Ch. 271..275: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 271-275

Chapter 271: Reiner - Don’t Underestimate My Feelings

Note: This story is an alternative ending to the main story branching out from the Chapter called ‘Because It Hurts’. It will follow Reiner’s route of the story to Reiner’s ending. Events in this story happens in a parallel universe and does not overlap with that of the main story (Edward’s route).

**In the Greenhouse**

Reiner’s deep thrusts hitting hard against the sensitive spot deep inside of my cave, sending me over the edge as my orgasm claimed me. I clenched my pussy walls hard around his shaft to suck him in deeper as I squirted my juices out as I came.

I loss all strength in my body and my mind as well as a result of my intense climax. It was the sensation of something hot spurting deep inside of me that brought me back to my senses. I realized that Reiner was panting my name while he ejaculated loads of his hot seed deep into my body as he climaxed.

I closed my eyes exhausted from our passionate tryst. I felt Reiner lift my limp body up in his arms once more and I rested my head against his warm chest with my eyes still closed. That was when I remembered that I should give him the answer he had so badly wanted.

“...because it hurts. When you want something that you can’t have...even though...it’s so close...” I murmured softly against his chest as if speaking to myself. This was my response to what he wanted so badly to know.

Reiner was silent and although I wanted to know how he felt, I knew that glancing up into his emotionless face would probably not provide me with any clues. Instead, I cast my eyes downwards and watched my own fingers that were curled up on Reiner’s chest.

It was then that I realized that the rain had subsided. The rain continued to beat softly against the greenhouse, but the rainstorm was gone now. I listened to the soft sound of the rain and the strong beating of Reiner’s heart. After a while, it was clear that Reiner wasn’t going to say anything.

However, I had something that I wanted...and needed to say...

Perhaps, this was the only chance that I had left.

I looked up and slowly, with the tips of my fingers, I touched the side of his face. Just like magic, Reiner looked down at me and our eyes locked.

“Reiner, I love you...” I said softly but clearly as I looked deeply into his wonderfully blue eyes.

If it was joy or happiness that I wanted to see as Reiner’s reaction, I would have been completely crushed with disappointment. It was extremely difficult to analyze and identify the various emotions that flickered in his eyes when he heard my confession of love.

Shock, disappointment, regret, and rejection. Those were the emotions that I could sense from him. Not exactly the most heart-warming reactions one would expect from an honest love confession.

“No, you don’t, Natalia. You’re just confused because we’ve been spending a lot of time together. It will pass,” Reiner said solemnly as he lifted me off his lap and onto the bench next to him.

“Why do you always say things like that?” I asked, my mood darkening fast.

“...because it’s true,” Reiner replied emotionlessly.

“What?” I whispered, surprised at how hurt and angry I was starting to feel.

“You’re still young and young people are prone to make mistakes,” Reiner said before smiling sadly at me.

“My feelings are not a mistake!” I cried out loudly in denial.

These are my true feelings and I know myself best. How can my feelings possibly be a mistake?

I turned to face him as I glared at him without the willingness to backdown. Reiner closed his eyes and sighed as if he was sick and tired of dealing with me.

“You say that you love me but I’m sure that you don’t. This isn’t true love, Natalia. When I’m no longer here, you will forget all about me soon enough,” Reiner said, calmly.

It was his calm and how much it contrasted with the heat and passion burning in my heart that made me feel angrier at him.

“...I will never forget you...” I said with certainty. However, I must have came across as one very stubborn girl to Reiner.

“How can you possibly love me when you don’t even know anything about me?” Reiner said with a sigh.

“Stop putting it like it’s my fault. How can I know anything about you when you just keep everything hidden away?” I replied heatedly.

“Time will pass, and people will change. You’ll grow up some more, and you’ll meet someone who will make you truly happy...” Reiner said gently.

I knew he wished me well and wanted what he thought was best for me. However, that wasn’t what I wanted, and it wasn’t what I believed was best for me either. I don’t want to meet anyone else...

“...and that person, isn’t you? Why can’t that person be you?” I asked as I felt tears sting my eyes.

Was there really no chance of a future for us to be together?

“You have a bright future ahead of you, Natalia...and your future isn’t with me,” Reiner stated matter-of-factly. It was like he believed that our destiny and our futures have already been set in stone.

“I’m just an inconvenience, aren’t I?” I said so softly that I wasn’t sure if he had heard me.

