Ch. 216..220: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 216-220

Chapter 216: Involvement

Work at the office was busy as always and Lucien barely had time to eat or rest during the day. He attended meetings after meetings and then more meetings until it was late into the evening. The time to meet Edward was fast approaching and he felt horrible. His fever and headache had gotten worst.

Although he tried his best to hide it, his wonderful colleague and wife figured it out in no time.

“Lucien, you’re sweating so much, and you look so pale. It’s like you can faint any moment now. What about I get one of the drivers to drive you home?” Rosia suggested with concern as her eyebrows furrowed with worry.

“That won’t be necessary. You head home first before me. I have something to do...” Lucien said as he tried to fight off his headache.

The fever had not subsided, and his headache was fast turning into a full-fledged migraine. Lucien massaged his temple as his vision started to blur.

“Oh my...Lucien you need to go to the hospital. You’re burning up and you can barely stay standing. Sit down,” Rosia said as she felt Lucien’s burning forehead.

“Rosia...I’m fine,” Lucien protested weakly.

“No, you’re not! I’m calling the driver to drive you to the hospital...or do you want me to call the family doctor?” Rosia continued in a panic.

“...I have somewhere I have to be. So...please, just go home, ok?” Lucien said as he leaned on the side of his worktable for support.

“Where do you have to go?” Rosia asked with concern.

“Can you stop nagging me, Madame,” Lucien said without further explanation. His headache just got worst. He glanced at his watch and realized that he had to leave immediately to make it on time to meet Edward.

Suddenly as if on cue, Lucien’s mobile phone rang.

“Shit...” Lucien muttered as he looked at his brother’s name on the screen.

“Who is it? Edward?” Rosia said as she took a peek at Lucien’s phone.

“It’s nothing. Go home,” Lucien said dismissively before answering the call.

“Where are you? Are you on the way?” Edward’s voice almost shouted and could be heard from where Rosia was standing.

“I’m...about to leave the office,” Lucien replied, trying to sound normal.

“Are you sick? You don’t sound...so good,” Edward asked skeptically.

“No, I’m fine,” Lucien replied.

“No! He’s not fine! Edward, your brother has a fever and can barely stand,” Rosia shouted.

“Oh shit...you’re sick now of all times? Can you make it?” Edward asked with a chuckle.

“He needs to go to the hospital, Edward,” Rosia spoke up loudly so that Edward could here on the other end of the call.

“Stop talking to my brother through my phone call!” Lucien yelled in annoyance.

“You can’t be late. I need those documents before my flight,” Edward said sternly.

“Lucien can’t go. I...I’ll go!” Rosia suggested desperately.

“No...I can still...drive,” Lucien protested but it was clear from the state that he’s in that he can no longer stand.

“I’m ok with Rosia delivering the documents. They belong to her ex-husband anyways...” Edward said lazily.

“The documents belong to David?” Rosia asked excitedly when her ex-husband was mentioned.

“Yup...which is why I can sort of trust you to deliver them. No peeking though. Lucien, what do you say?” Edward spoke through the phone.

“Seems like we don’t have any...other choice. Take...my car,” Lucien said in between labored pants.

“Ok...I’ll send a car around to take you to the hospital,” Rosia said as she grabbed the document in question off Lucien’s desk.

“Lucien, tell her the location. Oh...please don’t be late. See you soon...” Edward said before hanging up.

...

“Thank you for calling Roma Fancy Pizzas. How can I help you?”

The recording of an overly enthusiastic young woman chirped through the phone.

“Black Ink,” a tall man with red hair and piercing blue eyes spoke clearly yet emotionlessly.

“Please state your password,” the recording replied as programmed.

“My voice is my password,” he said.

“Password verified. You will be connected soon. Please hold,” the recording replied.

After a few seconds of silence, the line was successfully forwarded.

The man on the other end of the line stated some seemingly random numbers before ending the short call with a “good luck”.

The red-haired man jotted down the number and then rearranged them before inputting them into an application on his mobile phone to pinpoint a location on the map. The numbers had been arranged into a specific latitude and longitude.

The man was on the move immediately towards that location. After arriving at his destinated, the red hair man was immediately able to identify what he came here for.

