Suddenly, Nathalie found herself drowning in memories of her childhood insecurities and shyness. Miranda's harsh words, accusing and belittling her, rang in her ears once more.

"Nellie, you're just an unwanted kid. If I hadn't taken pity on you, you'd be gone by now. So, remember what I've done for you; you owe me your life. Even if it means you have to beg on the streets or sacrifice everything for me, that's your duty."

"Don't expect me to treat you as well as I treat Greta. People have different fates, and you were born with none. You're lucky to be alive at all. Dreaming of a grand life? That's not your destiny."

"You better remember where you came from and not aim for a life that isn't yours. You're meant to live in poverty, and that's how it'll be."

...

The more Nathalie dwelled on it, the deeper her heartbreak and sadness grew. By the time Lizzy drove up the driveway, Nathalie was still sobbing uncontrollably.

Nathan stood at the door, ready to welcome her, but seeing her tear-streaked face made his heart ache. "What happened?" he asked Lizzy, concern evident in his voice.

Lizzy, clearly upset, replied, "The Stewarts are unbelievable. Nathalie brought them a keepsake, and they denied her, just to keep the scandal of an illegitimate child under wraps. Is their reputation more important than her happiness?"

Hearing this, Nathan's face turned as cold as ice. His hands clenched into tight fists.

Nathalie, lost in her grief, didn't notice Nathan's barely contained anger. In a daze, she wandered to her room and locked the door.

Nathan was deeply worried about her.

Trying to lift her spirits, Nathan devised a plan.

He found Nina and said, "Nina, put on your prettiest dress. Let's go see your mommy."

Nina nodded excitedly.

She dressed in her favorite Lolita outfit and followed Nathan to Nathalie's bedroom door. "Call for mommy," Nathan instructed.

Nina knocked eagerly, calling out, "Mommy, mommy."

Hearing Nina's voice, Nathalie felt a flicker of warmth. She opened the door, and Nina immediately wrapped her arms around Nathalie's legs, snuggling against her.

"Mommy."

Nathan watched her closely, noticing her puffy eyes still glistening with tears. His lips trembled slightly with

concern.

Worried she might harm herself, he discreetly took the kitchen knife from the table.

"I'll leave you two to chat," Nathan said, hiding the knife behind him as he left the room.noveldrama

Nathalie absentmindedly replied, "Okay."

When Nathan was gone, Nathalie turned her attention to Nina, showering her with affection. She intended to cut some fruit for her daughter but realized the knife was missing.

Nina piped up, "Mommy, daddy took the knife."

Nathalie was puzzled, "Why would he do that?"

Then it dawned on her, and a wave of warmth washed over her.

Was he worried she might do something rash?

Nathan's quiet concern cleared away the clouds in Nathalie's heart.

It didn't matter if her father didn't want her; she still had someone who cared.

A smile finally broke through her troubled expression.

She played with Nina for a while, and slowly, her heavy heart began to lighten.

Later that night, the nanny came to take Nina.

Nathalie returned to her room, surprised to find Nathan there already. He stood tall and firm, his presence filling the room with a protective, calming aura.

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