Ch. 491..495: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 491-495

Chapter 491: Reiner – Beyond Belief

It took quite a lot of help from the other wonderful ladies in the room for me to get into my wedding dress. I hesitated quite a lot when I was choosing my wedding dress. Fortunately, having the picture of the location in mind truly helped me pick out what I thought was the perfect dress for the wedding. After trying on a few options, I decided to choose a white sleeveless dress with a corset top decorated with flower lace embroidered with small crystals with a flowing white skirt. It was simple but not too simple and the flow of the skirt made the dress look magical when I moved around.

“Thank you very much,” I thanked everyone when the dress was finally on me.

I looked at my reflection in the floor length mirror and I felt more than satisfied with how I looked. The wedding dress was nothing compared to the luxurious and large wedding gown that Angela chose for her wedding, but I felt like this suited the image that I wanted more. The most important part was that this dress wasn’t heavy at all and it was quite easy to move around in.

“We’ll leave you alone to mentally prepare yourself. Of course, when the time comes, the staff will come and get you, ok?” Queen said with a pleasant smile.

“Of course. Thank you very much,” I said with a sweet smile.

The ladies left me alone in the small dressing room and soon after that my thoughts immediately went to Reiner. I wondered what he is up to right now. It definitely took Reiner less time to get his hair and make up done and get dressed so he must have been done ages ago. Now that I was alone in the silent room, my nerves started acting up and it felt extremely strange to feel nervous for the upcoming ceremony because we were already married, and we already had two very non-standard ceremonies. Regardless, I couldn’t calm the wild beating of my own heart.

Why does it feel like I’m about to marry Reiner all over again?

Suddenly, there was a firm knock on the door of my dressing room. At first, I thought that I may have imagined it or misheard but the knock repeated itself. Maybe it’s one of the staff but it seemed a little too early for me to leave the changing room now.

“You can come in!” I called just loud enough for the person on the other side of the door to hear.

Maybe, it’s Reiner. Wasn’t it bad luck or something for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony started. Perhaps Reiner didn’t know that, or he just didn’t believe any of that stuff. I didn’t quite believe it myself.

I heard the door opening behind me and then a familiar voice.

“You look beautiful...”

A man’s voice but it wasn’t Reiner’s.

In my shock, I turned around at the sound of a very familiar voice that I haven’t heard for quite a long time.

“Lucien...” I whispered in sheer disbelief.

Am I dreaming this up? Lucien can’t possibly be here. He doesn’t even know about my wedding.

Before I could decide whether to believe in this unexpected sight or not, my body had already started moving on its own. I stood up and flung myself at Lucien as I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him into a tight hug.

“Are you really here?” I asked in a strangled whisper.

I’m going to start crying. This isn’t good at all...

“Don’t cry now...you’re going to ruin your make up,” Lucien said calmly before I felt the heat of his hand on my bare back and shoulder.

I knew that but it was hard for me to hold my tears in. My eyes stung and I just couldn’t believe that Lucien was here. How did he get here? How did he find out about the wedding?

“How did you get here? I didn’t know that you would be coming...” I asked in a breathless whisper as I pulled away from him to look up at his face.

It’s Lucien. He’s really here. I was so caught off guard and I was so happy at the same time that I didn’t know what to do. I had so many questions that I wanted to ask him that I didn’t even know where to start.

“I flew over. Of course, I’ll be here. You’re getting married...” Lucien said as he looked down at me with a proud smile.

That smile alone made tears start to pool in my eyes and I had to blink desperate to keep them at bay. Lucien continued smiling as he looked down into my face, his green eyes told me that he was also overjoyed to see me again. It was a reunion that I wanted to have but didn’t know how to go about it. After I left, I didn’t think about going back or if I could even go back to meet with him or any Rosenhall again.

“Thank you for being here...” I whispered earnestly.

“If I’m not here, who’s going to walk you down the aisle?” Lucien asked rhetorically.

Lucien started laughing a little. I felt like I owed Lucien a very long explanation and apology for what I did and how I ended up here but for some reason Lucien didn’t seem interested. Not just that, he didn’t seem angry at all for what I had done. I turned my back on him and just disappeared and now he was here to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day...just like that...

“Hopefully you didn’t prefer to have King do the honors instead of me,” Lucien said teasingly.

“Never...wait, you know King?” I asked in surprise.

“I don’t know him, but he was the one who told me that my daughter is getting married to his son,” Lucien said with a wry grin.

King did...what?

“He did that?” I asked in completely disbelief.

