Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Nathalie chuckled softly. "He's got no clue about himself, does he?"

A wave of bitterness washed over her, a reminder of how she always seemed to fall short of her father's endless expectations.

Morris caught the hint of sadness clouding Nathalie's expression and gently clasped her hand, his eyes filled with empathy. "Nathalie, you're deserving of every bit of praise your father showers upon you. You're worthy of any man out there."

Nathalie blurted out, "Then what about you? Why do you always seem to dodge me?"

Morris's face turned a deep shade of red, his lips parting slightly in surprise. "I..."

Realizing she had put him on the spot, Nathalie took a step back, flushed with embarrassment. "Morris, I was just kidding around. I... I sometimes struggle with confidence and feel like I don't deserve happiness. I look to you for a sense of security to shake that off."

"I know it's irrational. No one can really give you that kind of security. It's unreliable. In the end, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself."

"You get what I'm saying, right? Anyway, I should go downstairs and mingle with the guests. I'm sorry."

Nathalie quickly exited the room.

Morris remained there, his head bowed, his face drained of color.

In that instant, he despised the choices he had made.

he could have had more time. Maybe then, he could have been her

Nathalie only felt safe with him. Yet he couldn't offer her that

sharp pain suddenly gripped Morris's heart, leaving him drenched in

push away the whirlwind of worries. Slowly,

out a deep

leave Nathalie; it was becoming

of lovely

you going to introduce us to your brother? We've

flashed them a smile.

so stunning;

to make

meet you all."

his

your brother must be just

a leg

ladies exchanged skeptical glances. "Oh, that's

like a thorn in her heart. She reassured them, "He may have

You'll see

when you meet

the handful. I can't handle them alone, ask him