“What?” Reiner said with apparent confusion as he narrowed his eyes at me.

“Me...and my needless feelings, they’re all just a burden and an inconvenience for you...aren’t they?” I asked before I looked up into his face.

Apparently, Reiner was stunned at my question. I was sure that he had an answer but had decided against voicing it. It was Reiner who broke our eye contact first as he turned to look the other way, away from me.

When I confessed to him, I already knew very well that he didn’t feel the same way. Reiner didn’t love me the way that I love him. Honestly, I didn’t hope for him to reciprocate my feelings...however...

“It’s one thing if you don’t love me...but it’s another thing all together for you to underestimate my feelings...” I said softly but clearly.

I meant it as I said it. I never expected that he would belittle my feelings like this. Reiner did not say anything as I got up from the bench and picked up my dress from the floor. I felt his eyes on me as he followed my movements. Swiftly, I put the dress back on, not bothering to adjust it.

Without turning back to face him, I walked towards the door. Then, I stopped in front of the door to the glasshouse. The rain outside had pretty much stopped. Although it was still dark, I was certain that I could somehow make my way back to the mansion.

“The rain has stopped...I’m heading back,” I said, my eyes on the glass and Reiner’s reflection in it. He hasn’t moved from where he was seated.

I pushed the door open firmly and felt the harsh wind on my face as I stepped out into the open. Perhaps, I wouldn’t see Reiner again, but I had said everything that I wanted to say. I told him how I felt and that was just that.

It was still dark, and I doubt anyone else would be out walking in the garden in this rain. Well, if anyone saw me in this messed up state...who cares?

Chapter 272: Reiner - Emptiness

That night I somehow managed to make it back to the mansion without running into anyone. When I arrived back in my bedroom, I took off my dress and just climbed into bed. I felt so cold, and I was certain that it wasn’t just from being in the rain. There was so much coldness inside of me, and I had never felt this empty inside before.

I didn’t remember much of what happened for the remainder of that night and it was probably because I didn’t want to remember. My eyes hurt from crying non-stop, but it was nothing compared to the pain that was tearing at my heart. I couldn’t recall when I fell asleep, but I remembered clearly how I fell asleep. I cried until I couldn’t cry anymore and then I fell asleep.

...

Morning finally came and the sunlight that shone through the window onto my face was merciless. One glance at the time and I knew that I had gotten up late. It was already close to midday. I got up and the blanket fell from my body, revealing that I was naked. That’s right, last night I just got into bed and cried myself to sleep...after my confession to Reiner didn’t go very well, to say the least.

I felt tired and drained of energy. My body felt heavy like I had a mild fever, and my lower body was sore. The worst part was that I had nothing to show for my efforts. I closed my eyes and just focused on breathing deeply. The sounds of soft knocks on my bedroom door brought me back to my harsh reality.

“Miss Natalia...”

A voice I was familiar with called my name through the door. Although the voice was familiar, it wasn’t the voice that I wanted to hear...

“Come in, Laura...” I called back just loud enough for her to hear.

The door to my bedroom opened immediately and came in Laura with an excessively worried look on her face. One look at my face and her eyes grew wide with shock and concern.

“Oh miss...” was all that she managed to say as she quickly came to my side and placed a comforting arm around my shoulder.

I didn’t need to take a look in the mirror to know that I looked like a mess. It was probably nothing though, compared to how broken I felt inside.

If Laura is here, then that only means one thing: Reiner is no longer here.

“Let me help you shower and get changed right away. The chefs have prepared so many of your favorite foods so after we’re done, let’s go down to have lunch...” Laura suggested as she showed me her best smile.

I appreciated her efforts even though they weren’t exactly going to be very effective in cheering me up.

“Thank you...Laura...” I said as I put in effort to smile back at her.

After preparing for my warm bath, Laura led me to the bathtub and helped me get in. The warm water felt wonderful against my skin, and I let out a sigh.

“Mr. Reiner got called back to the main house so suddenly, Miss...” Laura said softly as she massaged my shoulder gently.

“I see...” I mumbled.

He got called back there at Lucien’s request and Lucien made that request based on my request. I bit my lower lip as I tried to hold in my tears. Although I knew that this would happen, now that he was really gone, I still felt shocked and lost, nonetheless.

