Ch. 251..255: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 251-255

Chapter 251: Can’t Hide

“Of course, I’m stressed, and I should be. It’s been months and I’m still not pregnant...even though we’ve been trying and trying...” I said as my emotions took over me. My voice cracked and I started sobbing.

“These things can take time and stressing about it isn’t going to help and you know that. Don’t worry so much. It’s not like we’re in a rush...” Edward said as he stroked my head comfortingly.

“Should we go see the doctor...” I whispered desperately.

Maybe we need help from the doctors. Maybe we should just get IVF. Perhaps that is the solution to our problem.

“No. We’re not going to see the doctors or get any help about this. I think you’re over stressing and overthinking everything related to this and it’s starting to get very unhealthy for you. Your health physically and mentally is my top concern and not some baby that hasn’t even been conceived yet,” Edward said seriously.

“But...” I began protesting weakly.

“Our baby will come when we’re ready. From now on, I don’t want you obsessing over this. I don’t want you taking pregnancy tests or timing your ovulation. Let’s live life like normal, ok?” Edward said, his voice gentle like he was comforting a child.

“But I thought you wanted another child...” I whispered.

“I still do but I’m sure that our child will be here when he or she is ready. We just have to wait patiently...” Edward replied as he hugged me close to him.

“Umm...” I said in agreement as I nodded hesitantly.

...

It had always been one of my silly dreams to make a surprise announcement to my husband that I was pregnant with his child. Obviously, I had missed that opportunity with Reiner once before, although, I wasn’t sure if he would be overjoyed by my surprise or not. That just made me want to surprise Edward even more if and when I became pregnant.

However, that wasn’t the way that things played out at all...

It’s been a few months since we sort of called off our baby-making project. Edward was strict in monitoring me to make sure that I wasn’t ‘obsessing over’ trying to conceive. That included a strict ban on pregnancy tests and everything else that came with increasing my chances of getting pregnant.

At first, it just stressed me out even more that I didn’t know anything and didn’t seem to have control over anything. However, as time went by, I was able to go back to living life normally without over thinking about whether or not I had conceived.

Probably because I was less stressed than before, our sex lives also improved, and we had sex regularly. More like, we had sex very often. Of course, I did not time for my ovulation because it was banned. At first, I tried counting the days from my period but then I just stopped as time went by.

“How was your meeting with your clients today?” Edward asked.

“Can we not talk about work when you’re eating me out down there...” I replied before letting out a soft moan.

Edward’s face was buried in between my legs as his tongue worked their magic on pleasuring my pussy. His large hands held my thighs wide open as his tongue teased my wet opening. He ran his tongue up and down the wet slit in between my legs, making me cry out loudly.

My body writhed in ecstasy when he plunged his tongue deep inside of my hole. I was so hot and wet down there and Edward was making me wetter with each thrust of his tongue in and out of my love hole. I moaned and arched by back, thrusting my hips towards his face.

“Ahhh! It feels amazing...Edward...” I said before sighing with pleasure.

Edward did not bother to reply to me and that was what I wanted. His lips and tongue continued to please me. When he sucked hard on my clit, I cried out over and over again. I felt like my mind was going to explode, the pleasure of my clit being sucked repeatedly was becoming too much for me to handle. I moaned louder and my body trembled uncontrollably.

Slowly, Edward eased his tongue out of my hole, and I could feel his gaze on my most womanly part. I ran my fingers through his hair as I waited for him to continue pleasuring me.

“Natalia...” Edward called my name. His voice sounded so sexy.

“Hmm?” I let out a soft questioning sound. This better not be another question about work...

“...when was the last time that you had your period?” Edward asked, suddenly.

“Umm...probably around six or seven weeks ago...” I replied after thinking a little.

“I think you’re pregnant,” Edward said bluntly.

“Really? What makes you think that?” I asked, shocked at his sudden statement.

“Your pussy and your nipples are a darker rosy color than before...” Edward said before dipping his head lower to continue sucking on my clit.

