Ch. 191..195: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 191-195

Chapter 191: Emotions

The time I dreaded came sooner than I had anticipated. My phone vibrated in my hand signally the arrival of a call and Edward’s name was displayed on the screen. No point in trying to avoid this because there should be nothing I should be avoiding. I answered the call.

“Where are you, Natalia?” Edward spoke through the phone.

“I’m waiting in the lobby,” I replied while trying to keep my voice casual.

“Ok. I’ll be there soon. Just wait there,” Edward said before hanging up.

Breathe, Natalia and just act natural. I repeated these words in my head until the moment that Edward turned up. I spotted him walking through the entrance of the building at the same time that he spotted me as well and waved to me.

I plastered what I hoped was a natural-looking smile on my face as I lifted my hand to wave back at him. Although I was able to force a smile, my chest felt tight, and I felt like I was going to be sick.

“Sorry, did you wait long?” Edward said when he stood at my side.

“Not at all. My interview just ended...” I replied smoothly as I offered him a small smile.

“Great. Let’s go,” Edward said as he took my hand in his before leading me back to where his car was parked.

I had the urge to shake his hand away from mine. What am I thinking? My head hurts. I kept my eyes down all the while as he led me silently to the car. I was glad that he didn’t say anything because I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him at the moment. I just...wanted to go home.

My mood got worst now that I was sitting in the car alone next to Edward. It was double bad because I had to suppress my feelings from showing. I didn’t know why I felt this way, but I hated how I was feeling, and I knew that I was the one to blame. I hated this and I hated myself...

“How did the interview go? It did take a while...” Edward asked with interest.

“It was fine...” I replied.

“The president is a nice and friendly person. I know her personally from way back...” Edward said, his eyes still on the road.

“I see. She seemed nice...” I said, trying to sound as natural as possible.

“Should we stop by for a late lunch? I know a great place around here,” Edward suggested.

“Umm...sorry, I’m not feeling so well. Could you just...take me home?” I mumbled my reply as I stared out the car window. Please just take me home.

There was a brief moment of silence between us before Edward spoke up.

“What’s wrong, Natalia?” I heard Edward ask softly from beside me. I continued to stare out the window at the nothingness outside just so I didn’t have to face him.

“Nothing. I feel a little tired,” I replied before turning my head around to offer him a smile.

Edward did not reply, and we both fell into another void of silence. Edward continued driving with his eyes straight ahead while I turned to look out of my side of the window. After a short and fast drive, the breaks of the car creaked loudly as the car came to a very sudden stop, throwing my body slightly forward. This is why we all should wear seatbelts!

Confused, I looked at Edward for an explanation of our sudden stop. Edward had slammed on the break and stopped the car on the side of the road.

“...What’s going on?” I asked confused.

“Isn’t that what I should be asking you?” Edward shot back as he turned to face me.

I could see frustration plain as day on his face along with a tint of anger as his green eyes glowered at me.

“I...don’t know what you’re referring to,” I mumbled my reply.

Sure, maybe Edward didn’t technically do anything wrong, but I also didn’t do anything wrong. So why am I the one being cornered here?

“Listen, if I did anything wrong, you should just come out and tell me straight,” Edward said maturely.

“You didn’t...do anything wrong,” I replied. Technically, it was true.

“Then why are you behaving this way?” Edward asked as he watched me intently.

“What way? I’m always like this...” I muttered my response.

“I don’t know what happened but it’s clear that you’re angry,” Edward stated as a frown formed on his attractive face.

“I’m not angry. Nothing happened, ok? Please just take me home,” I said as calmly as possible.

Instead of replying to me or continuing to drive, Edward slowly pressed the button to recline his seat until he was in a comfortable lying down position.

“Edward?” I called his name, confused with his action.

“This car doesn’t move until you either improve your mood or you tell me what has been bothering you,” Edward stated lazily as he placed the back of his hand over his eyes to shield them from the light.

I couldn’t believe that a guy like this existed and that I have to deal with all of his selfish actions.

“Great. Well then, see you around,” I said sarcastically.

Without hesitating, I grabbed the handle to the passenger door and got out of the car. If he’s not going to drive, then I’ll call a car, get someone else to pick me up...or just walk home! As I trudged along the side of the road as fast as I could in high heels, I realized that I was more enraged than I was willing to admit before and it was all Edward’s fault.

“Natalia! Natalia! Natalia!”

I heard Edward’s voice shouting my name from behind, but I didn’t turn around. Dealing with him was the last thing I wanted to do right now. I kept walking away from Edward until he caught up with me.