He let out a sigh as he slowly unrolled a small piece of paper. On it were instructions for his mission.

As always, the mission details were arranged in a particular order. However, this mission did not disclose the identity of the target. Target name was filled with ‘to follow the instructions’. The instructions were simple enough. To kill the driver of a particular car and disguise it as a car accident.

The man took out a lighter and lit his cigarette before lighting up the piece of paper, burning it to ashes.

...

“Your mother died in my place,” Lucien said sadly. His face contorted into a mask of sadness and guilt.

I honestly thought that he was going to start crying and was thankful that he didn’t. I felt like crying myself and didn’t know how I would handle Lucien if he cried too.

“Your car was targeted? Someone wanted to murder you?” I asked in pure shock.

I wasn’t sure what sinister explanation I expected but what Lucien just told me was on a completely different level. My mother died in Lucien’s place because she happened to be driving his car...

“Exactly. In a sense your mother’s death was really an unfortunate accident. If I wasn’t sick that day. If Edward didn’t need the documents that day. If Reiner was told of his target’s identity for that day. Then maybe...your mother would still be alive today,” Lucien said as he hung his head low.

Chapter 217: Somewhere with Him

When we arrived at my office building, Edward parked at the same spot to send me off to work. This had become our new routine and oddly I found it very comforting to know that at the end of a tiring workday, I will surely find Edward here waiting for me.

“I’ll pick you up when you get off work. Have a good day and don’t work too hard,” Edward said before taking my hand and kissing the back of it lovingly.

I couldn’t help blushing at this romantic gesture although Edward and I have gone way beyond this together. Come to think of it, Edward hadn’t made a move on me since I got out of the hospital.

I hadn’t realized it because I was too focused on my pregnancy and then my work. I wondered if anything went wrong between us. I frowned a little in worry as my mind started to think of bad and then worst scenarios...

“Thank you. I’ll see you later,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

Tonight, we’re going on a date so perhaps...everything will turn out just fine.

Just like all the times before with Edward, I found myself being dragged along at his pace and it just felt so right.

...

Work was surprisingly busier on that day than I had anticipated. As the end of the workday approached, I was certain as I glanced at my to-do list that I would have to work a little overtime. Looking towards my other colleagues, I could clearly see that it would be the same for all of them.

On top of it all, there was an additional meeting that was just scheduled last minute to discuss the details for the plan tomorrow. I have a date planned with Edward after work today, so this made me feel extra guilty that I had to make him wait longer.

“Some work came up last minute so I’m going to be a bit late. I’m so sorry...”

I texted Edward, adding multiple crying emojis to express my sadness and guilt.

“Don’t worry. I’ll wait,” was the response that I got from Edward almost immediately.

I slapped my cheeks with the palms of my hand softly a couple of times as I urged my mind to focus on the work at hand. If I can just focus, then I’ll be able to finish it all faster.

Despite my efforts, I ended up working almost three hours overtime. Sure, it wasn’t the worst since I still got off at around 9PM which was way better than getting off at midnight. However, it also meant that Edward had to wait for an extra three hours, I thought as I stood alone in the descending elevator.

I haven’t eaten and I bet Edward hasn’t’ eaten either. My poor baby hasn’t eaten either. Before I started working, I didn’t understand why achieving work life balance was so difficult and why there was such a buzz around it. However, now that I’ve started working, I could understand how it could be difficult to achieve at times.

I walked as fast as I could once the elevator door opened on the ground floor. I darted through the quite empty lobby to where Edward was waiting in his car out in the front. I spotted Edward standing in a relax position as he leaned a little on the side of his car and waved to him.

“Edward! I’m so sorry that I’m late...” I said the moment I reached his side.

I wasn’t sure if it was an impact from my pregnancy or just from my lack of exercise in general, but the hurried walk left me panting a little and out of breath.

“No worries. I just finished clearing up some work myself. Get in,” Edward replied smoothly as he flashed me a gentle smile.

He opened the passenger door for me, and I got in. The car smelled like flowers...someone’s really got his game together.