“I heard from the other staffs that he packed his stuff so suddenly and was already gone before dawn broke...” Laura said, and I didn’t miss the note of sadness in her voice.

“I see. Thank you for letting me know...” I replied softly.

“I’ll prepare your clothes for you. Please come to the dining room for lunch when you’re done dressing, Miss,” Laura said before she got up and turned to leave.

Once the bathroom door closed behind her and I was alone, I covered my face with my hands and cried. Sitting there in the bathtub, I pulled my knees up and curled myself into a ball.

“Reiner...”

So, he decided to leave after all...

...

When was the last time that I thought that food tasted like sand in my mouth? I couldn’t help but wonder as I stared at the food in my spoon. Never mind the taste, just looking at the food made me feel sick.

I could feel Laura and the other maid’s eyes on me and that made me feel so guilty. What would the chefs think when they see all the left-over food? I felt so sorry towards them because I knew that they too probably felt distressed over Reiner’s sudden departure, and they were doing their best to cheer me up.

I closed my eyes and shoved more food into my mouth. Eating without an appetite was so painful but I did it anyways. I could literally hear sigh of relief from the maids when they saw that I was eating some food.

After I was done with lunch, I quickly excused the maids so that I could finally be alone. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the energy or the mood to entertain or live up to anyone’s expectations right now. When the maids had left me alone, I got up and headed to the one destination that I had in mind.

I remembered the first time that I stood here in front of this door. It didn’t seem that long ago, and I remembered the moment so clearly. A small smile curved my lips as I recalled how I had to ask the maids where this room was and how confused and hesitant, they were to tell me. Then I remembered the struggles and trials that I had to go through just to take my first step into this room. Those times were gone now.

I put my hand on the doorknob and it turned easily. With a small push, the door opened and welcomed me into the room. However, all of that was useless now. The room was so empty that it would be hard for anyone to believe that someone was actually living here up until a few hours ago. Reiner’s room is no longer his room.

Chapter 273: Reiner - I Remember You

Breathing out another sigh, I walked into the room and closed the door behind me. There really isn’t anything left here. The empty room just acted as another proof that Reiner had truly disappeared from my life. I ran my fingertips along the table and imagined Reiner sitting on the chair as he spoke to me while I rested on his bed.

I remembered the first time he let me through the door when I was literally running away from my own nightmare. How he comforted me and held me until I fell asleep in his arms. The warmth in his arms and the kindness and care that I felt were feelings that I would never be able to forget.

I glanced at the floor in front of the door, remembering him sleeping there, sitting with his back against the door as he safeguarded me from any harm that may venture in from outside. He was definitely not a man of many words, but his actions spoke so much louder than words anyways.

Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my cheeks, and I didn’t even bother to wipe them away.

Sitting down on his bed, I recalled the first time I was able to get him to hold me in his arms and the peaceful sleep I experienced whenever I fell asleep with his arms around me. We’ve come such a long way after that just to return to nothing at all. We walked around in circles and ultimate we got lost and then we got separated.

Just when I was about to get up from the bed, I felt something underneath my hand like a bump. Was there something under the blanket?

I got up and pulled the blanket that was covering the bed away, revealing the item that was just laying there on the bed. I should have known that this would happen, but it still hurts like crazy anyways...

Poor little thing, he didn’t even take you with him. Are you lonely and sad after being left behind...just like me?

I laughed a little at myself. I’m so stupid...

Why am I talking silently in my head to a painting?

It’s weird and twisted how the painting I had given him for his birthday present as a way for him to remember me turned out to be something that I would remember him by instead. He didn’t even take it with him. I looked down at my own painting of Reiner. He looked great here, I had to say that I had some hidden talent at painting.

Just as suddenly as he had waltz into my life, he had left while taking nothing along with him as a reminder of our time together. Perhaps, he didn’t want to remember the times that we shared anymore. I’m probably the only one holding on to these useless emotions of mine. Well, at least he took my heart away with him...

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. It was clear even to me that being here wasn’t helping me get over him at all, but then again, I never said that I wanted to get over him in the first place.

What am I doing here?

I’m going crazy...

With the painting in my hand, I left the room as silently as I had entered it.

...

The days after that past by in a blur. It felt like I was floating around in a bubble as I tried my best to avoid places and things that would remind me of Reiner, not that I was successful. I was just waiting for the bubble that was protecting me to burst and for another breakdown to come my way.