“Ahhh! Ahhhh! Ed...ward...” I moaned and cried out at the sudden surge of pleasure that ran throughout my body from where Edward was sucking.

It felt so good, and the pleasure was so intense, I felt like I could faint from this. My hips thrusted upwards sharply when Edward thrusted his tongue into my pussy hole. My body writhed, thrusting my hips up towards his face as he ate me out. His tongue fucked my cunt as I screamed and clutched my hands into his hair.

It didn’t take long for my body to convulse and gush out more of my love juices onto his tongue when I climaxed. Sex with Edward had been so blissful and relaxing lately. Since Edward pretty much banned me from taking regular pregnancy tests and timing my ovulation, life had reverted to how it was before. I was forced to take my mind off trying to conceive a child and many stress-free months had passed by since then.

I thought that I may be pregnant after my period was late but had decided to postpone the pregnancy test until I was sure that I skipped a period rather than it just coming late. It wasn’t rare for my period to be late in some cycles after all. Sometimes, stress from work could make my period skip for a month or more, all together. However, now that Edward had pointed out that he thought that I could be with child, I truly thought that it was a possibility.

“Can I pee on a pregnancy test now?” I asked Edward right away after I had caught my breath as I recovered from my own intense orgasm.

Chapter 252: Finally Ours

“Sure...” Edward replied as he bent down to kiss me on the cheek.

“Edward...I love you,” I said, meaning every word.

“Go get your pregnancy test. If it’s positive, I’ll take you to see the doctor,” Edward replied smoothly.

He didn’t seem so concerned or excited at all. It was like he was sure that the result would turn out positive. I wished that I could have surprised him but that didn’t seem possible anymore. I also wished that he would look a little more excited that I could be pregnant. Like, seriously, it’s finally happening so I wished he would react even if it’s just a little more...

I peed on a pregnancy stick once again. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve peed on these things. Thinking back, I was very excited and anxious when I first purchased and used this thing for the first time. That was my first time, but I got a positive result right away.

I held the stick in my hand as I returned to the bed and sat on it while waiting for the result. Edward scooted over so that he could rest his head on my lap. We waited together for those long ten minutes or so for the result. I prayed so hard. There wasn’t anything else that I could do so I just closed my eyes and prayed...prayed...and prayed harder!

“It’s positive,” Edward announced nonchalantly.

My eyes snapped opened before I stared down at the pregnancy stick that I held in my hand. Edward was right. There were two marks on the stick...which means that I’m pregnant. Finally!

“I’m pregnant! Edward! I’m pregnant...finally...I’m pregnant!” I screamed excitedly as I hugged him tightly.

“Stop squealing and don’t move about too much or you’ll lose the baby. Get dressed, I’m taking you to the hospital,” Edward said as he swiftly got off the bed.

“Ok...” I mumbled as I slowly got up.

Edward took me to the hospital, and we met up with the same doctor who helped take care of my case during my first pregnancy. We got proper confirmation after the test that I was indeed pregnant with Edward’s child. Edward didn’t seem too excited about it; on the other hand, I was bursting with so much joy. I couldn’t stop giggling at my own long-awaited success and it made me think that the baby would be a very joyful one.

“I wanted to surprise you with my pregnancy. This little dream of mine clearly didn’t get to materialize...” I complained a little on our way back from the hospital.

“I’m surprised enough, don’t worry,” Edward replied, his eyes on the road.

“Can’t you just pretend that you didn’t know anything and just go along with it for once?” I muttered, as I pouted.

“Now that’s just being unreasonable,” Edward said as he grinned at me.

“...I don’t know. You just don’t seem excited...” I said, clearly disappointed.

“To be honest, I’m so excited and overjoyed that I’m not sure how I should act. Congratulations, Natalia...” Edward said a little shyly before turning to smile sweetly at me.

“You mean, congratulations to us, don’t you?” I corrected him.