“Oh, these are for you. Keep up the hard work...but I wish I could tell you to rest more instead,” Edward said as he handed me a large bouquet of red roses.

“Wow! They’re lovely. Thank you so much, Edward!” I said happily before flashing Edward a bright smile.

Gazing down at the roses cradled in my arms, I felt blessed and so mesmerized by its beauty. The deep red of the roses was alluringly beautiful. Red roses are for love.

“They suit you...red roses,” Edward mumbled so softly that I almost didn’t catch what he said.

Without giving me time to react to his comment, Edward started driving. I felt strangely excited now that our date has finally started. Work had been busy and with everything that had been going on, finding time to go out on a date had been quite difficult. I guess I have really left my younger life filled with dates and parties behind already. Time really does fly.

“So where are you taking us? Or is that a secret?” I asked.

“It’s a secret,” Edward replied without hesitation.

I knew he wouldn’t tell me. Edward will always be full of surprises. I decided to ask him about his work instead to past the time. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t curious about what he had been up to these past few weeks.

Since he had been glued to me, I wasn’t sure how that had impacted his work. Even though he had assured me that he could work just fine, I wasn’t fully convinced. There were clear differences to working remotely compared to face-to-face and to top that up, Edward had barely appeared in any public events.

“You don’t need to do so much for me, you know? I can take care of myself...” I started to make my point.

“Says the girl who landed herself in hospital just recently from overwork,” Edward immediately shot back.

“That was weeks ago. I’m ok now. I can drive myself to and from work or I can get a driver from the mansion to help,” I said, sounding as reasonable as I could.

“Hmm...so you’d rather have a random driver here with you instead of me?” Edward said sarcastically.

“You know well that that’s not what I meant...” I replied sweetly.

“That’s what it sounded like,” Edward said as he continued to sulk. I found him so adorable in that moment.

“I’m just worried about your work. You haven’t been to the lab or any public events. I don’t see you on the news anymore either,” I said anxiously. I was really worried for him.

“Why would you want to see me on TV when you can see me in person?” Edward grumbled.

Chapter 218: Beyond Expectations

“...You are missing the point! Stop teasing me!” I cried out before I laughed.

“Hahaha! You’re really fun to tease,” Edward said as he started laughing along with me.

“Stop it, Edward!” I yelled at him jokingly.

“My work is fine. I can manage. There is nothing for you to worry about. If I’m required to be there in person; then I will be. Just trust my judgement, ok?” Edward explained. For once since this conversation started, he was answering me seriously.

“Ok...if you say so...” I mumbled, only half convinced.

However, I had to take his word for it and leave it at that. I admit it still felt weird knowing what Edward was doing and where he was all the time and not learning about his wild adventures from the news.

After a while of driving, we seemed to have arrived at our destination as the car came to a stop.

“We’re here,” Edward announced as he got out of the car and came to my side.

He opened the car door for me in one swift motion before bowing. For a moment, I was reminded of Reiner, and I cursed myself for it. That thought was gone as suddenly as it came when Edward’s handsome face smiled up at me. Wow...he looks just like a prince.

A slightly twisted and evil one...but still a prince.

Placing my hand in his awaiting one, Edward got up and helped me out of the car. I thanked him politely as I made sure that I didn’t fall flat on my face and ruin this magical moment.

“Ok...where are we?” I asked in confusion as I looked around at where we were.

Seriously, where are we?

It was dark pretty much all around us and I wasn’t sure where we were. One thing was for sure, darkness separated us from the city that was far beyond. I could see city light from the buildings in the far distance.

“Come...” Edward said as he tugged my hand, urging me to follow him.

After a short walk, I realized that we were at a harbor and what seemed like darkness was actually water. We were at a harbor and this body mass must be a large lake of some sort. I never knew a lake this big existed this close to the city.

“Well, surprise...” Edward said non-ceremoniously.

Oh my...

I gasped at a loss for words at the sight before me. Suddenly, the void of darkness before us lit up with so many golden lights. Where there was nothing, I could see a large white ship lit up by countless golden lights.

I turned to Edward in shock with my eyes wide open and my mouth hanging open. Edward just shrugged wordlessly as if this was nothing on his scale of surprises.

