Ch. 276..280: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 276-280

Chapter 276: Reiner - Trouble

Zak was spot on. The news of him turning down his promotion made the news and was all over television. The worst part that both Zak and I had anticipated was that the press would draw implications from Zak’s recent decision to his mother, Madame Francesca.

“Do you think that this will impact your mother’s influence on the company’s management?”

“Is it true that you and Madame Francesca is in a disagreement about the future direction of the company?”

“Will this have an impact on investors’ sentiments? How does management plan to deal with it?”

“Does this mean that you no longer intend to support the company’s marketing and PR efforts? What about the international expansion plans?”

“Is Madame Francesca’s branch of the family going to withdraw from active management of the company?”

It was amazing how Zak could stand unfazed with a beautiful smile on his face in the face of all those questions. I watched Zak on the television in the sitting room as I lazed around on the sofa as if I had nothing better to do in my life. Zak was so composed and strategically, he didn’t answer any of those baiting questions. I wondered if he was really ok. There was no way that Madame Francesca would let something this major just slide by.

That segment was followed by another interview of Madame Francesca herself. The questions were largely similar and had to do with the continuation of her legacy in the management of the family’s company, her future role, and the future plans that she had for her son, Zak Rosenhall. She replied flawlessly to all the questions as if she had anticipated them.

I laughed a little to myself as I watched her put on such a great show in front of the press. She was such a pro at this.

...

Roughly a week later, the day I had scheduled to visit the designer boutique that Zak had chosen to tailor my dress had arrived. Just as Lucien had ordered, I went out with my designated driver. The plan was to meet with Zak there because he had a prior appointment. I didn’t mind at all.

It had been a while since I’ve been out of the house with some real purpose. Getting a new dress tailored might cheer me up a little, who knows. The boutique was smaller than I thought but definitely very stylish and unique. Wearing a new designer might be a good shake up for things, I was getting bored of the big-name designers anyways.

“Natalia?” A young woman with a very slim waist, wide eyes and dark bob-cut hair greeted me immediately when I walked into the boutique.

I guess this is the designer and owner of the boutique.

“Yes...” I replied before offering her one of my best smiles.

“Oh...it’s an honor to have you here. I’ve heard all about you from Zak,” She said as she embraced me in a friendly hug.

I smiled at her as I was beginning to think that it was the right decision to come here after all. Looking around the boutique, I could see many dresses that seemed quite unique but not too out there.

“I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Zanita and that is also the name of my brand,” she said politely.

“That’s wonderful. I can see many stylish and unique dresses here. I look forward to working with you,” I said pleasantly.

“Trust me, the honor is mine. Do you have anything specific in mind?” she asked, and I could see that she was anxious to please.

“Umm...not particularly,” I answered, honestly.

“Then would you like to take a look around. I have dresses from my latest collection and also photos and sketches of other tailor-made projects. Maybe some of them can inspire you,” Zanita said.

“Sure. That would be great,” I agreed.

My phone vibrated and I looked down to see a text message from Zak.

‘I’m running late. The meeting got extended. You can go ahead with Zanita first. Love you.’

Ok, so Zak is going to be late. Guess it couldn’t be helped. I wish Zak was here to help me pick and choose though.

Zanita was super friendly, and I enjoyed the mini tour that she took me on while she introduced me to her works. The dresses that she showed me were interesting because of their unique design, color usage and the texture of their fabric. I like a few dresses that I saw and thought that they might serve as a good starting point for our design.

“Would you like to try some dresses on? It might be better to see how they look on you,” Zanita suggested.

I readily agreed with her, and she nodded for her helpers to grab the dresses that I was interested in for me to try on.

“This way please...” one of the shop assistants said as she gestured for me to follow her to the dressing room.

“I can manage. Thank you,” I said as I smiled politely at her.

If I can, I would prefer to try on the clothes myself. She smiled a little at me after she had hung up the dresses in the room before she turned to leave.

I stripped and started changing into the first dress and then the next. The dress looked better on me than I expected. Looking at my naked body in the mirror, I thought that maybe I had indeed lost quite some weight. That wasn’t a good thing, I guessed.