“I can’t wait to welcome more of our children to this world,” Edward said happily. I felt so proud that I could make him so happy.

“You sure love being a dad, don’t you?” I asked, teasingly.

“Of course, I do...” Edward replied without any hesitation.

I was finally pregnant. Our little family of three was about to expand to a family of four...or so I had thought.

...

A few weeks later, I had an appointment for my first ultrasound and check-up. Edward readily cleared his schedule to be with me on that day. It felt like a repeat of when I was first pregnant with our son which was overall a heavenly experience. Not saying that it was an easy experience to be pregnant and then deliver a child.

The doctor greeted us happily and congratulated us once again on my second pregnancy. As always, the doctor was full of positive energy, and I found that comforting and motivating. However, the ultrasound was taking longer than I had anticipated based on my previous ultrasound experiences. After more time went by, I began feeling uncomfortable and I started wondering if something was wrong.

“Umm...is everything ok?” I asked, my voice shaking with concern.

“Oh...everything is fine,” the doctor replied but her eyes continued to check the screen closely.

After a while, she finished her ultrasound session. I waited with bated breath to hear what she had to say to us.

“You’re pregnant with twins. Congratulations!” the doctor announced joyfully.

My mouth dropped opened as my eyes also widened at the news.

“Twins? Really?” I said, unable to control my surprise and delight. Edward and I are not just going to have one baby. We’re going to have two!

I’ve waited so long for this and now it all seemed like the wait was more than worth it. We’re going to have twins. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My babies are here with me inside my belly. I placed my hands on my small baby bump and felt like I was about to cry from the overwhelming happiness that I was feeling.

Little did I know that Edward was feeling very uncomfortable with the news. I turned to smile happily at him and could feel that he didn’t quite share my joy. It was hard for me to understand why. Having twins was like I had achieved a special small miracle of my own. I was so happy that nothing filled my mind but the news of the twins for the next couple of days.

“Natalia...can you wait outside for a bit. I want to catch up with the doctor for short while...” Edward said to me.

I nodded. I guessed that since they were old friends, they probably wanted to talk a little in private. Just like Edward had requested, I sat down in front of the doctor’s office to wait for him.

...

“Are you concerned?” the doctor asked, coming straight to the point. She could see the distress on Edward’s face as clear as day since Natalia had left the room.

“To be honest, yes. I’ve heard that there is more risk of...complications...for a woman carrying twins compared to a normal pregnancy...” Edward said, his voice full of worry.

“I wouldn’t lie and say that that’s not true. You’re knowledgeable too so I’m sure you know. But you see, medical technology has evolved a lot and nowadays with all the IVFs planting multiple embryos into women, it’s becoming more and more common for women to have twins or even triplets,” the doctor explained.

“I see...” Edward said, not wholly convinced.

“Doctors, including myself, are more used to dealing with twin or triplet pregnancies now and so the risks are much lower than before. Natalia is young and very healthy. I don’t foresee any complications in her case...and I’m not just saying it...” the doctor said reassuringly before she smiled warmly at Edward.

“I see. Please help take care of her,” Edward said as he nodded slowly.

“Of course, I will. You better do your best to take care of her too,” the doctor said before smiling brightly.

“I will. Thank you, Doctor,” Edward replied.

...

I heard the door to the doctor’s office slide open and looked up from my phone screen. Edward walked through the door, and I got up from my seat and greeted him immediately.

“So...what did you talk to the doctor about?” I asked curiously as we walked together to the car.

“Nothing much. Just some talk between old friends. There’s nothing for you to be worried about...” Edward replied smoothly.

I guess he didn’t want to talk about it, so I didn’t press him any further. The news of the twins made me too happy to care about anything else much at that moment and I didn’t want to sweat the details.

--To be continued...

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Chapter 253: Growing Up

**5 Years Later**

“Mummy! Wow! You’re here early today!”

“Yes! I am...” I called out cheerfully before crouching down with both my arms outstretched.

