Reborn From Oblivion

Morris sat there, head hanging low, his hands gripping the wheelchair handles like they were his lifeline. His heart gave a painful throb, a relentless reminder of his fragile existence. How could someone like him, with such a limited future, even dream of love?

"I'm sorry," he finally whispered, forcing the words out.

Lincoln, visibly irritated, snapped back, "No need to apologize. I wouldn't want Vivian to end up with you anyway."

Upstairs, Nathalie, unable to shake off her worry for Morris, had overheard the exchange. Tears brimmed in her eyes and spilled over, tracing paths down her cheeks. She retreated to her room, collapsing onto the floor, letting the tears flow freely.

Her feelings for Morris had taken root unexpectedly, yet they ran deep and true. When had she fallen for him? She'd always seen him as family, but hearing him reject her father like that was like a dagger to her heart.

In that moment of clarity, she realized she loved Morris.

That night, sleep evaded her. Thoughts swirled as she pondered her secret affection for Morris-how it had caused Ashley pain, troubled Nathan, and left her own heart in turmoil. She decided then and there to put aside her own feelings for the good of everyone involved.

The next morning, over breakfast, Nathalie dropped a bombshell: "Dad, I've decided to start dating."

Lincoln's eyes lit up, and he threw his hands up in approval. "Vivian, it's about time you moved on and opened your heart to new possibilities." He shot a smug look at Morris.

But Morris felt like he'd been sucker-punched. The news hit him like a sledgehammer, leaving him breathless.

Lincoln, buzzing with excitement, offered his help, "Vivian, I'll reach out to my old pals and have them scout for some decent guys for you."

Nathalie just smiled. "Dad, he doesn't need to be anything extraordinary. Just honest, kind, and good to me and my family."

Lincoln was momentarily stunned.noveldrama

Morris felt like he'd been struck by lightning.

Nathalie's simple criteria showed she was serious about settling down.

Lincoln chimed in again, "Vivian, we should aim a bit higher. Education and-" he threw a glance at Morris, "good health are important too."

Nathalie, firm in her resolve, said, "Dad, I get that you want the best for me. But if someone thinks that way, they might judge me for my own health issues."

Lincoln, unfazed, argued, "That's different. Vivian, you're smart, beautiful, kind, and you earn a lot. Apart from a minor health issue, you're perfect. Why should anyone look down on you?"

Morris couldn't help but smile, nodding in agreement with Lincoln. "Your dad's got a point, Nathalie.

overnet

You shouldn't dwell on what you ne

think are your flaws. You're incredible... you're the most

successful woman in town

Lincoln, taken aback, gave Morris a discreet thumbs-up. "Finally, you said something sensible."

But Nathalie, her insecurities deeply

ingrained, saw their words as

well-meaning but naive. She stared straight at Morris, "Do you really think that highly of me?"

Sensing the trap in her question, Morris hesitated, wary of falling into it.

Nathalie, a bittersweet smile on her face, said, "I knew you were just trying to

cheer me up." Then she got up and left, her heart heavy with solitude.