Nathalie's smile froze, confusion dancing in her eyes. Ashley's words had left her utterly baffled. Was she suggesting Nathan had a shady side? But the Nathan Nathalie knew, though a bit rough around the

edges, was genuinely kind and grateful. If he was considered morally flawed, then how many decent folks were there in the Capital?

Nathalie studied Ashley, whose straightforward expression only deepened her confusion. Was Ashley not questioning Nathan's character, but something else about him?

"Ashley, what do you mean?" Nathalie's voice had taken on a chillier tone.

Ashley was being mysterious, "Nathalie, you're not gullible. Haven't you noticed the contradictions in him all this time? Like how he doesn't enjoy reading, yet he's so smart and knowledgeable!"

Ashley left it hanging, "Just watch out."

With a knowing smile, Ashley turned and walked away. Nathalie watched her go, feeling deflated. Her mind buzzed with unease as she returned to her room. Ashley's words, though far-fetched, hit a nerve. Nathan wasn't a fan of reading, yet he was incredibly well-informed. It was odd, to say the least.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," Nathalie called out.

Nina stood there, clutching a stuffed bunny, looking a bit lost. Nathalie reached out, "Nina, come here, sweetie."

Nina slowly walked over and wrapped her arms around her, whispering, "Mommy." Holding her daughter, Nathalie felt a sense of fulfillment, as if past regrets were fading away. She gently patted Nina's back, the warmth of motherly love enveloping them.

"Nina, are you happy?" Nathalie asked softly.

Nina hesitated, then shook her head. Nathalie was caught off guard. Compared to her past life's

struggles, this life was much kinder to Nina. She was healthy, cherished by Nathan, and doted on by Ford and Dominick. Practically the apple of everyone's eye. Why wouldn't she be happy?

"Why not, honey?" Nathalie asked gently.

Nina looked up with wide, round eyes, "Mommy, I worry about you."

Nathalie laughed softly, "Mommy's just fine, sweetheart. No need to worry."

Nina shook her head again. Nathalie frowned, "Really, with daddy around, I'm very happy."

But Nina kept shaking her head, tears welling up for some reason. "What's troubling you, Nina?"

Nina sniffled, "Mommy, I keep having these strange dreams."

"What are your dreams about?"

Nina trembled slightly, "I dreamt of

one daddy

locking

tying up another daddet him in the basement, a

beating him." Content belon

"Mommy, I'm scared."

Nathalie was shocked. People say dreams reflect our thoughts, but this seemed to come out of nowhere for Nina. Nathalie tried to soothe her "Your real dad, even if he's a bit cold, has some humanity. He wouldn't do such a terrible thing."

Nina pulled away, distressed, "It's not

who locked up Cameron daddy."

deron daddy. It's Nathan

Swa

Nathalie was stunned, her face going pale. She couldn't even fathom Nathan being so cruel.noveldrama