I watched with a mix of pride and joy as I watched a very cute and smiley red-haired boy run straight into my outstretched arm. He hugged me and I hugged him tightly in return.

“Hi, Ryder. How was your day at school?” I asked as I gazed into his beautiful eyes. At least, he has my eyes.

“It was awesome!” he replied energetically.

“Cool! Well, it’s time to go home. Daddy will be back early today too!” I said excitedly.

“Wow cool!” Ryder exclaimed excitedly as he raced off ahead towards the parking lot.

“No running! Ryder!” I called after him and surprisingly, my little boy stopped in his track and waited for me to catch up to him in my wobbly high heels.

“You’re such a good boy these days, huh?” I teased as I caught up to him.

I offered him my hand and he dutifully took it and held it tight. We walked side by side towards the parking lot where I had parked my car. Edward and I tried our best to find time to pick up our children from school. Of course, there were many days when that couldn’t happen due to our work or other responsibilities. On those days, we would have one of our butlers or drivers come to pick up the children.

I personally loved picking up the children from school because they just looked so happy to see me waiting for them at the end of their school day. For someone who never had a complete family like me, being able to build a complete family of my own with Edward was a dream come true.

“I’m trying...so please tell daddy that I’ve been good, ok?” Ryder said as he smiled up at me.

“What secret deal did you cut out with Edward this time?” I asked suspiciously.

“...If you’re good and help me out, then you’ll find out” Ryder replied with a calculating smile.

Although Ryder has red hair and my eyes and did not look anything like Edward, no one could deny that his personality and mind were a direct duplicate of Edward’s. Those two got along so well and Ryder was closer to Edward than any other father and son duo that I knew of.

“What will I get if I help you out?” I teased back.

“Umm...maybe I’ll ask daddy to bring you along on our trip...” Ryder said with a bright smile.

I felt like I was looking at a mini version of Edward.

“Wow...sounds amazing!” I said excitedly before bending down to hug him.

Ryder’s appearance and coloring that resembled his biological father so much had caused quite a lot of drama both within the Rosenhall family and the public when he was born. I only realized that Edward had probably told a big fat lie to Lucien about the parentage of this child when I saw the look of pure shock on Lucien’s face the first time that he saw baby Ryder.

The look he shot Edward was deadly, but Edward just smiled sheepishly and shrugged. Honestly, I didn’t think that Ryder would turn out so much like his biological father. Lucien could tell right away that Ryder was not Edward’s child and that he had been lied to.

It all started to make sense how Edward managed to convince Lucien to allow our marriage. He probably told Lucien that I was pregnant with his child and that he was willing to take responsibility. Edward never told me about any of this, but I was quite convinced that I didn’t get it wrong this time.

When the press started questioning if Ryder was even Edward’s real son, I was very stressed and scared because I was afraid that the truth would be exposed. I wasn’t afraid for myself, but I was afraid for Ryder. I knew that one day perhaps he deserved to know the truth about his biological father but if that day ever came, I didn’t want him to hear it through some gossip magazine, website, or social media. I wanted him to hear it from Edward and me.

When I raised my concern to Edward, he laughed it off like some bad joke.

“Ryder is my son. Period. I’ll keep on saying the same thing until the whole world believes it. It’s as simple as that,” Edward stated without a care.

“I don’t know. I just don’t want them to publish any crazy theories...” I said as I voiced my concern.

“The only problem they have with him is that he has red hair and neither of us has it. So, we’ll just tell them that your grandmother or someone has red hair, ok? That’s it, done,” Edward said, brushing off the whole matter.

He made it all sound so easy. Perhaps it really was that simple and I was just over thinking things, but I was really worried about Ryder. I bet if we were a normal couple no one would be double guessing if our child really was ours or not like this.

“I don’t know...” I whispered still unconvinced.