Chapter 492: Reiner – Walking Down the Aisle

One surprise followed another in rapid succession and my mind felt blurry.

“I got a phone call. It was very surprising, but I quickly connected the dots. King is...a very unique man. He told me that his son had decided to marry my daughter and in fact you two were already married. He said that he thought that it would be bad manners if he didn’t let me know about it,” Lucien said as he recalled the peculiar conversation that he had with King.

“Aha...” I mumbled, speechless.

“I asked him if my daughter had a proper wedding that was befitting of her social standing. At that point, I just bluntly demanded that both King and Reiner give you a proper wedding that you more than deserve and that I was going to be there no matter what,” Lucien stated a little too proudly.

So...that was what happened...

“I was surprised when King didn’t hesitate to agree. He also arranged to fly me over and all that...” Lucien said before he smiled down at me again.

King must have made special exceptions for Lucien to be here. I never knew that this whole wedding happened because Lucien requested for it. I didn’t fail to recognize that throughout it all, Lucien was still thinking about what was best for me.

Before we could talk anymore there was a knock at the door before one of the staff ladies popped her head in.

“Oh, that’s great. You two are here. The ceremony is about to start so I need you to be in position,” the woman politely informed us.

“Shall we?” Lucien asked invitingly as he offered me his arm.

“Thank you...” I whispered as I took his arm.

Lucien smiled at me, and I could feel his love and his generosity. I didn’t think that Lucien fully understood the gratitude behind my words. I wanted to thank him not just for this wedding or for him being here. I wanted to thank him for everything...everything he gave me ever since we first met and especially for everything that he did for me after my mother passed away.

Despite Reiner saying that it was fine for me to invite some close friends and family over, in the end, I didn’t end up inviting anyone that wasn’t from this island. I just didn’t know how it would work with all the logistics and all the other associated problems. I also didn’t know how to explain myself and my sudden disappearance.

That didn’t mean that I didn’t have special guests of my own. I did invite Kat, Jamie, and some other colleagues from the bar. After a glare from Reiner, I was allowed to invite Charles as well. He could have a reunion with Rachael at my wedding and maybe they would hit it off. Although, I doubt that that would happen based on Reiner’s words, but no one could blame me for trying.

The church was too small to fit a band inside but I had no qualms settling for a recorded version of the classical wedding march followed by other classical wedding songs that Queen graciously helped me select.

“Chin up and smile. Live a proud life, Natalia,” Lucien said firmly to me as his green eyes held mine.

I felt tears stinging my eyes again and knew that I would end up bursting into tears at some point during this ceremony. Hopefully, I would make it to the altar to be by Reiner’s side before that happened. I nodded my head at Lucien as I pursed my lips in determination.

I’ve got this. Lucien is right. I’ve made my decision and I am going to live a proud life without any regrets.

The doors to the church opened for us and I felt the eyes of everyone in the church on me as Lucien slowly led me into the church. A feeling that I have never felt before filled my heart and made it full. It was probably a healthy combination of happiness, excitement, nervousness and gratitude. Of all the pairs of eyes that I felt on me, I only met and held one.

Reiner always did look good in formal attire, and he looked extra dashing in his white tuxedo that I had helped him choose for our wedding. He had a red rose on the side of his chest that I knew was from Queen’s garden and the color of the flower matched very well with the color of his hair. I couldn’t stop smiling at him as our eyes met and held each other’s. I thought that I would be nervous walking down the aisle with everyone watching me and taking photos, but in the end, I found out that I was excited just to have Reiner watch me.

When I finally made it to where Reiner was waiting for me along with the elderly priest, the muscles around my lips were already tired from smiling too much and for too long. Reiner stared at me, and I smiled back. I knew that Lucien had something that he wanted to say to Reiner as he ‘gave me away’. What he said truly surprised, but it really stuck with me up until today.

“Natalia is a Rosenhall. Although I trust that you will take care of her well and that you and your family have the material and wealth to do so, I cannot, and I will not leave Natalia in your hands without any means of her own. Natalia is my only daughter and that will never change,” Lucien said with his eyes on Reiner before he turned to look at me and offer me a warm smile.

“I wish you the best of all joys that this world has to offer because you do not deserve anything less,” Lucien said to me as he placed a hands over mine protectively.

I’m going to cry...

“Thank you, Lucien,” I replied softly as I desperately tried to hold in my tears.

Having said what he wanted to say, Lucien gave me away to Reiner before stepping to the side so that Reiner and I could exchange our vows.

