Reborn From Oblivion

Ford chimed in, "Nina disappeared for quite a while after saying she was headed to the restroom. Dominick and I were about to lose it searching for her. Just as we were about to give you a heads-up, she strolled out of Dawson International." Both of them looked at Nathan, guilt written all over their faces. Nathan turned his attention to Nina.

Nina, showing maturity beyond her years, held onto Dominick with one hand and Ford with the other, giving them a reassuring look. "Uncle, you two can go downstairs. I'll explain everything to Dad."

Dominick and Ford didn't dare leave without Nathan's say-so.

Nina was a bit taken aback and pouted in disappointment.noveldrama

Finally, Nathan waved them off, saying, "Alright, get up."

Dominick and Ford scrambled to their feet, retreating awkwardly. Nathan focused on Nina. "So, you went to see him?"

Nina didn't hide it, nodding, "Dad, you're sharp. Nothing slips past you."

"Does your mom know about this?" Nathan's expression turned serious.

Nina shook her head. "No, Dad, I didn't tell Mom."

"Why not?" Nathan's voice was stern, "Do you think your mom wouldn't approve of you meeting him? Is that why you went ahead anyway?"

Nina nodded, understanding the implication.

Nathan's tone was laced with sarcasm, "You're young, but you sure know how to make your own decisions."

Nina bit her lip, defiant, "I saw him, but I'm not looking to rekindle anything."

Nathan stood up, his voice cold, "If your mom wouldn't like it, then you shouldn't do it." With that, he turned and went inside.

Nina let out a heavy sigh.

Inside, Natalie was distractedly picking at the vegetables.

She'd heard every word of Nina and Nathan's exchange.

Her feelings were a jumble of surprise, disappointment, and a bit of worry about Nina's actions.

When Nathan entered, she looked at him with concern.

Nathan asked, "Do you think she'll resent me for being tough on her?"

Natalie replied gently, "You're her father. You have every right to guide her the way you see fit."

Nathan smiled, "Glad to hear it."

Without another word, Nathan headed upstairs.

Nina shuffled in slowly, while Natalie continued with the vegetables, not acknowledging her. Nina approached, tears welling up, "Mom, did I upset Dad?"

Natalie asked, "Why did you go see him?"

"I just wanted to warn him to stay out of our lives," Nina said, looking hurt and teary-eyed.

Natalie responded, "If you really

Voet

didn't want to see him, why did at excuse might convince

go?

but not us."

Nina clutched Natalie's hand in desperation, "Mom, please don't be mad. I just... I just can't let it go."

"What's bothering you?"

"I can't believe he could be so

heartless, choosing a terrible

woman over me, putting my life

risk. Does my life mean that little to him?"

Natalie sighed, "So what are you trying to prove? That he still cares? That he didn't mean to hurt you?"

Nina looked down, "He apologized. He promised to make it up to me for the rest of his life."

Natalie saw in Nina's stubbornness and resentment a mirror of her younger self.

Back then, she was driven by vengeance, unstoppable by anyone.

She knew she couldn't stop Nina either.

"Nina, whatever you're trying to prove, just remember to cherish the happiness you have now." With that,

Natalie quietly headed into the kitchen.