When I woke up and looked at the chair next to my bed and saw that it was empty, I was reminded of him. Unsurprisingly, I had trouble sleeping. Reiner wasn’t there to put me to sleep through his gentle words or wild lovemaking. When I opened my eyes, he wasn’t there to greet me with a ‘good morning’. He really spoilt me rotten.

When Laura served me tea and cake, everything just tasted off. The chefs were professional but the cake they made didn’t compare to those that Reiner baked at all. In the end, I just ordered the maids to stop serving me cake all together.

“Are you sure, Miss Natalia?” Laura asked, surprise clear in her voice.

Yes, I didn’t think that there would come a day when I would put a ban on cake for myself either.

“Yes, I’m sure...” I replied without hesitation.

All the cakes tasted rotten, and they only reminded me of the cakes that Reiner used to bake for me and also the time that we baked together. That just made me feel sick and broken inside. No tea break would help me preserve my figure, that was the only bright side that I could think of in this whole situation.

When Laura suggested that I take a walk in the garden, my stupid legs ended up taking me to the tree where Reiner and I spent time alone together when he first came into my life. I think that was the first time that he kissed me. I touched my fingertips to my lips as I remembered how he kissed me so gently on that day and then told me that the color of my blushing cheeks was his favorite color. I laughed at my past self and how hard my heart skipped a beat in that moment.

I looked up at the branch where I used to sit before, I turned on my heels and walked away from that tree as fast as my legs could take me. If I didn’t make it away from the tree before sunset, I would end up crying again for sure and my eyes aren’t able to physically take anymore crying right now. Coming to the garden was simply a big mistake.

It wasn’t long after that I stopped going out to the gardens entirely. The gardens did not feel as beautiful as it once did. The green of the leaves didn’t seem as fresh. The color and smell of flowers felt faded at best. Just like the days that I spent in the gardens before, I would turn around at the slightest sound hoping to see Reiner there to serve me tea or pastries while I painted.

I closed my eyes and concentrated on just breathing because if I didn’t focus on anything, I would see his face floating around in my mind as well. That was how much I missed him...already...

Chapter 274: Reiner - Separate Lives

It’s been exactly one month since Reiner moved out of Lucien’s mansion and stopped being my butler and bodyguard. Yes, unconsciously I had been counting.

“Natalia...are you even listening? Natalia...” Edward said as he waved a hand in front of my face.

“Oh, sorry. What?” I said as I snapped out of my thoughts.

“Why are you so spaced out?” Edward asked, looking quite concerned.

“Umm...sorry. What were you saying just now?” I asked as I blinked my eyes rapidly to regain focus.

Edward sighed so loudly that I felt extremely guilty. I had decided to meet up with Edward today to discuss some career plans. Edward truly came prepared with a pre-selected list of potential job opportunities that he thought were aligned with what I was looking for. While he was going through the list of job openings and the pros and cons of each opportunity, I just zoned out on him.

Unfortunately, unlike before I didn’t have that much motivation to find a job or to do anything for that matter. Although I was able to somehow get over my initial shock of Reiner leaving, I have lost my appetite for life in general. Everything seemed dull and I wasn’t looking forward to doing anything or seeing anyone.

“What’s wrong? If you’re not feeling well, we can do this another day,” Edward said as he sat back in his chair.

“No...I’m ok,” I replied, trying to sound confident. The truth was that I knew that I was far from being ‘ok’.

“You don’t look it...” Edward said, clearly unconvinced by my brave act.

“You can continue. I’ll make sure to listen this time...” I said apologetically.

“No need. There’s no rush, after all. You can choose these opportunities and go to interviews when you’re ready...” Edward said with a shrug.

“Ok...” I murmured in response.

To be honest, I knew that I had to somehow get back on my feet and move on. Going to these interviews would help me move forward and get on with my life. Edward was doing so much for me to help in that regard. However, my heart just wouldn’t listen to my head, and I didn’t feel any motivation at all.

“The way you are now, I doubt you would land any jobs even if you went to the interviews...” Edward stated bluntly, and I knew that he was right.

“I’m sorry...” I whispered.

“Let me take a wild guess, is this because of Reiner?” Edward said, coming straight to the point.

My eyes widened in surprise at how easily Edward could see through me and then I wondered if it was that obvious to see. I let out a sigh and that reminded me of how depressed I felt. If he could see through me anyways then there was no point in trying to hide it.

