Reborn From Oblivion

"Ashley, seriously, get a grip. You're obsessing over someone's fiancé. Aren't you worried about how his actual fiancée might feel?" Ashley's friend teased her.

Nathalie felt like she'd been doused with cold water. She hated being seen as the other woman, and the misunderstanding left her feeling ashamed.

But she wasn't one to back down. "Sure, he's Ashley's fiancé, but he's also my brother. If I don't step in, do you think Ashley could handle getting him out of trouble?"

Her words left Ashley's friend speechless.

Nathalie continued, "Life's tough. Love that's all talk and no action? That's just flimsy."noveldrama

With that, Nathalie strode off confidently.

Ashley watched her go, her eyes a storm of jealousy and frustration.

In the days that followed, Nathalie kept her word, making clothes for Scottie's family. Meanwhile, Ashley was mulling over a visit to the prison.

Her friend urged her on, "Ashley, Morris might have a bit of a reputation, but he's a business whiz. Even if he starts from scratch, he'll bounce back quickly. Don't write him off just yet."

Ashley admitted, "It's not that I don't want him. It's my granddad. He thinks Morris's disability and his past life sentence mean he's got no future, so he won't let us continue."

Her friend was blunt, "Who wants to date someone with a life sentence anyway? But now it's been reduced. He'll be out in six years, still young and ready to make a mark."

After a pause, her friend suggested, "Ashley, now's the time to show him you care. He'll remember your kindness. Don't let Vivian swoop in and steal your thunder."

Ashley felt a spark of confidence reignite, "Hmph, Vivian can try all she wants; it's pointless. Morris is meant for me."

Her friend's pep talk lit a fire in Ashley.

She found her courage again, gearing up to visit the prison.

Unfortunately, the officers handling were off that day. A

No.

Staff told her, "No. 13 has

refused all visitors except Ashley."

Ashley eagerly replied, "My last name is Hart."

The staff member, a bit mixed up, smiled and said, "Please wait, I'll notify No. 13."

Ashley nodded excitedly, "Okay."

In the prison.

Ashley" wanted to see

When him,

think 13 felt a flicker of h who truly cared for t

it could only be Nathalie, the

The staff wheeled him to the visiting area.

Ashley was already there, tears of excitement spilling over when she saw Morris.

"Nathan, I came to see you."

No. 13 looked as if he'd been struck by lightning, stunned to see her.

His initial joy faded into disappointment.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was cool.

Ashley, overwhelmed, stumbled over her words, "Nathan, I just miss you so much."

"We're not there yet," Morris replied, his tone icy.

Ashley

you to

wounded, "Nathan, be so cold. You

me, so you must carenet

little."