I wasn’t entirely sure how much time had past since I began trying on the dresses but after some time it was completely quiet outside. Not thinking much of it, I continued trying on more dresses. This one might actually work, it makes my waist look small and my boobs look big and firm, I thought as I turned from side to side to view my reflection from various angles. Now if I just ask Zanita to change the color to something else...

Suddenly, my nose started twitching and it felt like I was about to sneeze. I paused in front of the mirror as I started sniffing the smell.

I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it but...is something...burning?

Chapter 277: Reiner - Flames

“Excuse me! Zanita...” I yelled loudly.

I didn’t hear a reply though.

“Anybody out there? Is something burning?!” I tried again.

Still, there was no reply. Suddenly, I felt that something was wrong. It’s too quiet and the smell of something burning was getting stronger. The dress I had on was slightly on the tight side and I started wriggling out of it so that I could change back to my original outfit. However, something caught my eye that changed my plans immediately.

I gasped as I saw smoke coming in through the cracks in the dressing room door. There’s a fire?!

This can’t be happening. Now that I can see smoke, the smell of something or everything burning got stronger than ever. Was the boutique really on fire? Where is everyone else?

Truth be told, I had absolutely no idea what to do in an event of a fire. I’m supposed to get low and avoid breathing in the smoke, is that right? It wasn’t like I had any water to pour on myself. Was that even right? Regardless, I have a bunch of fabric, so I used that to cover my nose and mouth for now.

I dialed the emergency number to report the fire and the line connected soon after.

“There’s a fire. I’m stuck inside at...Zanita’s boutique...yes...” I began talking rapidly once the line connected to the operator on the other end of the line.

There was so much smoke coming into the changing room now and it stung at my eyes. I tried my best not to breathe it in, but it was difficult. Opening the door now is probably not a good choice. If there’s smoke coming in, then there’s obviously fire on the other side of the door. I used the dress to try and plug the hole underneath the door but that didn’t help for long. It’s getting so hot inside...

Why is there a fire now of all times?! Where is everyone else?!

Zak...where are you?

I should have listened to Lucien. I should have gotten a bodyguard. Why the hell didn’t I listen?

There was so much smoke, and my eyes started to water. I sat down in the corner of the small changing room and prayed that help would arrive soon. My throat hurts and I’ve been coughing non-stop for a while now. My eyes felt like they were burning.

I’m so scared. Am I going to die here?

Reiner...where are you? Please help me...

...

“A fire broke out at an upscale boutique earlier today. The source of the fire has yet to be identified. Socialite, Natalia Rosenhall, the only daughter of Lucien Rosenhall was unfortunately caught up in the fire. The firemen arrived at the scene shortly after the fire was reported and managed to rescue Miss Natalia, who is currently receiving treatment in the hospital. So far representatives of the Rosenhall family have refused to comment on the incident; however, a press conference will be held at a later date regarding the incident...” a beautiful news reporter reported on the television screen.

All news outlets were reporting this news of a shocking fire that started in the middle of the city. The news drew the attention of many people because of the identity of the only victim involved in the fire. It was a miracle that no one else got hurt or caught up in it. On the flip side, it was too unfortunate that Natalia was caught up in it. Either that or...

Reiner watched the news intently as he felt his blood boiling with anger. His initial reaction was that of pure shock; however, he was used to receiving shocking news and had a methodological way of dealing with it. The cause of the fire had not been identified which means that it hasn’t been concluded that it was an accident. However, the news reporters were already hinting that it was.

Everything about it smelled fishy. The press is being controlled and are no longer neutral, if they ever really were to begin with. Reiner narrowed his blue eyes as he got up from the sofa. An unfortunate accident or not, he’d decided that he was going to find out.

As if on cue, his phone started vibrating, signaling that he has received a message.

The message was simple.

‘A802’ followed by coordinates. Reiner looked up the coordinates immediately.

A hospital...so this must be the hospital room. The only time Zak would ever contact me is if Natalia is involved. We never talked or communicated about anything else.

Without turning off the television, Reiner was already heading out the door. The only thing that he needed with him was his fake passport.