“Welcome onboard Master Edward and Miss Natalia,” said a voice I was sure I had heard before.

“Oh...Ralph!” I exclaimed in surprise as Ralph appeared to welcome us.

His face as old but as friendly as the first time that I had met him at one of Edward’s estate.

“It is an honor to serve you on such an important day,” Ralph said as he bowed deeply.

“Important day?” I said cluelessly.

Ralph seemed to realize his slip of tongue while Edward cleared his throat awkwardly. I couldn’t read the message that flew between the gaze of these two men and decided to let it go.

“Let’s go. I’m hungry,” Edward said gruffly as he tugged my hand.

I followed Edward’s lead and boarded the ship. The ship was empty as expected save for a dining table set at the top of the deck. No one had to educate me for me to realize that that was where we were going to have our dinner. Impressive.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Edward owned the ship and perhaps the lake as well. I didn’t want to know and so I didn’t ask for confirmation.

Ralph led us to the dining table where Edward and I took our seats opposite each other and waited to be serve. Looking around, I was truly awestruck by the panoramic view of the city lights in the distance and how it reflected on the surface of the lake. This was a romantic dinner with a view indeed.

“Liking what you see?” Edward asked as he sipped a little on his wine.

“Yes. Frankly, this is all so amazing!” I cried out in excitement.

“Glad you’re easy to please,” Edward mumbled.

“What did you say?!” I exclaimed in shock. I didn’t think this whole cruise ship business would classify as being ‘easy to please’.

“I’m just joking...” he replied with a chuckle. It was clear that Edward was also enjoying himself immensely...at my expense.

The dinner that Ralph and other members of the staff served looked amazing. Maybe it was my own imagination at play, but the food seemed very healthy and well-balanced. Is Edward focusing more on his health nowadays? I didn’t even realize...

“The food looks amazing...and seems healthy too,” I complimented as I started eating.

“Yeah...” Edward replied vaguely as he too started eating.

The food tasted as amazing as it looked, and I was happy that it was healthy too. I tried my best to eat healthy food since I found out that I was pregnant. I found dinner with Edward super relaxing as we made small talk about random topics that crossed our mind. The conversation flowed very naturally, and I felt at ease.

The wind blowing fluttered my hair. I cannot recall or imagine a date so perfect as the date that day. Everything about the evening was perfect down to the man that was sitting opposite me.

“Follow me,” Edward said as he stood up and extended a hand towards me.

I reached out my hand and placed it in his larger one without hesitation. Slowly Edward pulled me to my feet and led me to the side of the ship. He continued to hold my hand as we stood close to the ship’s railing.

“The view here really is breathtaking,” I said softly as I stared at the city night lights in awe.

“It’s about to get better,” Edward whispered softly close to my ear.

Chapter 219: Endless Surprises

**Boom Boom Boom**

“Wow...” I whispered in awe.

I watched in bewilderment as many fireworks lit up the night sky, its colors reflecting in the dark water of the lake making the sight even more breathtaking. The firework display continued as fireworks of many sizes, shape and colors lit up the sky. I laughed happily like a child without realizing it as I turned to hug Edward who was standing stiffly next to me.

“This is just so amazing! Thank you, Edward!” I cried out in joy and thanked him. I have already lost count of how many times I’ve thanked Edward lately.

Edward just patted my head adoringly as we stared up at the sky together watching the fireworks. I’m not sure how to describe how magical that moment felt. However, in that moment it felt like the fireworks gave me strength and gave me hope. Seeing rainbow lights dancing like this at the end of a very dark and winding tunnel wasn’t a bad comparison.

I clapped my hands in delight as the firework display came to an end. I wondered if people in the city could see the fireworks too. I bet they could. It would be wonderful if many people could experience the joy that I had just experienced.

I felt warm arms encircle me from behind and realized that Edward had hugged me tightly to his body. I smiled up at him as I offered my lips to him for a kiss. Edward leaned down and sealed my lips with his. I moaned with pleasure as our kiss deepened, his tongue flirting with mine. I leaned back against his body as I began to kiss him back hungrily.

“Natalia...” Edward whispered my name passionately when our kiss ended.