“Yes...” I replied softly as I nodded my head slightly.

“He’s still employed by the main house so it’s not like you can’t see him anymore...” Edward said casually.

“I know that...” I replied softly.

I knew where he was, but it wasn’t like I could ever see him again. It’s probably better that I don’t see him again. That was what I had decided and what he had also agreed to.

“Last I heard, Reiner’s serving one of the elders. Well, officially that’s what he’s supposed to be doing but actually he’s just lazy around somewhere and not really doing much of anything. I’m sure he’s bored out of his mind...” Edward said casually.

“You’re still in touch with him?” I asked, unable to hide my interest.

“Of course. Want to pass on a message?” Edward asked with a knowing smile.

“No...thank you...” I quickly replied before I got any useless ideas.

“Well then, I have to go. Let me know if you change your mind or when you’re ready to go through these job postings again,” Edward said before getting up from his seat.

“Thank you, Edward...” I said gratefully.

“Sure thing, Princess,” Edward replied before smiling warmly at me.

Edward turned to take his leave while I kept my eyes casted down, just absentmindedly looking at my own hands in my lap. This has turned out into a much bigger disaster for me than I had ever imagined possible.

“You should eat properly. You’re losing weight...” Edward said.

I looked up to see his concerned face looking my way.

“Ok...” I whispered vaguely.

I’ll try; however, I knew deep down that this misery will never go away until I fix the root cause of my problem.

...

Reiner stared down at the vibrating phone in his hand. The wind blowing against his face and the sun on his skin felt calming. He had no regrets choosing his place for his retreat to escape away from reality. The phone in his hand was the only thing that currently connected him to the Rosenhalls, and it was ringing.

The name on the screen was the one that he had expected to see sooner or later. However, he had little interest of talking to the caller. With a large sigh, he connected the line.

“How long are you going to be on leave of absence?” Edward’s voice asked loud and clear from the other end of the line.

“Don’t know...” Reiner replied emotionlessly.

“You know, I don’t get how the elders are so strict on everyone including family members but so laxed when it comes to you...” Edward said with genuine curiosity.

Reiner was starting to hate how Edward wouldn’t get straight to the point. So much for being on leave...

“They do owe me a lot...” Reiner said bluntly.

“I don’t want to know. When are you coming back?” Edward asked, his tone suddenly serious.

“Don’t know...” Reiner replied vaguely.

“Are you still chilling on some beach?” Edward asked, it wasn’t a wild guess.

“Yeah...if that’s all, I’m hanging up” Reiner said.

“I met the princess today...” Edward said before Reiner could disconnect the call.

There was a silence from the other end of the line and Edward knew that Reiner had heard what he had just said. Finally, he’s paying me some attention, Edward thought with a grin.

Chapter 275: Reiner - Everyone’s Worried

“I’m hanging up,” Reiner stated passively.

“Don’t you want to know how she’s doing?” Edward asked.

“I’m sure she’s doing well and if she isn’t, you’ll take care of her, won’t you?” Reiner replied.

“I don’t know...she’s like a shadow of herself right now and she’s lost quite a bit of weight. Obviously, not healthy considering she was quite slim before...” Edward said, not hiding the concern in his voice.

“You should take her to see a doctor...” Reiner stated matter-of-factly.

“You’re leaving her to me now, are you?” Edward asked, not truly believing what he was hearing.

“Yeah...” Reiner said before disconnecting the call. He didn’t want to hear anymore, and he didn’t have anything more to say either.

Edward stared at the screen of his phone after the line got disconnected suddenly. He wanted to laugh and cry at the same time at how ridiculous this whole situation was. If he thought that he could help Natalia, he already would have. Why else would he bother making that call?

Let’s see if Reiner even gets the message...

“Why does he have to act so cold all the time?” Edward said before he started laughing a little.

...

It was early in the evening, and I was staring at the television blankly as I pretended to watch something to kill the time. Lucien was too busy with work to come home in time for dinner and that worked in my favor. Trying to fake an appetite when I had dinner with Lucien was a very difficult thing to do.

The last time that I had dinner with Lucien, I felt very pressured. I knew that Lucien meant well and wanted what he thought was best for me but in the end, I just couldn’t go ahead with his suggestions.

