The warm glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the closed French doors, casting golden light into the private dining room. The peaceful and almost surreal ambiance was a contrast to the emotions storming in Nathaniel's heart.
Lorianne sat beside Nathaniel, her tiny hand clutching the sleeve of his shirt. He couldn't help but wonder if her action stemmed from her fear—of the chances he might disappear.
'I still can't believe this. It's... it's not a dream, right?'
As his brown eyes stared at Lorianne, who began talking to Elsie after the waiter left, Nathaniel inwardly scoured the overwhelming emotions within him.
A sense of wonder, guilt, and indescribable fondness surged through him the moment this little one called him 'Daddy'.
Despite only learning about Lorianne's existence a few days ago, Nathaniel's mind had been flooded with various thoughts regarding her.
He wished to know more about his daughter's past while imagining how the future would be.
