Reborn From Oblivion

Nathan looked at her with pleading eyes. "I'm kind of in a bind here. Can I crash at your place for a bit?"

Nellie gave him a playful but firm smile. "Sure, but here's the deal. If you're staying here, you've got to play by my rules. Got it?" Nathan nodded earnestly. "Yeaht."

Nellie handed him some antiseptic. "I've taken care of the wounds on your upper body. The rest is up to you—"

Nathan's eyes turned as soft as a puppy's. "I'm really in no shape to do it myself. Could you help me out?"

Nellie's resolve wavered for a moment, but then she grabbed a scarf and gently placed it over Nathan's face. Carefully, she helped him out of his pants.

When she saw the gash near his thigh, a look of shock crossed her face. "It's so close to your..." she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "How could someone do this to you?"

She began to understand why Nathan, who seemed to have it all, was so emotionally shut off and lonely. How could someone who'd never been shown love learn to love others? "It's okay. It doesn't hurt," Nathan reassured her.

Nellie took a deep breath, pushing back her tears. "Steer clear of them until you're strong enough."

"Okay, I promise."

"And once you're healed, I'll figure out a way to get you back to school. You should aim for college, a really good one."

"Alright."

After applying the medicine, Nellie didn't bother dressing him again. She just gently pulled the blanket over him and removed the scarf from his face.

"Get some rest. I'll whip up some food for you."

"Thanks."

Nellie left with the ointment and gauze, and Nathan watched her slender figure fade away, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

Three months flew by.

In the Capital, Cameron was with Greta at the hospital for her regular check-up. While Greta sat in the waiting area, Cameron ran around, handling all the boyfriend duties, like paying fees and standing in queues. When he helped Greta to the blood test area, his attentive behavior even drew admiration from other women.

One woman scolded her own boyfriend, "See how that guy treats his lady like a queen? What about you? I'm carrying your kid, and you can't even get off your phone..."

Her boyfriend, eyes still glued to his screen, shot back, "How do you know she's his wife? What if she's his side chick? Guys always act like that around their mistresses. Let me be a playboy, and I'd treat you well, too." Cameron's face flushed with embarrassment.

The woman glanced suspiciously between Cameron and Greta. "You two are married, right?"

Cameron's discomfort only deepened.

Greta quickly intervened, "No, you've got it wrong. I'm really sick, and my brother-in-law is just helping me with the hospital stuff."

To which the woman quipped, "Your sister sure is generous."

Greta kept quiet.

After the blood test, they left the hospital feeling awkward.

In a quiet corridor, Greta turned to Cameron, seeing the frustration on his face. "Cameron, just ignore them. We know the truth, and that's what matters. Let them think what they want..."