Reborn From Oblivion

When Nathalie swung by the prison again, Officer Ashburn raised an eyebrow. "Ashley, weren't you just here a couple of days ago?"

Nathalie froze for a moment before the lightbulb flicked on-her cousin Ashley must have visited, and Officer Ashburn got their identities tangled up through the grapevine.

Nathalie cleared up the mix-up, "That wasn't me the other day. It was probably my cousin, Ashley."

Officer Ashburn's face showed a hint of confusion.

"Alright, Ashley, hang tight. I'll let him know you're here."

Nathalie gave a silent nod.noveldrama

As Officer Ashburn walked off, she caught him joking with a colleague, "Two sisters both sweet on the same guy-now that's a sight."

Even though they were whispering, Nathalie's sharp ears picked up every word. "If it were me, I'd go for the younger, livelier sister. I heard the older one's been through a divorce and some tough times. What guy would go for that?"

"Whenever No. 13 sees the older sister, he clams up. But the other day with Ms. Nellie, he was all chatty. It's pretty obvious who he's into."

Nathalie felt the sting of their teasing remarks, and a shadow of disappointment crossed her eyes.

It was like someone had poured ice water over her heart.

All the warmth drained out of her, pooling in her cheeks, which were now burning with embarrassment.

Nathalie almost turned on her heel to leave, second-guessing her visit to Morris. But just as she wavered, Officer Ashburn returned.

"Ashley, he's agreed to see you."

Nathalie nodded again, feeling awkward and out of sorts.

Even when she found herself at the visitation window, locking eyes with Morris, she still felt out of it.

"You must be worn out," Morris said, noticing the tired lines on her face, his heart aching for her.

Nathalie stared at him, almost lost. "You... don't have to be so formal..."

Morris squinted, studying her. "You seem upset."

Nathalie was focused on her mission, her mind racing, wanting to wrap things up and leave.

"Nathan, I probably won't be coming by anymore."

"You should focus on getting through this and aim for an early release."

"If you

no sto something you

un into something you can't

handle, ask Officer Baldwin to pass a message to me. I'll help if I can."

"I'll come to pick you up when you're out."

Morris's posture stiffened, her clear intent to pull away cutting deep.

"Why won't you visit anymore?" he asked quietly.

Nathalie kept her gaze down, not wanting him to see her flushed cheeks.

Morris, sensing her turmoil, didn't push, just sighed, his eyes heavy with loneliness.

"I get it."

Nathalie's eyes welled up. Was he really not going to ask her to stay? Maybe it was all in her head.

She stumbled to her feet. "I'll be going then. Take care."

Morris watched her rush away from the visitation window, a single tear sliding down his cheek.

He turned his wheelchair, a wave of helplessness washing over

suddenly ripping off his

and tossing them aside.

His eyes, bloodshot and brimming with unshed tears.

"No. 13, what's up?" Officer Baldwin hurried over.

He glanced at the empty window, sighing, "What did Ashley say to you?"

She's dodging him.

Morris's handsome face twisted into a self-deprecating grin.

The raw sense of desolation was almost too much to bear.

Officer Baldwin gave him a

reassuring pat on the shoulder, trying to offer some worldly wisdom. "She's done a lot for you, no doubt. Now that she's the Stewart family's eldest daughter, her future's bright, and getting mixed up with you isn't in her best interest. People naturally look out for themselves. Try to let it go."