Reborn From Oblivion

Ashley glanced around Nathalie's room, taking in the extravagant decor that still managed to feel warm and inviting. Her eyes misted over. "Your uncle really takes good care of you," she said, her voice catching a bit.

Nathalie looked back at her, understanding that everyone has their own burdens. Ashley, the dazzling darling of the Stewart family, seemed to have it all, but behind the curtain?

Dean was disappointed that Ashley was a girl. He had affairs and fathered several sons, grooming them to inherit the Stewart family fortune, while Ashley was raised to be a frivolous heiress with no real responsibilities.

But Nathalie was struggling herself, weakened by depression and lacking the energy to help anyone else, or maybe her depression had made her detached from emotions altogether. She couldn't aid Ashley in her troubles.

"What brings you here?" Nathalie asked, knowing Ashley's visit wasn't just out of kindness.

Sure enough, Ashley carelessly set her gift on the table and settled herself comfortably into a chair, lifting her chin with an air of arrogance. "Nathan wrote to me, asking for a visit."

"I thought you might be worried about him too, so I came by to see if you had any message you'd like me to pass on to him?"

It was pure showboating.

Nathalie gave a faint smile. "Nothing special just for him. But for both of you, I'd say: If you're in love, make it work. A harmonious marriage leads to happiness."

Ashley's hand trembled slightly under her sleeve, her long lashes casting shadows on her pale face.

"Can you honestly tell me if you love him?" Ashley asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

Nathalie wasn't some naïve girl; she'd lived through two lifetimes and seen the rough edges of life. She was brutally honest with herself.

"I probably won't trust men so easily in this lifetime. So, no need for a family."

Whether she loved him or not, she couldn't say. She just wanted him to be well. Ashley exhaled in relief.

She stood up, smiling. "Sis, that Diego guy, he's actually pretty great. He'd make a good brother-in-law."

Nathalie closed her eyes, feeling drained.

The next day, Ashley dressed to impress and showed up at the

prison visiting room. Morris mel

fashionably late entrance,

Seeing Morris, Ashley beamed. "Nathan, I'm really glad you wanted to see me."noveldrama

Morris replied, "Sorry, I asked you here because I needed to ask you something." Ashley's smile faltered.

Morris ignored her disappointment and

sed on, "Your cousin, Miss

Vivian, is she having any trouble

lately?" o?

A hint of coldness flashed in Ashley's eyes. "What trouble could she have? She's been getting pretty close with Diego recently. I think there might be some good news soon. We should prepare a big gift for her."

Morris's fingers nearly dug into his palm.

"Which Diego?" he asked.

"The guy who studied abroad. I think his name is Diego."

Morris was silent for a long while before he spoke again. "Are they together, and is she happy?"

"She's Ashley now, living on her own terms. Who could make her do something she doesn't want to?"