Reborn From Oblivion

Lincoln was visibly frustrated with Morris, crossing his arms and venting, "What are you trying to say? Were all those nice things about my daughter just a trick?"

Morris kept a straight face, "I wasn't tricking her."

"Then why not just go all out with the compliments?"

Morris sighed, "I was worried she'd get too attached."

Lincoln's expression shifted dramatically, his fists clenching as he paced angrily. "What makes you think my daughter isn't good enough for you? How dare you belittle her like that?"

"Uncle, it's not like that. I'm not belittling her. I just can't make her any promises, and I don't want to give her false hope," Morris explained earnestly.

Lincoln paused and took a deep breath, realizing that Morris might have a point. He sighed, "You're right. It's my daughter Vivian's own struggles. Her foster mother was always critical, and then she got tangled up with Cameron, that jerk. She's been let down by the people closest to her, which is why she thinks she doesn't deserve happiness and ends up trying to please everyone."

Morris nodded, "That's exactly why you need to let people get close to her, show her that she's a wonderful person. If you keep sheltering her and pushing people away, how will she ever see how amazing she is?"

Lincoln took a moment to reflect, then admitted with a heavy heart, "I've been a lousy father. You're right; I shouldn't hide her light. I should let her shine."

Morris nodded back, but the light in his captivating eyes had dimmed a bit.

Completely missing Morris's inner conflict, Lincoln eagerly shook his hand, saying, "Nathan, I finally believe you don't have any bad intentions toward my daughter."

Morris was at a loss for words. It wasn't that he didn't care for her; it's just that he felt he had no choice but to keep his distance.

Lincoln gave Morris a friendly pat on the shoulder, adding, "As long as you don't develop any inappropriate feelings for my daughter, I really do like you. After all, you're Kelly's son, and with her smarts, you've got to have good genes. Kelly's

straight-talking and generous, and I'm sure you're just as kind-hearted. About the prison thing, I'm sure it was just a mistake. Turn things around, and you'll be fine."

Morris shook his head, "The prison thing wasn't just a mistake. It was planned..."

Lincoln's smile faded, withdrawing his hand from Morris's shoulder.

"Why would you do that? Breaking the law on purpose? You're throwing your future away."

Morris was unwavering, "My principles are more important than my future." Lincoln was baffled, "What could be so important? Tell me, maybe I can help."

"Sure, but not right now," Morris said with a playful smirk.

Lincoln's mood turned serious.

Morris breaking the law on purpose was troubling.noveldrama

But thinking of Kelly, the honest and upright woman she was, I

found

t hard to believe her sonnet

would do something truly terrible.

jel

Eventually curiosity got the better of Lincoln. He pulled out his phone and made a call, "Can you dig into Morris's criminal record for me? Send it to my email ASAP

"Sure thing, Mr. Thompson."

That evening, Lincoln sat at his computer and opened his email.

As Morris's personal records popped up, Lincoln felt a wave of tension wash over

him.