“Natalia...” Edward called my name as he caught up with me and grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards him.

“Let go!” I yelled while attempting to yank my arm from his grip.

“Get back in the car. It’s dangerous,” Edward said sternly as his grip around my wrist tightened.

“No. Leave me alone,” I replied stubbornly.

Chapter 192: Jealousy

Edward sigh as he ran his fingers through his dark hair in frustration. Turning his face back to me, Edward had a determined look on his face. Suddenly, his arm was around my back and the under behind my knees and then I was lifted into his arms.

Shocked and angry at his ridiculous action, I began struggling immediately. Kicking my legs and pushing against his chest.

“Stop struggling. If you won’t come back to the car willingly, I’ll carry you,” Edward stated matter-of-factly.

“Put me down! Edward!” I screamed.

It didn’t take long for Edward to arrive back at his car with me in his arms. He basically shoved me back into the passenger seat before bending down until his face was at my level and very close to mine. I felt uncomfortable for him to be so close and his all-knowing green eyes staring at me was giving me the creeps.

“Princess, I don’t care what happened, but you need to take better care of yourself. Walking on the side of the road with so many cars passing by in that high heel of yours is extremely dangerous,” Edward started lecturing me with concern and exhaustion in his voice.

I hated everything that was happening and the fact that I was not getting any closer to going home. The memory of seeing Edward and Irina kissing was still fresh in my mind and no matter how hard I tried to forget it, the scene kept replaying in my mind on repeat.

“Princess, tell me...what’s wrong?” Edward asked in a soft and tender tone. So, he has decided to take another approach, huh?

I still refused to answer him. It wasn’t like I could come out and demand to know why he was making out with another woman like it was my business.

Seeing that I was unresponsive to his question, Edward began stroking the top of my head comfortingly. Next, his hand slowly traced the side of my face before sliding down to the side of my neck. Slowly, Edward leaned in to place a tender kiss on my cheek and I felt my body froze.

Before I could react, Edward had leaned closer to me, and his lips were closing in on mine. I pushed him against his chest as I turned my head to the side to avoid his kiss.

“How dare you kiss me when you were just kissing her!” I spat as I continued to struggle against his much larger frame.

I realized too late what I had just said. Edward, on the other hand, did not miss the implication of my words at all. After ceasing all efforts to kiss me, Edward began studying my face seriously as he considered his next move. His captivating green eyes gazed into my own and I couldn’t look away.

“You saw?” Edward asked half in disbelief and half in surprise.

“...Yes...” I admitted in a soft mumble.

“And?” Edward prompted.

“What do you mean ‘and’?” I asked back with clear annoyance.

“How did it make you feel?” Edward asked, his eyes lighting up like an excited child’s.

“I...don’t know what you’re talking about...” I mumbled.

“How did it feel to see me kissing another woman?” Edward asked so directly that I was shocked.

“...I don’t know,” I replied, half honestly.

Edward’s seemingly childish and delightful laughter erupted as he burst out laughing. His laugh and his smile were amazingly joyful. Suddenly, Edward was hugging me tightly and stroking my hair tenderly, leaning his head on mine.

“What makes you so happy?” I asked, confused, and irritated.

“Knowing that you care so much for me,” Edward replied without hesitation before hugging me even tighter.

“I don’t care about you...” I mumbled gruffly.

“Hmm...really? Then why were you in such a bad mood just now?” Edward teased.

“It’s got nothing to do with you...” I replied in annoyance.

Edward giggled gleefully like a child eating his favorite snack as he continued to hold me in his arms and stroke my hair tenderly, playing with the long strands of hair.

“You were mad and depressed because you saw me with another woman. Do you know what this feeling that you’re feeling is called?” Edward asked, clearly amused.

“Anger...” I replied.

“Jealousy, Princess. It’s called jealousy,” Edward said seductively closed to my ear.

“I’m not...jealous,” I stubbornly denied his claim.

“Yes, you are. How about this? If you just admit that you’re feeling jealous, then I’ll tell you what really happened between me and her...” Edward suggested with a smile.

“You’re so evil,” I stated.

“The choice is yours,” Edward said with a shrug.

I knew he was baiting me but once again I found myself playing right into his hands. I hated to admit that I was jealous over seeing Edward with another woman but at the same time, I wanted to know why he was with her.

“Ok...I was jealous. Happy?” I said grudgingly.

“Very,” Edward said with a very satisfied grin on his lips.

