet his childhood sweetheart, who always held his affection.

What classic double standards.