“Stop worrying, Princess. I’ll deal with it,” Edward said as he hugged me from behind. I leaned my head against his chest. I trusted Edward but I just couldn’t help worrying.

So many ‘what if’ scenarios filled my mind as I worried endlessly. I knew how much rumors could influence children and also the reactions of other people based on my own personal experience, and I wasn’t willing to take even the slightest risk of that happening to my child. Growing up, I was the darkest of the black sheeps in the Rosenhall family and the mean words written and spoken by the reporters only made my situation worse.

I had graduated from all that but was it too much to ask that my son shouldn’t have to go through such a haunting experience?

...

We arrived home earlier than expected due to light traffic which made me feel so fortunate. Work had been busy as always but now I have a team that helps me at work. Slowly but surely, I have been climbing up the corporate ladder and now I lead a small team of my own. I have found my passion in event organizing, so now I lead a team that focuses on organizing public events and managing PR for the company.

“Madame, dinner is ready. Should we start arranging the table?” a maid asked me.

“That would be good. Edward should be back soon,” I replied.

Chapter 254: Old Friends

A few seconds after those words left my mouth, the front door opened, and Edward walked in along with the troublesome twins. Roseline had her dark hair braided and held her father’s hand. Roseline clearly had Edward in the palm of her hand and was already a pro at sucking up to her father. I decided to give my girl a name similar to my own mother’s name as another way of thinking of her.

Edward named the other twin after his mentor, ironically that was my father, so his name is Devon. These three little devils are responsible for keeping Edward and I challenged and super preoccupied.

“Mummy...I’m so...hungry...” Devon said as he walked up to me and hugged my leg.

“Food is ready. Let’s go to the dining room,” I said as I patted his head before taking his small hand into mine.

Edward walked up beside me before placing a sweet kiss on my cheek.

“Welcome home, Edward,” I said as I smiled at him.

“Where’s Ryder?” Edward asked, looking around.

“He’s already waiting for food in the dining room. Let’s go,” I replied before walking ahead along with Devon.

...

**A week later**

Edward held his eldest son’s hand as they casually strode through one of the most upscale malls in the city center. It was the weekend, and the mall was crowded with shoppers and families out to have a good time.

“Where should we go next? I’m a little hungry...” Ryder said as he tugged lightly on his father’s hand for attention.

“Perfect because we’re going to a restaurant,” Edward replied as he smiled down at his son.

“Cool...I want steak,” Ryder said happily.

“I’m sure they’ve got steak,” Edward replied smoothly as he checked the time on his watch.

When father and son had arrived at the restaurant, a young woman greeted them warmly and led them to the table in a private room that Edward had pre-booked in advance.

“Let me show you to your table, Sir,” the young woman said politely before leading the way.

“I’m hungry...” Ryder muttered.

“I know...I can hear your tummy growling like a monster...” Edward muttered back.

Father and son smiled at each other as they followed the waitress to their table.

The waitress handed them the menu after the two had sat down.

“I’ll come back to take your order. Please press the button to call me when you’re ready,” she said with a professional smile.

“I’m ready to order now,” Ryder said energetically as he pointed his finger at the photo of the T-bone steak on the menu.

“He’ll have that. Well done,” Edward told the waitress.

“When do I get to eat it medium rare like you do?” Ryder muttered as he pouted at his father.

“When you’re older,” Edward replied without hesitation.

After placing his own orders with the waitress, Edward slowly got up from the table.

“Where are you going?” Ryder asked.

“I’m picking up a friend. He’s decided to join us for lunch. Wait here, ok?” Edward replied with a smile.

“Ok...” Ryder replied obediently.

Edward patted the boy’s head adoringly causing the boy to pout in annoyance.

It’s been many years since Edward had heard from his friend. To be more accurate, Edward was unable to track down his friend even after his continuous efforts all these years. Therefore, he felt like it was no coincidence that his team was finally able to locate him that his friend had returned to the country recently.

