Nathalie''s hand trembled as she held the chopsticks, initially reaching for the lotus root but then changing her mind and picking up a piece of braised pork instead. She ced a sulent piece in Lincoln''s bowl. "Dad, here''s your favorite braised pork. Enjoy."


    Lincoln took a bite, his cheeks puffing up with delight. "Whoa, how much sugar is in this? It''s so sweet, I might lose myst mr!"


    Jules teased, "Lincoln, your daughter''s got a mind of her own now."


    Then, picking up a slice of lotus root, he joked, "And who might be the fan of this lotus root? Nathan, is it you who loves it?"


    Nathalie blushed deeply, her ears turning crimson as she dropped her gaze, nearly burying her face in her bowl.


    Morris, however, chimed in cheerfully, "Yep, I''m the one who loves lotus root."


    Jules popped a piece into his mouth, crunching it with obvious enjoyment. Lincoln chuckled, "What a coincidence, Jules likes lotus root too."


    Morris''s hand tensed slightly. Nathalie suddenly looked up, anxiety in her eyes as she nced at Morris. Despite his calm exterior, Nathalie found herself puzzled by his demeanor.


    Given his longing for family ties and his somewhat unforgiving nature, she


    expected Morris to either confront Jules with pointed questions about his past or to avoid him altogether.


    Yet, Morris''s currentid-back attitude left Nathalie unable to decipher his true feelings.


    Lost in thought, Nathalie was brought back to reality by Morris''s gentle touch on her arm. "Nathalie, what''s on your mind? Let''s eat while the food''s still warm."


    She refocused on her meal, while Morris and Jules continued topete for the lotus root, quickly emptying the te.


    Lincoln grinned and teased, "You two sure have simr tastes, loving lotus root and both being lefties."


    The more Lincoln spoke, the more he noticed a peculiar resemnce between the two, prompting him to examine their faces. "Jules, you know, Nathan and you do share a resemnce."


    Jules nced at Morris, who wore oversized sunsses, his face delicate like a porcin doll, alluring in its beauty.


    "Don''t be silly; I''ve never married and certainly don''t have the good fortune to have such a talented, grown child," Jules replied.


    Suddenly, Nathalie suggested, "Uncle, you and Nathan seem to have a connection. Why not take Nathan as your godson?"


    Jules paused, looking up at Morris, seemingly weighing the suggestion.


    Lincoln, hearing this, was so surprised that his chopsticks


    ttered onto the table. He knew his daughter well; Nathalie was not one to make such bold proposals. Yet today, her suggestion could be a life-altering decision for Jules.


    Why would she make such a suggestion without reason?


    It was out of line.


    Inappropriate.


    But Nathalie seemed unaware of her proposal''s impropriety. Instead, she looked at Jules with hopeful eyes.


    Jules''s hesitation left Nathalie feeling disappointed. She looked anxiously at Morris, reaching under the table to squeeze his hand.


    Morris smiled at her, "Nathalie, I get that


    fawant to find me a warmet


    but you have to understand rtionships can''t be forced."


    that


    Nathalie sighed, "I get it. I overstepped."


    The meal ended in awkward silence.


    To break the tension, Nathalie began clearing


    the table and headed to the


    kitchen. Lincoln, ever the sly one, quickly found an excuse to join her.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!