Reborn From Oblivion

Nathalie hit the elevator button and, once inside, absentmindedly watched the numbers light up as they ascended. She didn't show a flicker of emotion towards Miranda's distress.

The elevator swiftly reached the desired floor. Nathalie was the first to step out, heading straight to Lincoln's hospital room, with Lizzy wheeling Miranda close behind.noveldrama

Nathalie knocked softly, and Lincoln's warm voice reached her ears. "Come in."

She opened the door, and Lincoln's face lit up with a broad smile upon seeing his daughter.

"Vivian, come here. I've got something for you," he said, grinning.

Nathalie approached him, and Lincoln retrieved a beautifully crafted box from under his pillow. Handing it to her, he said, "I made this for you. Open it up and see if you like it."

Nathalie lifted the lid to reveal a pink gemstone necklace, her eyes widening in surprise. "Where did you get these gemstones?"

Lincoln beamed with pride. "I reached out to some old friends. One of them's in the jewelry business, and I asked for some pink gemstones."

Nathalie was intrigued. "These must cost a fortune. How did you manage that? Did you get them on credit?"

"Of course not," Lincoln assured her. "I'd never put you in that position. I helped him crack a research problem, and these gemstones were my reward."

Nathalie's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Dad, you're incredible."

Just then, Lincoln noticed the unexpected visitors. He glanced at Lizzy and Miranda, puzzled. Pointing at them, he asked Nathalie, "I've seen this young lady with you often. She's with you, right? But who's the older woman?"

Perhaps the years of illness had kept Lincoln's appearance from aging too much, as Miranda recognized him immediately, her face a mask of fear.

"Lincoln, you're alive?" she blurted out.

Lincoln squinted slightly, trying to place her. "Are you-Vivian's aunt?"

Miranda nodded eagerly.

Unaware of Miranda's mistreatment of his daughter or the money she embezzled, Lincoln felt gratitude towards her for raising Nathalie.

"Sister, I never imagined I'd see you again in my lifetime."

Miranda, ever the actress, began her performance tears glistening in her eyes. "Lincoln, do you know how tough things have been for me? My

husband left, my own daughter.

doesn't understand it's all because I took care of your child. It's been a hard road."

Nathalie watched her, eyes steady, seeing through the facade.

Lincoln was taken aback. "You raised my Vivian? But-what about her mother?"

Miranda, with a moment of genuine

sorrow, wiped her tears. "Maya, poor thing, thought you were gone after your accident and followed soon after."

BUMS

Before Nathalie could intervene, Miranda had already spilled the truth.

Lincoln seemed to shrink, like a flower under unexpected frost.

"Maya's gone?" he murmured, shaking his head in denial.

His eyes were soon wet with tears, bloodshot and glistening.

Nathalie, heart aching, moved to comfort him, gently patting his back. "Dad, you've still got me."

Lincoln, too overwhelmed, was silent.

Miranda, realizing the chaos she'd

caused, tried to backpedal with mock concern, "Oh Lincoln, you must stay strong. Nathalie's just fost her husband, and now with you like this, what will come of this family?”