...

**Two days later**

“Why is she still unconscious?” Lucien asked the doctor impatiently.

“Calm down, will you?” Edward said. He knew that pressuring the doctors wasn’t going to help Natalia’s case. He knew that the doctors were doing everything they could for her recovery.

“Calm? Natalia has been unconscious for two days and you’re asking me to calm down?” Lucien said incredulously.

Edward watched as his brother started interrogating the doctors about Natalia’s conditions and the next steps that they had planned to improve her condition. It was very rare for Lucien to lose his cool and control completely like this, but Edward could understand his brother well. After all, he felt like he was about to lose his mind as well.

“Any updates?” Edward whispered when Zak came into the room and stood very close to him.

“Let’s take it outside,” Zak whispered before turning on his heels and walking out the room.

Edward didn’t waste anytime following Zak outside. The two men had been investigating the incident while Lucien was tasked with the boring task of dealing with the press and other related parties such as the board of directors of the company. The one who had to lead the press conference that was to take place tomorrow would also be Lucien.

“It’s arson,” Zak stated, coming straight to the point the moment that they were outside.

Chapter 278: Reiner - Return

“I bet you already know who’s behind this,” Edward said, his tone evidently darkened.

“I do. Unfortunately, I don’t have any solid proof,” Zak said followed by an exasperated sigh.

“This is precisely why I hate this family. Enemies are lurking all around us,” Edward hissed.

“It’s my fault. All of this is my fault,” Zak said as if he was speaking to himself and his own demons.

“Now now, don’t be too harsh on yourself. I’m sure Natalia will wake up in no time. That girl is stronger than you think,” Edward said as he tried to cheer up both Zak and himself.

“Let’s send her away...” Zak whispered so softly that Edward had trouble hearing him.

“...What?” Edward said in confusion and disbelief.

“...nothing...” Zak mumbled his reply.

Edward watched in confusion as Zak turned to leave without saying another word. He didn’t think that he misheard what Zak said but what could he have meant by sending Natalia away? Zak is a mystery and there’s no doubt about that.

...

**Later that night**

It was a peaceful night with a full moon. Natalia remained unconscious in her hospital bed with the curtains of the room’s windows parted, letting in just enough moonlight to illuminate the room. The hospital ward was dead silent at night, especially the private floor for VVIP patients that Natalia was on.

Slowly and softly, the door to her hospital room opened and a very tall man entered her room, walking expertly on silent footsteps. The door closed behind him, and they were the only ones in the tranquil hospital room.

The man made his way to her bed immediately, taking care not to make a sound that would wake her up. Even though he knew that she was unconscious he was taking extra care not to make any sounds that would disturb her. The moonlight and the light the various monitors and machines hooked up to Natalia’s body, provided enough lighting for the man to see quite clearly.

He did not make a move to turn on the lights in the room, he could see well enough. However, he didn’t like what he was seeing as he stood close to the side of Natalia’s bed. The moonlight shone on her unconscious form on the hospital bed and the sight of her body tore at his heart.

His eyes slowly scanned her body from head to toe, taking in all the damages and the state that she was in. Her body was covered in bandages in many areas as far as he could tell even with the white blanket covering the majority of her body. There was a white bandage around her head and forehead. Both her eyes were covered with white medical eye patches which probably prevented her from seeing anything. Although that didn’t matter because she was still unconscious.

There were some white bandages on her left arm and her right hand as well. Overall, her condition was much worse than what he ever imagined. The fact that she was still unconscious was the worst part of it all.

“Natalia...” the man whispered as he stared down at her sleeping face.

Slowly, he sat down on the chair next to her bed, his eyes never leaving her face. It’s only been around a month since he’s left and so much has happened. He could see the changes in her physical appearance clearly and it broke his heart.

Reaching out a hand, he gently took her unbandaged hand into his. She did not stir at all. Her hand was dry, and her nail polish was chipped. He sighed softly as he remembered the last time, he applied nail polish for her. Gently, he took a strand of her hair in between his fingers as he thought about the last time that he combed her hair for her before tucking her in bed.