“So, why were you...with her?” I asked without beating around the bush.

“I’ll save that to entertain you while we’re on our way to our next destination,” Edward replied as he slowly stood up straight.

“Where are we going?” I asked suspiciously.

“You’ll see...it’s a big surprise,” Edward replied with a sexy wink.

...

I glanced over at Edward as he drove us to our next destination. I wondered where this ‘big surprise’ of his was as I felt a sense of dread. Lately, all big surprises in my life had brought about more trouble and pain than joy. I looked down at where Edward held my hand and thought of how this man is such a mystery and full of surprises.

I’ve been with Edward for some time now and we seemed to have an on-and-off relationship based on our schedule. Then there’s his marriage proposal. However, Edward largely remains a mystery to me. Although he’s told me about his childhood, I still felt that Edward was holding something back.

For now, let’s just clear up the issue at hand.

“The woman you were with...was it, Irina?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

“Yes,” Edward replied without hesitation.

Good. At least he’s being honest.

Chapter 193: The Unknown

“Why were you with her? Are you two...dating?” I asked curiously.

“Of course not. She’s another example of untrue tabloid gossip,” Edward stated like that much was supposed to be plainly obvious.

“So, which of those tabloid gossips are true?” I asked, half-jokingly.

“Don’t ask things you don’t want to know,” Edward replied monotonously.

I sighed. We’ll leave that at that.

“What about Irina?” I asked, bring us back on track.

Edward sigh audibly.

“Irina has been after me for a while now. So, I guess, the tabloids are half true. Of course, I’m not interested in trading money and fame just to have sex with her. If I just wanted sex, there are other women out there with less baggage. So, I’ve been avoiding all her advances,” Edward explained, clearly bored of this conversation.

“What about today?” I asked accusingly.

“My friend who works in PR asked me for a favor to meet up with her to give her advice on how to promote a charity campaign that she had been chosen to represent. Turned out that she had other ideas besides work when she turned up,” Edward explained in a bored tone.

“If you’re not in a relationship with her, why were you kissing her?” I asked.

“Because she wanted it and it was the fastest way to shut her up. I had to pick up this Princess from her interview, you see?” Edward explained like it was no big deal.

“I...see...” I replied vaguely.

“Yeah. Little did I know that that naughty Princess would be hiding there watching the whole thing,” Edward teased before laughing a little.

I would be lying if I said that I was fully satisfied with Edward’s explanation. I mean, you wouldn’t just kiss anybody to shut them up, right? However, I could see someone like Edward doing just that. After the topic of Irina came to an anti-climactic close, I realized that we were driving up a hill as I looked from the car window at the tall trees on the side of the road and the thick forest beyond.

“Have you been here before?” Edward asked casually.

“Umm...I’m not sure...” I replied honestly. Something about this hill and this road feels familiar. Perhaps, I’ve been here before...

“Do you know what’s up on this hill?” Edward asked as his hand pointed towards the top of the hill.

“No...” I replied softly.

I had just remembered that I have been here before recently. Reiner was the one who took me up this hill on our date to see the stars. I remembered him carrying me on his back to walk through the thick forest and that I had my eyes closed all the way because I was scared of the dark forest.

“I think...I’ve been here before,” I told Edward, leaving out the part that I was with Reiner.

Edward grinned at me before turning back to watch the road. I didn’t know why, but I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach as if something dark and sinister was waiting at whatever was on top of the hill. It wouldn’t be long before I realized that my sense of foreboding would be scarily accurate.

...

“What is this place?” I asked when we arrived at what must be our destination.

Edward parked the car in front of a very large but seemingly abandoned building. I guessed it was abandoned because the gates were closed off and rusty. The building was worn down like it hadn’t been used for years. I could see some glass windows were broken, colors peeling off some walls and nature had started to take over the whole place. Wild grass, vines and trees had started growing in random places on and in the building.

“Let’s go inside,” Edward said as he took my hand and pulled me after him.

“It’s locked...how do we get inside? More importantly, why are we going inside?” I asked.

I was confused at what was going on and panicked. We’re not supposed to be here and if we enter in there, we’ll be trespassing. Plus, this place looks scary like it was haunted or something. It gave me the creeps and I felt the hair on the back of my neck standing up as I looked around.

“It’s ok, I have the key,” Edward stated smoothly as he pulled out a keychain with many keys attached to it.

I was speechless as I stared wide-eyed at Edward. Edward in his navy suit was trying each key one by one into the lock, trying to open the gate. He has the key to this place? How?