“Hmm?” I replied questioningly.

Slowly and gently as if he was handling glass, Edward slowly turned me around to face him. His large hands held both on mine in his.

His next words shocked me into silence.

“Will you marry me?” Edward said firmly and clearly.

I felt many emotions run through me at that moment. First came shock at the seriousness of his proposal. Sure, Edward had asked me to marry him many times before but never did any of those times come with a romantic dinner on a cruise or a firework display. This time he was dead serious.

Second came so much happiness that I couldn’t even begin to describe. It made my whole chest tighten and it became hard to breathe. It made me question if any of this was even real to begin with. It made me want to jump up and down in joy and scream ‘of course I will marry you!’

Third came a sudden rush of hopelessness at the realization that marrying Edward was no longer a luxury that I had as an option. I looked down as I thought of the new life growing inside of me. I had sworn to put this child’s happiness first before my own and I was willing to forego anything to keep that promise.

Finally came determination as I had made my decision. There’s no way that I can marry Edward. I can’t lie to him about my pregnancy and even if I could, I wouldn’t do it. Plus, there was no way Edward would want to marry me anyways after he found out.

That’s just it.

“I’m sorry, Edward. I can’t marry you,” I replied as firmly as I could.

I was surprised that I didn’t start crying right then and there. Slowly, I withdrew my hands from his. I clenched my teeth as I tried to stop my tears from overflowing. I can’t cry right now.

Edward heaved a loud sigh as he ran his hand through his hair.

“Is it because I didn’t get down on one knee?” he asked, teasing me.

“What are you even saying...at a time like this...” I said in a shaky voice. It was too late; I was already crying.

Edward slowly took me into his arm, and he hugged me comfortingly. I didn’t know why I was the one being comforted when I had just rejected him. This is all so messed up.

“Girls tend to like that sort of thing, right? Guys hate it though...” Edward said against my hair.

“Edward...you’re so stupid...” I muttered.

“So, tell me why...” Edward coax softly into my ear.

“Why what...?” I asked.

“You said that you can’t marry me, right? So, why can’t you?” Edward asked.

I’ve rehearsed this so many times but when the time came, I didn’t know how to tell Edward. Edward could probably sense that I was trying to piece my word together because he just waited patiently for me to speak. The silence stretched on as I struggled with myself.

“I...I’m pregnant...with Reiner’s child” I confessed softly.

“I see...” Edward said emotionlessly.

“I wanted to tell you so many times but I...I just...didn’t know how to say it! I’m so sorry, Edward!” I cried out after I untangled myself from his embrace.

“Is that all?” Edward asked.

“What do you mean...is that all? I’m pregnant, Edward. I’m pregnant with a child that is not yours” I repeated again.

For some reason, Edward did not seem shocked or surprised at all.

“I knew you were pregnant...and I could sort of figure who the daddy was. Congratulations, Natalia” Edward said with a smile.

“You knew? Since when?” I said in shock.

“Since you were in the hospital. I wanted you to get around to telling me yourself, so I never asked you about it,” Edward said with a charming smile.

Now it was me who was shocked by this new piece of information. Edward knew about my pregnancy all along? Then why did he still propose to me?

“Well, that’s a relief,” Edward said lightly.

“What’s a relief?” I asked. I couldn’t follow anything he was saying. All his reactions were unexpected, and I didn’t know how to react at all.

“Well, you said that you couldn’t marry me. You didn’t say that you didn’t want to marry me,” Edward said confidently.

“That’s...” I began speaking but I was speechless.

“Well, this ship isn’t going to dock until morning anyways. So, during now till then, how about we make a little bet?” Edward suggested as a playful smirk curved his lips.

Chapter 220: A Little Bet

Our eyes locked and once again I felt captivated by his gorgeous green eyes. I felt like no matter what I did the outcome to this bet of his was already decided. I’ve never won a game or a bet against Edward before and I felt like this time wouldn’t be any different. However, to my own surprise, I didn’t feel any hesitation to go along with it.

“Ok...so, what’s the bet” I replied softly as I nodded my head.

“I bet that before you set foot off this ship tomorrow morning, you would’ve already agreed to be my wife,” Edward stated clearly, his voice full of confidence.