It was clear that she had lost weight and probably hasn’t been eating properly, just like Edward had said. He didn’t think that it would be this bad, though. Her face was taunt, and she looked extremely drained of energy and life in general. Her wrists and arms were thin. Her skin pale and her lips were dry.

Reiner sighed once again as he brough her hand up to his lips before placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand. Her hand felt cold to the touch. Carefully, he placed her hand on the side of his face as he leaned into the palm of her hand. He was thankful that at least she was still alive. He closed his eyes as he seemed to drown in his own regrets.

It was a grave mistake for him to leave her and he knew that now. Despite what she had said or decided, he should have sucked it up and stayed. Honestly, he thought that it would be better if he left her to move on with her life, but now, he was starting to doubt his own decision. Whatever state that she was in before was better than the almost lifeless state that she was in now.

He was convinced that the fire wasn’t an accident but a malicious attempt on Natalia’s life. There was no proof for it, but he trusted his gut feeling more than any proof or evidence. Whoever was behind this, he was going to make sure that they paid a heavy price for what they did. He closed his eyes as he leaned his face into Natalia’s hand. The next time his blue eyes reopened, they were merciless.

The soft sound of the door of the room opening, brought the man’s attention to the door. Glancing over at the door, he saw the shadow of someone entering the room. He already knew who it was and had been expecting him.

“Greetings Reiner. So, you decided to turn up after all...” Zak said as he entered the room before shutting the door behind him softly yet firmly.

“Took you long enough to enter...” Reiner said flatly as he slowly let go of Natalia’s hand.

Gently, he positioned her arm and hand back to where it had been before.

“I was being considerate, so I decided to give you two some alone time together. You knew I was around?” Zak replied, unfazed.

“Naturally...” Reiner stated.

Chapter 279: Reiner - Secret Desire

“Her injuries from the fire aren’t as bad as you think. The doctors also think that she will wake up soon. She’s just suffering from shock and there shouldn’t be anything really wrong with her brain,” Zak said as he approached Natalia’s bed and stood next to it.

“I see...” Reiner murmured. He wasn’t exactly relieved.

“I know what you’re thinking and you’re right. The fire wasn’t a mere accident. Edward and I have been investigating with our teams,” Zak said solemnly.

“Arson...” Reiner whispered.

“Yup. I’m convinced that it’s arson, but I don’t have solid proof right now,” Zak said before pressing his lips into a thin line.

“I see...” Reiner said softly.

Both men stood next to each other in silence for a while as they both looked down at Natalia’s partially bandaged face. Their minds filled with their own thoughts and emotions. However, it was Reiner who spoke up first.

“Why did you send me the message?” Reiner asked.

“To save you some time. You would have come to see her sooner or later, so I thought I might as well tell you exactly where she is. Oh, I don’t need thanks,” Zak replied before smiling dazzlingly.

“What do you want, Zak?” Reiner asked, not caring for Zak’s small talk.

Zak’s turned to look straight at Reiner as his golden eyes narrowed calculatingly. As if appraising and judging the man that stood before him, Zak was silent for a few seconds before he nodded as if he had made his decision.

“I want you...to take her away with you,” Zak said simply.

“What?” Reiner exclaimed in shock.

“Can you do that? No wait, will you do that?” Zak asked, his eyes staring deep into Reiner’s.

“No, I won’t,” Reiner replied firmly after a moment of thought.

“Why not?” Zak asked, not understanding.

“Whatever life that she will have with me...won’t be a good one,” Reiner replied bluntly.

“Worst than this one?” Zak asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion before turning to look at Natalia’s unconscious body on the hospital bed.

Reiner didn’t reply as he seemed to deep in thought.

“You’re so stubborn, aren’t you?” Zak said, before chuckling softly.

Zak’s gaze lingered on Natalia’s face as he ran his fingertips along her partially bandaged arm. Reiner watched the sight of Natalia’s unconscious body from where he stood, very close to her bed.

“Her arms are so scrawny, can’t you see? Look at her face. She’s gotten so thin...” Zak said in a small and sad voice as he traced his fingers down Natalia’s arm.

