Chapter 46
Suddenly, I found myself not really wanting to go back. Wandering aimlessly down the city streets, it felt as though I had no home, nowhere else to go. I pulled out my phone to check my account balance.
Just over ten thousand.
That was supposed to cover my tuition.
Back at the Hart residence, Claude and Gabrielle would often give me money, but I hardly ever spent it. Living in their house, consuming their food and accepting their money made me uncomfortable. So, I usually took up side jobs and relied on my scholarship to scrape by. As I pursed my lips, my eyes caught sight of an apartment for rent.
A thought crossed my mind - maybe it was time to move out of the Hart residence as a first step?
After all, staying at the Hart's, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Claude grew more disdainful of me by the day.
But the apartments in this hotel district were prime real estate, likely only affordable for the well-heeled professionals.
So, the first step in my rebirth wasn't about revenge; it was about having money.
Claude owed me from my past life, and it felt right to use his money to make up for it in this life.
Maybe it was the second chance at life, but I found myself feeling surprisingly light. Gone was the timid, struggling person I used to be.
Instead, I felt carefree. He owed me, after all. Using his money was only fair.
My parents paid with their lives; why should I feel guilty? If anyone, they should be the ones feeling remorseful.
Preparing to catch a bus, that's when I realized they had stopped running for the night.
Glancing around for a taxi, my eyes landed on a pharmacy.
For a moment, I considered buying the morning-after pill, but quickly dismissed the thought. I had made my decision and there was no turning back.
Just as I was about to hail a taxi, a familiar car pulled up in front of the pharmacy.
It was Max's car, a modest Volkswagen valued at around fifteen thousand. I remembered the license plate was 369. I craned my neck, curious to see this life's Max and wondering what he was doing at a pharmacy at this hour. Instead, Ronald stepped out of the car, the very picture of integrity. He quickly purchased something and handed it to someone in the backseat.
When he closed the door, his gaze met mine.
From his expression, he seemed to wonder why a young woman like me was out alone at this late hour.
In my past life, Ronald was a beacon of justice, tirelessly working to uncover the truth.
Seeing him approach, I couldn't help but smile.
"Miss, I'm a detective. There's no need to be afraid. It's just that it's quite late for you to be out here alone. It can be dangerous," he said, showing his badge in a gentlemanly and gentle manner. FindNovel
"Thank you," I blurted out, feeling compelled for some reason to express my gratitude right away.
Ronald looked puzzled but continued, "Where do you live? I can drive you home."
He was as kind-hearted as ever.
I shook my head, "No, thank you, Mr. Collins. I'll catch a cab home. My name is Claire Floyd."
I wanted him to know my name because he had once helped my soul.
As I spoke, my taxi arrived.
Ronald, ever the protector, stopped the driver to check his credentials before allowing me to get in.
I waved at him, smiling.
The people who had helped me in
my
special place in my heart, a constant
reminder to be grateful ConetContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
e would always hold a
belongs to en.kikistori
As the taxi pulled away, I saw Max stagger out of the car, leaning on it as he vomited.
So, in my past life, Max had been out drinking with Ronald, and Ronald had bought him hangover medicine.
He was vomiting by the roadside.
That meant my child wasn't Max's.
But then, who the father was didn't seem to matter much anymore.
Leaning against the car window, I took in the world outside. It was real and beautiful.
In the past, my world had revolved solely
for gamay laude, making mee
be
beautiful the world could belongs to