“What are the stakes?” I asked as I cocked my head curiously to the side.

“If I’m right, you’ll spend the rest of your life living as my happy wife and this child becomes my child,” Edward said as he locked eyes with me.

Edward wants to become my baby’s father? Why?

“I can’t do this...I can’t go along with this,” I declined firmly.

“Why not?” he asked, acting genuinely confused.

“Because...then I’ll just be using you...” I replied honestly.

“Then just use me,” Edward replied without hesitation as he gripped my hand in his.

“And what would I get if it turns out that you’re wrong,” I asked in a shaky voice.

“Honestly, I haven’t thought of that simply because it isn’t very likely to happen. Let’s just say that you can name any wish you want, and I’ll grant it,” Edward said before a confident smile formed on his lips.

How many times has this man saved me? Even now he’s trying to save me by offering me marriage. I can’t take advantage of his kindness any longer than I already have. If I marry him, the only ones who would benefit would be me and my child.

What would Edward have to gain?

“Edward...what is in it for you?” I asked in a very soft whisper that I wasn’t sure if he could hear me.

“It’s very windy...let’s go inside,” Edward said before linking my arms in his.

He led me into the inside of the ship, and I was astounded by the sheer size and luxury of the decoration of the inside. Unlike the exterior, which was white and modern, the interior resembled a classic luxury hotel with a mix of dark red and gold tones.

I silently followed Edward as he led us through a carpeted corridor until we reached what must be where we were going to spend the night. The bedroom was much larger than I had expected given that we were inside a ship. I had thought that the room would be smaller but that wasn’t the case at all. The room looked exactly like a presidential hotel suite room would look like and perhaps with more luxurious furnishing.

“You should take a shower first, it was pretty cold up on the deck,” Edward said casually as he sat down on the sofa.

“Ok...I’ll do that...” I agreed and headed towards what must be the bathroom.

Talk about a luxurious cruise ship, nothing should surprise me anymore, but the size of the bathroom was surprisingly large. I hope Edward doesn’t own this ship because it was just too over the top and beyond sensible, I thought to myself as I slowly undressed in front of the mirror.

The full-length mirror reflected the length of my entire body back at me. After observing the front of my own body, I turned to the side so that I could better see the change in my body. My tummy had gotten slightly bigger, but the baby bump was not at all obvious and I was starting to worry if this was normal. I did read that your first pregnancy could be smaller but...well, maybe it’s still too early for the baby bump to show.

I got in the shower and enjoyed the feeling of the warm water running down my body. I hadn’t realized that I felt a little cold up on the deck until I felt the contrasting warmth of the water on my skin. I sighed as I relaxed in the shower. Although my body was relaxing, my mind was far from relaxed. Edward’s proposal haunted me non-stop and every time my mind wandered towards accepting his proposal, my sense of guilt would shut down that option immediately.

It was clear that being with me would just tie Edward down. Worst, I was tying him down with a baby that wasn’t even his; no matter what he said about wanting to be my child’s father. This mess is just so endless and it’s killing me on the inside.

“Natalia...is everything ok?” I heard Edward’s voice call in from right in front of the bathroom door.

“Yes! I’m ok...” I hurriedly called back as loud as I could to make sure he could hear me.

I had a sense of déjà vu. I was sure that this scene had happened before, and it ended up with Edward coming into the bathroom. I did not want that right now. Since I found out that I was pregnant, I had been very conscious about my body, and I didn’t want Edward to see me naked.

“Are you sure? You need help?” Edward called through the door.

“I’m sure! I’m done...” I called back. Just don’t come in!

I grabbed the towel and quickly wrapped it around my body. That was clearly the end of my peaceful and relaxing shower.

“Well, that was fast,” Edward said with an innocent smile as I came face-to-face with him when I opened the bathroom door.

Well, look who’s to blame for that...

“You should shower too. It was pretty chilly up on the deck,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

Edward just laughed merrily as he headed into the bathroom. I heaved a sigh when I heard the bathroom door close behind me. We’ve been practically living together for weeks now so why am I feeling so nervous when Edward was around?