Surprisingly, Edward was able to get into contact with his friend quite easily through his friend’s current employer who happened to be one of his business partners from the past. Now in less than a few minutes, Edward would come face-to-face with his friend for the first time in years and he felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Taking the elevator up to the reserved helicopter dock on top of the mall, Edward thought of what he wanted to say to his friend. The ride upwards was too short for Edward to reflect on everything, but it was enough time for him to reconfirm his own decision.

A very tall man dressed head-to-toe in black stood alone on the roof top waiting for Edward’s arrival. His red hair shone in the sunlight and fluttered a little in the wind. The man stood straight, and his face was an unreadable emotionless mask.

The man turned around at the sound of Edward’s approaching footsteps.

“Reiner...well, you probably go by another name now...” Edward greeted his old friend as he came to stand directly in front of him.

“Edward...” Reiner said as a small smile broke on his lips.

“How long have you been away from this place? Or should I say this country?” Edward asked casually as he eyed his friend.

“Ever since that day,” Reiner replied flatly.

“I couldn’t find you at all for all these years...” Edward said in wonder.

“Of course. I didn’t want to be found,” Reiner replied bluntly.

“And now? I guess the paparazzi got you curious, huh?” Edward asked rhetorically.

“I don’t know...” Reiner whispered honestly.

“Are you sure you don’t want to meet her?” Edward asked, getting straight to the point.

“You would allow me to meet her? She’s your wife now” Reiner said emotionlessly; however, Edward did not miss a gleam of hope in his friend’s blue eyes.

“Of course. Natalia’s my wife now and I trust her,” Edward replied with a confident smile.

“Well, I don’t trust myself,” Reiner said with a grin.

Edward just burst out laughing at Reiner’s honest response. Reiner looked at his friend in confusion until Edward was able to collect himself once more.

“I somehow knew you would say that. Come with me,” Edward said casually.

“Where are we going?” Reiner asked suspiciously.

“A restaurant. Let’s grab lunch...” Edward said as he led the way.

...

“Ryder! Come here and greet daddy’s friend,” Edward called out as he gestured with his hand for the boy to come over.

Reiner watched in amazement and shock as a red-haired boy ran over to them energetically. His face full of smile and laughter as he jumped up onto Edward’s lap.

Chapter 255: Ryder Rosenhall

“Daddy!” the boy cried out happily as he hugged his father.

“Say hello to my good friend. This is Reiner. Reiner, this is my eldest son, Ryder,” Edward quickly introduced the two to each other.

“Hello, Sir. My name is Ryder Rosenhall. It is a pleasure to meet you,” the boy said cheerily and with impeccable manners.

“I’m Reiner. It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” Reiner replied back before smiling a little at the boy and patting his head.

When the boy looked up to smile at him in return, Reiner found himself looking into a pair of very familiar eyes. The boy had his mother’s kind eyes, Natalia’s eyes. He watched as the boy went about eating his food, clearly enjoying himself.

“Did you name him?” Reiner asked Edward quietly.

“No, his mother did,” Edward replied before smiling at his friend.

“I see...” Reiner mumbled; his eyes still glued to the red-haired boy.

“I’ve got some business to take care of for a short while. Ryder, can you stay with my friend. He hasn’t eaten so can you order him some food? Is that, ok?” Edward asked Ryder before winking at Reiner.

Ryder nodded in response to this father’s suggestion.

“Edward...” Reiner said hesitantly.

“Take good care of my son. I’ll be back in half an hour...” Edward said casually as he headed for the door.

“Where are you going off to again, daddy?” Ryder asked accusingly.

“I’m just going to pick up the twins. Ok?” Edward replied smoothly.

“Ok...” Ryder mumbled in reply.

“My friend can pay for your lunch,” Edward said teasingly.

“...Sure,” Reiner said as he looked at Edward in confusion.

Without another word, Edward quickly left the restaurant leaving Reiner alone with a wide-eyed redhead boy.