“You’re not eating enough. Is the food bad? Should I change the chef?” Lucien asked, his eyes narrowing at me.

I gulped as I felt his green eyes observing me intently. Living with Lucien meant that I couldn’t avoid having meals with him and that made hiding my lack of appetite from him impossible to do.

“The food tastes great. It’s not the chef’s fault,” I replied softly.

It goes without saying that if I’m unable to convince Lucien otherwise he would really go ahead and fire the poor chef. I can’t have the poor man and his entire team lose their jobs just because I didn’t have an appetite.

“Are you sure? I’ve been watching you for a while now and I’m sure that you’re eating a lot less than before. You’ve lost weight...” Lucien said sternly.

“Maybe I’m just trying to slim up a little...” I replied before smiling weakly at him.

“Is that so. What about the fact that you don’t seem so cheerful? I think you’ve been looking very down lately...” Lucien said as he laced the fingers of his hands together. His green eyes continued to watch me as if they wouldn’t let me hide away any secrets from him.

“I feel a little lost sometimes...you know, quarter-life crisis stuff, I guess,” I said with a shrug as I tried to keep the mood light. Not that I was anywhere near being successful.

“Well, let me know if there’s anything that I can help out with,” Lucien replied smoothly.

Yes, you can start off by asking fewer questions and perhaps taking your discerning eyes off me.

“Ok...” I mumbled.

“I was meaning to ask you this, but it has slipped my mind. Now that Reiner is no longer here, do you want a replacement?” Lucien asked, sounding very serious.

It’s not like anyone can replace Reiner, though. However, I realized that Lucien wasn’t talking about that kind of replacement...

“A...replacement?” I asked.

“Yup. A new butler and bodyguard. If you dislike someone from the main branch, I can always look for someone from some trustable private companies,” Lucien said.

He’s going to so much trouble for me and I do appreciate that. The issue wasn’t where the new guy came from though. I just didn’t want a new guy, that’s all.

“I honestly don’t think that that’s necessary,” I said, meaning it.

Lucien was thoughtful for a moment before he let out a resigned sigh.

“Let me know if you change your mind. There’s not a lot going on right now and you don’t need to go to public events but if that changes, I might require you to have at least one personal bodyguard once again,” Lucien said firmly, bringing the topic of discussion to a close.

I just nodded at Lucien’s words. Compromise it is. That was just that.

My phone started ringing and vibrating next to where I was seated on the sofa, and I snapped out of my thoughts. Glancing down at the phone screen, I saw that the call was from Zak. I wondered why he’s calling and prayed that it wasn’t bad news. With the way that I had been feeling for the past month, I wouldn’t be able to deal with any more bad news.

“Hi Zak...” I said once I answered the call.

“Natalia...” Zak said my name and I couldn’t really place his tone.

Mixed news?

“Hey...is everything ok?” I asked hesitantly.

“Yea...I’m just calling to let you know so that you won’t be shocked if and when you see the news,” Zak said, trying to keep his tone light.

“What news?” I asked, confused.

“I just turned down the offer from the elders for my promotion to do more marketing and PR work for the company. I’m sure it’s a promotion that came from my mother’s request too. Unfortunately, even internal stuffs like these are going to leak and make headlines...” Zak explained.

“I see...” I mumbled.

“Well, it’s nothing for you to be concerned about. I just thought that I’ll let you know so that you know the truth and so that you don’t over think things when you start seeing the news,” Zak said, reassuringly.

“Ok...thank you, Zak,” I replied. Zak was needlessly worried about me again.

“Oh, and one more thing, there’s a party coming up that I’ll like to take you along with me. You’ve just been hiding away in your house, right? Let’s get a new dress tailored for you and let’s go out to the party. I’ve already arranged for a designer to take care of the dress,” Zak said excitedly.

“Umm...I don’t know...” I replied hesitantly. I wouldn’t say that I shared Zak’s excitement.

“You can’t spend your whole life holed up inside and neither will I let you do so. I’ll text you the address. Don’t worry, I’ll come along too,” Zak said with determination.

“Umm...ok...thanks...” I said as I was forced to go along with him.

“Take care, Natalia...” Zak said in a sweet voice.

I haven’t been out to a party in forever. Truthfully, I didn’t feel like going but I knew that Zak was right. I can’t stay holed up inside like this forever. Maybe this would serve as a good first step for me to reclaim my life back...or so I had thought