Reborn From Oblivion

Nathalie stared into her father's eyes, brimming with resentment. Despite countless efforts to cut the emotional ties, being despised by the man who gave her life still pierced her heart. "What does she have that I don't?" she asked softly, seeking the answer she'd chased for what felt like lifetimes.

Patrick was like a mad lion, glaring at her as if ready to pounce and tear her apart. "You're inferior to her in every way."

It was as if someone had turned off all the lights in Nathalie's world.

Sure, she might've been naive, but she became brilliantly talented with hard work. She might've been plain, but she became stunning with a little grace and makeup. But gaining her parents' love? It felt hopelessly out of reach. No matter what she did, she couldn't earn their approval.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

A pair of gentle hands, warm like the spring sun, covered her ears. "Nathalie, don't listen to him. You're better than that sickly girl in every way; it's his heart that's messed up."

Nathalie's sense of helplessness slowly faded as she stared gratefully at Nathan. His captivating eyes sparkled as he showed her a comforting smile.

Just when they let their guard down, Patrick suddenly whipped out a dagger, swinging it wildly at Nathalie. "Go to hell! Only your death will bring your sister happiness."

The cold gleam of the blade froze Nathalie in place. Her mind went blank, her face expressionless, like a lifeless puppet.

As the dagger closed in, Nathan pushed Nathalie aside, taking the blade to his shoulder. It left a shocking wound.

"Nathan!" Nathalie finally snapped out of it.

Coming to her senses, Nathalie frantically shoved Patrick to the ground, leaving him sprawled out.

In utter despair, she weakly told Lizzy, "Lizzy, call the police."

Patrick looked as if he'd heard something absurd, eyes wide with disbelief. "What did you say? You're calling the cops on me? Calling the police on your own father won't do you any good. It'll ruin your child's future."

Patrick was sure Nathalie wouldn't go through with it. But Nathalie was firm. "Don't worry. I've decided not to marry or have kids in this lifetime."

Nathan was taken aback.

Lizzy stepped on Patrick, angrily grabbed her phone, and dialed 911.

Nathalie couldn't care less about Patrick now. Her attention was on Nathan. She was filled with guilt and self-reproach.

Tears streamed down her face like a river.

Nathan tried to console her. "It's just a scratch; it doesn't even hurt. Nathalie, don't cry."

Nathalie's voice was thick with emotion. "Why would someone as esteemed as you take a knife for me? For this so-called worthless life?"

Nathan shot Patrick a fierce glare. If not for Patrick's cruel words today, Nathalie would never feel so low.

Nathan tenderly reassured her. "Who said your life is worthless? What era do you think this is? Those days are long gone, and now everyone is equal."

Nathalie managed a smile. She realized how dramatic she'd been, allowing someone who didn't love her to make her doubt herself.

She stepped up to Patrick. "You and

your selfish desires brought me into this world and wanted to tear me apart to make me into Greta's spare parts. Well, guess what? I'm not having it. What's mine is mine, and anyone who owes me better pay up."