“It’s been so long, I don’t even remember which key is which anymore...” Edward mumbled his complaint, his hands busy with trying to match the lock and key.

“What is this place?” I tried asking again.

“You’ll see when we’re inside,” Edward replied. This guy surely likes to keep the suspense going and it’s driving me crazy. I stood helplessly to his side as I watched him try several more keys into the lock.

The gate creaked opened after Edward had finally managed to unlock the lock. The space between the gate to the building was large but very sparse. It must have been a parking lot back in the days that the building was still actively in use. Now it was reduced to nothing more than a cracked cement floor with weeds and moss growing randomly everywhere.

“This feels like a haunted hospital or institution...” I muttered to myself as I winced. I knew that a scene like this existed in real life but I never thought that I would ever set foot in a place like this. I felt like I had been sucked into a horror videogame and that zombies would be popping out from everywhere soon to get us.

“Not quite...but close...” Edward replied in a spooky whisper next to my ear. His response was not helping my poor heart at all.

I jumped in panic as I felt shivers run through my body. I took in deep breaths to calm myself and thank the heavens that we were not here at night as I placed a hand on my own chest.

When we arrived at the building’s entrance, it was also locked with a thick chain and a huge lock. I watched Edward repeat the same process of matching the key to the lock. It was clear that he had not been here for ages and had no idea which key belongs to which lock.

“Do we really need to go inside?” I asked when the door became unlock.

“Come on,” Edward invited as he grabbed my arm and pulled me in after him.

Oh great, here we go again...

--To be continued...

Preview of next Chapter...

**cough cough cough**

I coughed multiple times as I batted away the dust in the air in front of my face with the palm of my hand. This place smelled damp and moldy...and ewwww.

Judging from the thick layers of dust, this place must have remained closed for years. I silently prayed that there were no dangerous animals lurking around like snakes, for example.

Edward began walking around as if he was searching for something as we ventured deeper into the building into what must have been the lobby of this building. The ceiling was high and had decorative glass panes that let in the light from the outside.

“What are you searching for? Can I help? You know, anything that can make us leave this place faster...” I offered my help in a shaky voice.

“Sorry, hang on for a bit. I haven’t been here for a long time...” Edward apologized softly as he continued whatever it was, he was doing.

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Chapter 194: Hold Me

“Welcome back home, Miss Natalia. Greetings, Master Zak,” Reiner said professionally before he offered us a bow.

“Take care of Natalia,” Zak said briskly before he placed his warm hand on the top of my head.

Before I could say anything, Zak turned to leave and soon I was alone with Reiner in the doorway.

“You should come inside. Frankly, you look half dead at best,” Reiner commented as he pulled me by the arm inside the mansion after him.

...

I don’t know how many times this scene has taken place before, but I was sure that it has happened often lately, I thought as I glanced over at Reiner who was sitting on the side of my bathtub. Reiner had prepared a warm bath for me, and he had decided to keep me company while I soak in the warm water. I felt so tired, but the peaceful silence was helping heal my disturbed mind.

“Natalia, is everything ok?” Reiner spoke up softly. His voice full of worry and concern for me.

“Yea,” I replied emotionlessly as I closed my eyes.

“Sorry, wrong question. You can let me know if something is troubling you, I may not be able to help, but I’m willing to listen,” Reiner kindly offered.

“Thank you,” I replied as I offered him the best smile I could muster up at that moment.

Without the will to carry on the conversation Reiner had put in the effort to start, we lapsed back again into silence. Once more I closed my eyes as my mind wandered around touching various thoughts on its own.

I think I must have dozed off in the bathtub because the next thing I knew, I was being scooped up into Reiner’s strong arms. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck as I leaned my face against his strong chest. Feeling his familiar warmth and scent filled me with positive energy and a sense of peace.

“You should not sleep here for too long, I’ll take you to bed so you can sleep properly,” Reiner coax softly and sweetly into my ear before he carried me all the way to my bed.

I felt the softness of the bed against my naked back when Reiner carefully placed me onto the bed. I offered him a weak smile as thanks and was rewarded with his warm smile. Having Reiner here with me was much better than being all alone, especially in times like these.

“It’s ok, R. I’ll sleep naked...” I told him softly when I figured that he was going to grab my clothes to dress me for bed. I honestly didn’t have the physical or mental strength to deal with that task right now.

“Alright,” Reiner readily agreed. I guess he could sense my exhaustion.

“Thank you...R...” I whispered as I felt my eyelids grow even heavier and I closed my eyes once more.

