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.

laid-back attitude left Nathalie unable to decipher

Morris's gentle touch on her arm. "Nathalie, what's on

continued

and teased, "You two sure have similar tastes, loving lotus

prompting him to examine their faces. "Jules, you know, Nathan and you do

wore oversized sunglasses, his face delicate like a

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

to have a connection. Why

looking up at Morris, seemingly weighing

this, was so surprised

onto the table. He knew his daughter well; Nathalie was not one to make such bold proposals. Yet today, her

make such a suggestion without

was out

Inappropriate.

of her proposal's impropriety. Instead, she

anxiously at Morris, reaching