“You want to order something, Sir? The steak here tastes good,” Ryder said with a big smile before stuffing more steak into his mouth.

“Can you order something for me then?” Reiner asked as he stared at the boy sitting next to him.

“Sure. Leave it to me!” Ryder replied excitedly as he pushed the button to call the waitress.

At the sound of the call bell, the waitress entered the room to receive the order from Ryder who enthusiastically ordered more steak for his father’ friend. After confirming the order, the waitress bowed politely and silently left the room.

“How old are you, Ryder?” Reiner asked in a gentle voice as he continued to observe the boy sitting close him.

“I’m eight, Sir,” Ryder said proudly.

“You can stop calling me ‘Sir’. Just call me Reiner,” Reiner said calmly.

“Alright. Mister Reiner,” Ryder said, trying to sound as formal as he could.

“You seem close to your father,” Reiner commented.

“We are close. He’s my father but we’re best friends. I want to grow up to be just like my father,” Ryder stated proudly, his eyes sparkling.

“That’s not surprising. Edward is a great guy,” Reiner said with a small laugh.

“I know, right?” Ryder readily agreed.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you have your mother’s eyes?” Reiner asked.

“My father did. He said that my eyes are beautiful just like hers. Do you know her? My mother...I mean,” Ryder asked curiously.

“I do know her. We’re not close or anything. I met her through Edward...a couple of times. That’s all,” Reiner said casually, his smile never leaving his lips as he looked adoringly at the boy next to him.

“I see. Well, why don’t you eat first?” Ryder said as he heard the waitress knocking softly before entering the room to serve their food.

“The food looks good. Seems like you’ve made a great choice,” Reiner said; however, his eyes never left the boy’s face.

“I wonder when father will be back. Maybe you’ll get to meet the twins. Have you met them?” Ryder asked.

“No...I haven’t met the twins,” Reiner answered.

“You’ll know immediately when you see them. They look pretty much like father...same eyes and same hair. They’re just smaller...oh and one is a girl...” Ryder said with a slightly wicked smile.

“Well, at least you have your mother’s eyes,” Reiner said encouragingly.

“My mother says I have beautiful red hair. I’m happy as long as she likes it,” Ryder said bravely as he reassured both Reiner and himself at the same time.

“I see. That’s great,” Reiner said with a smile.

“You have red hair too, Mister Reiner,” Ryder said cheerfully.

“You’re right, I do,” Reiner replied.

“My mother always says that people with red hair have a kind and brave heart. She thinks I have a kind and brave heart...” Ryder said softly as he reminisces on his mother’s words.

“I’m sure that you do...” Reiner whispered.

...

“Are you still sure that you don’t want to meet her?” Edward whispered secretly to Reiner.

“Yes...I’m sure,” Reiner whispered back firmly.

“I see. It’s Natalia’s birthday in two days...I wonder what I should get her...” Edward said as he pretended to be deep in thought.

“Edward...” Reiner said in a low voice.

“See you around...” Edward before winking at Reiner.

Edward got up from his seat and headed to where the kids were playing and chatting loudly to each other. Putting his arms around his children, he crouched down to their level and started chatting to them.

“We should go home now. Natalia is waiting,” Edward told the kids as he rounded them up.

“Ok...” the kids replied in unison.

“Goodbye, Mr. Reiner!” Ryder called and waved enthusiastically in Reiner’s direction.

“Goodbye...” Reiner said as he waved back.

Reiner watched until Edward and the children disappeared completely from sight.

...

“Happy Birthday Mummy!” all my three children shouted excited all at once.

After singing the happy birthday song along with Edward, the three children excitedly grabbed the presents that they had prepared and handed them over to me while wishing me a happy birthday. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing in joy as I crouched down to throw my arms around my three beautiful children.

I felt tears of happiness in my eyes as I hugged my children tightly to me and felt their warm bodies in my arms. I can’t even begin to explain or put into words how much I love them and how thankful I am to have them in my life. These are the memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.