“Good night, Natalia,” Reiner said before placing a tender kiss on my forehead.

...

When I woke up it was still dark. Glancing at the clock showed that it was early in the morning a little before the break of dawn. Unsurprisingly, Reiner had fallen sleep in his seat next to my bed while holding my hand. I smiled a little at the sight of his handsome sleeping face that I could make out in the dim light.

It didn’t surprise me anymore that he would be by my side, and I had to make sure that I appreciated his care for me every time. I refused to take his kindness for granted. I must have stirred around too much when I woke because in the next instant, Reiner was already fully awake and alert.

“Morning, Natalia,” Reiner greeted me with a smile as his long fingers caressed the back of the hand that he held in his.

“Good morning, R,” I replied, offering him a sweet smile as I squeezed his large hand back.

Reiner got up from his seat enough to switch on the lamp on my bedside to give us more light to see each other.

“You look better than when you got home yesterday,” Reiner comment with relief in his voice.

“It was a rough...couple of days...” I confessed with a huge sigh. I didn’t know I had been holding in a sigh that massive.

“I won’t push you if you don’t want to talk about it. Just rest, ok?” Reiner said as he kissed the back of my hand and then my fingertips. I found this gesture of affection so touching.

“Hold me...” I pleaded softly as I looked directly at his handsome face.

“Now?” Reiner asked a little taken aback.

“Yes. Hold me, R. I have some things that I want to tell you...” I said sweetly as I pulled lightly on his hand.

Reiner got into bed with me and positioned me so that I was sitting in between his legs with my back to him. I loved this position because I could feel his warmth and I could lean my head back on his broad chest. His arms hugged around me loosely and I could hear the steady sound of his heartbeat.

“Don’t push yourself,” Reiner said warmly as he kissed my temple.

I had so many bombs in my arsenal that I wasn’t sure which one I wanted to drop first. Maybe I should just do it in chronological order?

“Edward proposed to me. I mean, he’s done it once before as well, but I think this time he’s very serious...” I told Reiner, a little surprised at how steady my voice sounded.

“I see...and?” Reiner replied with no hint of surprise. His long fingers toying with strains of my hair as he listened to me intently.

“Lucien...also proposed to me. The night of his wedding. Honestly, I don’t know what to make of it,” I said without bothering to hide the frustration in my voice.

“Do you want to marry him?” Reiner asked after a slight pause.

“...I’m not sure...” I replied honestly.

Marry Lucien seemed like a complicated business, and I wasn’t sure if that was what I wanted even though, I thought that it had been my dream all along. Now that the opportunity was staring me in the face, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to marry him. Worst, I couldn’t imagine what marrying him would be like.

“Hmm...and?” Reiner continued with his prompting. I guess he knew there was more because I did return home with Zak despite leaving from the wedding venue with Lucien. I sighed.

“Zak...told me that he has decided to marry Annie,” I said in a deflated voice.

Arranged marriages for the Rosenhalls was common or even mandatory. However, I couldn’t imagine it playing out well for Zak or for Annie. Then again if both of them consented to it who was I to intervene? By this time, I should know better than anyone that people can get married for many other reasons besides love.

“It’s unfortunate but I’m sure you and everyone else saw that coming,” Reiner replied flatly. It was true. We all saw it coming.

Chapter 195: More Secrets

**cough cough cough**

I coughed multiple times as I batted away the dust in the air in front of my face with the palm of my hand. This place smelled damp and moldy...and ewwww.

Judging from the thick layers of dust, this place must have remained closed for years. I silently prayed that there were no dangerous animals lurking around like snakes, for example.

Edward began walking around as if he was searching for something as we ventured deeper into the building into what must have been the lobby of this building. The ceiling was high and had decorative glass panes that let in the light from the outside.

“What are you searching for? Can I help? You know, anything that can make us leave this place faster...” I offered my help in a shaky voice.

“Sorry, hang on for a bit. I haven’t been here for a long time...” Edward apologized softly as he continued whatever it was, he was doing.

Suddenly, I heard a clicking sound and then a loud mechanical sound. Edward quickly pulled me to stand behind him moments before the ground that had been in front of us slowly collapsed to reveal a hidden staircase.

When the sounds and movements have stopped, I stared in shock and amazement at the hidden winding staircase that led downwards into the darkness below. Why do these spooky things even exist?

“Let’s go,” Edward said as he pulled me along once again.

“No...we’re not. I’m not going down that hole,” I protested as I tried to pull back.

