Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Nathalie's hand trembled as she held the chopsticks, initially reaching for the lotus root but then changing her mind and picking up a piece of braised pork instead. She placed a succulent piece in Lincoln's bowl. "Dad, here's your favorite braised pork. Enjoy."

Lincoln took a bite, his cheeks puffing up with delight. "Whoa, how much sugar is in this? It's so sweet, I might lose my last molar!"

Jules teased, "Lincoln, your daughter's got a mind of her own now."

Then, picking up a slice of lotus root, he joked, "And who might be the fan of this lotus root? Nathan, is it you who loves it?"

Nathalie blushed deeply, her ears turning crimson as she dropped her gaze, nearly burying her face in her bowl.

Morris, however, chimed in cheerfully, "Yep, I'm the one who loves lotus root."

Jules popped a piece into his mouth, crunching it with obvious enjoyment. Lincoln chuckled, "What a coincidence, Jules likes lotus root too."

Morris's hand tensed slightly. Nathalie suddenly looked up, anxiety in her eyes as she glanced at Morris. Despite his calm exterior, Nathalie found herself puzzled by his demeanor.

Given his longing for family ties and his somewhat unforgiving nature, she

expected Morris to either confront Jules with pointed questions about his past or to avoid him altogether.

current laid-back attitude left Nathalie unable to decipher

reality by Morris's gentle touch on her arm. "Nathalie, what's on your mind? Let's eat while the food's still

and Jules continued to compete for the lotus root,

sure have similar tastes, loving lotus root and both

more Lincoln spoke, the more he noticed a peculiar resemblance between the two, prompting him to examine their faces. "Jules, you know, Nathan

his face delicate like a porcelain doll, alluring in

be silly; I've never married and certainly don't have the good fortune to have

have a connection. Why not take Nathan as

paused, looking up at Morris, seemingly weighing the

so

Nathalie was not one to make such bold proposals. Yet today,

would she make such a suggestion

was out

Inappropriate.

her proposal's impropriety. Instead,

looked anxiously at Morris, reaching