“Edward told me that she hasn’t been eating well...” Reiner said flatly.

“Whose fault do you think that is?” Zak asked before he turned to stare into Reiner’s face.

“She’s the one that asked me to leave,” Reiner said defensively.

“I bet she told you why she did that with the hope that you would choose to stay...but you didn’t. How dare you betray her trust...” Zak hissed through clenched teeth.

Reiner looked at Zak in shock as his words started to sink it. He was too worried about hurting her if he stayed around her for too long but not the consequences if he left.

“Do you love her?” Zak asked suddenly.

“Why does it matter?” Reiner asked in return without replying to Zak’s question.

“I love her so much...” Zak said before lifting a strand of Natalia’s hair to his lips. He kissed her hair softly and closed his eyes as if in pain.

Reiner watched as Zak lovingly kissed Natalia’s hair. The expression of love and longing was clear on Zak’s face and that only made Reiner envy how straightforward Zak could be in his expression of love. It was like he was proud of it and had nothing to hide.

“I told you to tell her the truth, but you never did. You kept it to yourself as you watch her slowly fall in love with you without knowing anything and then you just went ahead and left her. How convenient it all must be for you...” Zak said softly but his glare was deadly.

“That wasn’t my intention...” Reiner muttered.

“Then tell her. When she wakes up and recovers. Why don’t you go ahead and tell her? If you don’t want her anyways, there’s no point in keeping her hanging,” Zak said, not bothering to hide the malice in his voice.

“You’re right. I’ll tell her the truth when she recovers,” Reiner said, his eyes on Natalia’s face.

“You think you can end it all by telling her because you think she would probably hate you for it...but what would happen if she decides to forgive you?” Zak said, as he looked at Reiner challengingly.

“...that’s not possible,” Reiner said firmly.

“Don’t underestimate my girl...and be prepared. You don’t need to tell me what you intend to do,” Zak said with a small, amused laugh.

“What about you?” Reiner asked curiously.

“I’m always doing everything I can for her happiness. It’s that simple,” Zak stated with a passive shrug.

“I see...” Reiner muttered emotionlessly.

“Will you take her away with you? Somewhere where she can be safe...away from all this...” Zak said in a dreamy tone.

“That’s not possible, Zak” Reiner said and there was an edge to his voice.

“That wasn’t a question. You will take her away with you,” Zak said with determination.

“What are you saying?” Reiner asked, not quite following Zak’s resolution.

“I’ll make sure that you never fail like I have,” Zak said as if talking to himself.

Reiner watched as Zak glanced over at Natalia for the final time before turning sharply on his heels and walked out of the room. The conversation was clearly over; however, it’s implications would guide the lives of these two men and the unconscious girl on the bed for days to come.

...

“If that is what you have decided then we have no complaints. It is better than having you on such an extended leave of absence. Welcome back, Reiner,” an old woman’s voice spoke through the phone.

“Thank you, Madame,” Reiner replied respectfully.

The line disconnected without further discussions. The conversation with the Elder’s representative went smoothly and Reiner was allowed to take care of Natalia until she regains consciousness and fully recovers. Now that that matter had been settled, Reiner proceeded with his job of taking care of Natalia immediately.

Chapter 280: Reiner - Consciousness

It’s so hot...

My eyes are burning...

I can’t breathe...

Somebody please...help me!

R! Reiner...

“R!”

What just happened? It’s so dark, I can’t see anything...

...

Reiner got up from where he was seated close to her bed immediately when he heard his name being called. His eyes widened in shock as he stared down at Natalia who was stirring as if waking from a deep slumber. Not making a sound to announce his presence, Reiner reached for the button close to her bed and pressed it to call the nurse.

Natalia continued to stir and mumble his name softly as if she was desperately calling for him. However, Reiner has decided against revealing his presence to her so that she could focus on her recovery. It had been almost two full days since he had been watching over Natalia in the hospital. He was overjoyed that she had finally regained consciousness.

The door opened and a nurse quickly came into the room and gestured for him to quickly step aside. Reiner did as he was instructed. He stepped away from the bed to give the nurse some room; however, his eyes continued to watch over Natalia.