“Come on or I’ll leave you behind,” Edward threatened, refusing to let go of my arm.

“It’s so dark...and god knows where it’ll lead us,” I continued to protest.

“Don’t worry. Not only God knows where it’ll lead us because I also know, ok?” Edward continued to tease me as he began laughing.

“You’ve been here before?” I asked incredulously as I pointed down into the deep dark hole.

Wordlessly, Edward led me by the hand down the stairs. It got darker and darker as we descended deeper and further away from the surface. My legs shook with every downward step that I took and I hated every single moment.

“There should be a light switch somewhere around here...” Edward said as if to himself as he felt long the wall with his hand.

“I doubt there’s still electricity here though...” I mumbled back. I hated how pessimistic I sounded so let me just say that I felt more like a realist at the time.

“There is,” Edward stated firmly.

In the next instance, the lights flickered on just as he had said. There was a switch on the wall and there was electricity. The light lit up the dark staircase and I saw that unlike the messy surface, the staircase was decently clean.

“I guess you’re right...” I mumbled as we continued to descend the winding stairs.

“Of course, I’m right,” Edward replied casually.

After a few minutes of descending the stairs, we finally reached the bottom of the stairs. What is this place? I asked in my mind for the hundredth time since entering the building. What I saw before me didn’t make any sense at all.

“Everyday, Natalia. I used to come here, every single day,” Edward said, his voice piercing through the silence of the place.

“What?” I asked, not quite picking up on what he meant.

“You asked me before, if I have ever been here before,” Edward said as he turned to flash me a sad smile.

“Why is there a laboratory here?” I asked in shocked and confusion.

The laboratory that lay before us was clean and well preserved. I couldn’t see anyone else in the lab and I guessed from what I saw that this place had been vacant for a long time. Although, all the equipment, furniture and tools were well preserved and probably were exactly the way they were back in the days when the lab was still in use.

Walking further into the lab, I could see many glass-walled experimental rooms, machines, metal tables and stools. The lab was huge and must have housed the latest technology of the time.

“This is one of Rosenhall’s top secret lab. The outside looks like an ordinary research facility and everything above ground is legitimate stuff. However, what happens in this lab underground is a little...different...” Edward explained as his face darkened.

There’s a secret laboratory on top of this hill all this time and I never knew. How long had this place been closed like this and why?

“What do you mean by a ‘little different’?” I asked, struck by his words.

Instead of replying, Edward walked further into the lab pausing here and there to run his fingers on various items in the lab as if reminiscing about some past and distant memories.

“Why did you bring me here? Edward...” I asked as a knot started to form in my stomach. I had a very bad feeling about all of this.

“Did Lucien tell you...about your father?” Edward asked with his back still turned towards me.

“Yes. He told me who my father is and that he had asked Lucien to protect mum and me,” I replied.

“I see. ‘If I die, promise me that you will protect what is inside this envelop.’ That’s what your father said to me and probably to Lucien as well when he gave us this,” Edward said.

Turning around to face me once more, Edward removed a familiar black envelop from the inner pocket of his suit. His eyes lingered on the envelop for a moment before his eyes met mine.

“Lucien showed me a blank envelop like that and there was a family photo of father, mother and I inside. Although, I always thought that he was just my mum’s friend before,” I said as my mind struggled to process why Edward would have the same envelop.

Edward has a black envelop from my father just like Lucien. What does this mean? What was Edward’s relationship with my father?

“Lucien told you the identity of your father, but I doubt he told you who you father really was, did he?” Edward surmised and quite accurately.

“No...he didn’t tell me anything beyond my father’s identity in the photograph,” I said as I nodded.

“Yeah...Lucien tends to leave all the hard work to me, unfortunately,” Edward replied before letting out a loud sigh.

“You knew my father?” I asked what was on my mind.

--To be continued...

Preview of next Chapter:

“Yes. He was my supervisor, my savior...and my dear friend,” Edward stated, his voice flat but I saw glimpses of sorrow cross his face.

Before I could ask more questions, Edward shoved the black envelop towards me.

“Open it,” Edward said bluntly.

Taking the envelop from him with shaky hands, I knew immediately that the content inside was different from what was inside the envelop that Lucien had. I could feel the lump of a solid object in the envelop as I held it in my hand. Whatever was inside wasn’t just a flat piece of photo or paper.

I slowly opened the envelop with bated breath. Inside the envelop were two things. The first was the same family photo that was also inside the envelop that Lucien had. The other was an old and worn lanyard with an employee ID card.

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