Soon after a doctor and a small group of nurses entered the room. Reiner watched as the doctor and the nurses gathered around Natalia’s bed to check on her condition. The doctors barked out some urgent orders and the nurses followed professionally and swiftly.

...

“Miss? Miss Natalia...can you hear me? Miss Natalia. Please respond. Say something if you can hear me,” a woman’s voice said to me.

I heard a woman’s voice. She seemed desperate to get my attention. I couldn’t figure out who she was from her voice and that was probably because I didn’t know her.

What is happening to me? I’m sure that I have my eyes opened but it’s all dark, I cannot see anything.

My whole body felt weak, and it took so much effort for me to lift my right hand and arm.

“Miss Natalia, can you hear me?” the woman kept on saying.

“...yes...” I replied.

Was that hoarse sounding voice, my voice? My whole throat felt dry, like I haven’t drunk any water for days. My voice sounded nothing like my own.

I heard the sound of rapid movements close to me and then the sound of something moving.

“Call the doctor immediately. Miss Natalia has regained consciousness,” the woman spoke to someone else.

‘Regained consciousness’ she had said. She was referring to me, right? Does that mean...that I’ve been unconscious? Why? For how long?

“Where...am I?” I asked, my voice still sounding hoarse and broken.

“You’re in a hospital, Miss. There is no need to worry, the doctor will be here to see you very soon,” the woman said reassuringly.

I see, so I’m in the hospital. Why am I here? How come, I cannot see anything?

“Excuse me. I can’t see anything. Is there...something wrong with my...eyes?” I asked hesitantly, fearing for the worst.

“The doctor will tell you all about that. Do not worry yourself, miss,” the woman, who I now presume must be a nurse, said calmly.

I heard the sound of the door opening and the sound of many footsteps entering the room. I guess the doctor and other nurses are here to see me.

I felt and heard the presence of many people move close to the bed that I was sleeping on, but I had no idea what they were doing. It didn’t help that I couldn’t see anything.

“Miss Natalia. My name is Thomas, and I am the doctor responsible for your case,” a deep manly voice said very close to me.

I couldn’t see him, but I was thankful that he was here with me. I just nodded in response to his words.

“How are you feeling? Any headache, pain, nausea? Anything at all?” the doctor asked as I felt hands on my arms.

My arms were being lifted slightly and I guess that they were performing some checks on me. I felt pretty much normal except for the fact that my body felt like it didn’t have much strength and that I couldn’t see.

“Doctor...am I blind?” I asked, bluntly.

There was moment of silence, and I was beginning to think of the worst.

“No, Miss. I assure you that you are definitely not blind. You can’t see anything right now because we’ve placed eyepatches on your eyes,” the doctor said followed by a small chuckle.

“Oh...I see. That’s a real relief,” I replied before letting out the breath that I had been holding.

“When you were in the...incident...dust and smoke got into your eye. It caused some damage and infection, so I’ve decided to keep your eyes closed for now. You should be able to remove the eyepatches after a week or so...” the doctor explained.

I see...

My mind felt blurry, like I had forgotten something important, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. However, I felt like it would slowly come back to me. The doctor mentioned an incident. Was it something about that incident that I had forgotten?

“Ow...” I let out a painful cry as I felt my head hurting.

“Are you ok?” the doctor quickly asked.

“Yeah...I just had a headache when I tried to recall the incident...” I told the doctor honestly.

“It’s best for you to just rest and avoid thinking. You were unconscious for many days and although your body has rested up well, your mind is likely still adjusting,” the doctor explained in a very calm voice.

I nodded my head slightly at his words. It was reassuring to hear; however, it made me feel uncomfortable that I didn’t remember every single detail. I’ve had enough of selective memory loss.

“Where is everyone else?” I asked, referring to Lucien, Edward and Zak.

“I’ve already informed your guardians that you have regained consciousness. They will likely come over very very soon. Please continue to rest well until then,” the doctor explained.

“Thank you very much, doctor,” I said as I breathed a sigh of relief.