Chapter 493: Reiner – Tough Being a Bride

Compared to the vows that we exchanged in the cave, the traditional vows in a church paled completely in comparison. Unlike the honest and original vows where we picked the words that best expresses our feelings, these vows seem bounded by tradition. Not like there were no upsides, it definitely made things easier.

After saying our ‘I do’s in part of the traditional vow, we exchanged rings. The crowd cheered loudly as romantic music played in the background. For formality’s sake, Reiner placed a chaste and very ceremonial kiss on my lips. I found that a little funny compared to how hot and demanding his kisses usually are and I couldn’t help but giggle a little to myself. Reiner smiled at me with a hint of laughter in his eyes and I figured that he must have found it a little amusing as well.

“You look more like a bride...than before...” he whispered as he stood next to me.

“Are you trying to say that I look stunningly beautiful?” I asked, trying to decode his words.

“Yeah...” he replied as his blue eyes held mine.

Our wedding was the simplest, yet the sweetest thing and I would always hold the memories from that day dear to me. Just as I had wanted, Reiner suffered hours of posing next to me as we got our photos taken with various guests.

“Can the groom look this way and smile please?” the camera man said.

“It’s ok. He’s fine as is,” I called out in reply.

Of course, I knew that it was completely unrealistic for someone like Reiner to smile a lot in photos and no matter how much he wanted to please me, he couldn’t keep up his smile for hours on end. Honestly, I was surprised that he didn’t complain even once throughout the events of our wedding.

...

Being a bride was one tough job. That was what I found out when the wedding finally came to an end. I was so exhausted from my own excitement while Reiner seemed tired from dealing with the overloaded number of guests, most of which were King’s guests.

By the time we made it back to the mansion, I could barely take a step anymore. Although I had chosen shoes that were quite comfortable and not too high, my feet still ended up hurting from standing up for hours.

“My feet are killing me...” I complained in a hoarse voice as I sat down on the bed in our bedroom.

Reiner emerged from the bathroom with a basin in his arms. I looked at him questioningly as he placed the basin down close to my feet.

“Soak your feet...” Reiner instructed as he grabbed my ankle with his hand.

“You’re really the best husband, huh?” I whispered in awe as I watched him dip my feet into the warm water.

“Your feet have been hurting for a while now, right?” Reiner said knowingly.

“What about you? Aren’t you tired?” I asked with concern.

“Not physically but a little mentally...” Reiner admitted softly.

“Too many guests to entertain?” I put in my best guess.

Reiner just nodded his head before sitting next to me on the bed. The warm water made my feet slowly feel better. I leaned my head against his arm as he stroked my hair with one hand comfortingly. It felt like there were many things that I wanted to say to him, but peaceful silence wasn’t bad either. I was happy enough just enjoying his company.

“Did you know that Lucien was here?” I asked what came to my mind.

“Yes, but I was told to keep it a secret from you as of like a surprise...” Reiner admitted readily.

“I see. So, I was the one who didn’t know,” I muttered.

“I didn’t know that King reached out to Lucien after our wedding ceremony on that day until he told me that we should have a proper wedding to celebrate our union. He told me quite frankly that Lucien was adamant about it, and he also thought that it was a good idea,” Reiner provided more details as his hand continued to stroke my hair.

“It sounds like something that Lucien would want...” I replied as I thought about what Lucien said when he gave me away.

It didn’t seem like Lucien was willing to cut ties with me and that wasn’t surprising. I was surprised at how relieved I was at how Lucien had decided to take the news of my marriage to Reiner. However, I wasn’t sure what he meant when he said that he wouldn’t leave me without any means of my own.

“Let me know when you’re feeling better. Apparently, Lucien wants to talk to us,” Reiner said calmly.

“He wants to talk to us? About what?” I asked while feeling slightly panicked.

“I don’t know but it probably has to do with making sure that you are well looked after. Well, that’s my best guess,” Reiner said without any stress.

“I see. We should go. I don’t want to keep him waiting for long,” I said as I got up from the bed.

“You don’t need to rush. He’s sleeping over here for tonight anyways,” Reiner told me as he got up from the bed as well.

“Really? I didn’t know that. No one tells me anything...you included...” I complained as I narrowed my eyes at him in displeasure.

“He’s King’s guest now. It’s strange but those two seem to get along...” Reiner said as if he wanted nothing to do with the two of them.

“Really? Well, let’s go. I really want to know what Lucien wants to talk about,” I said as I tug on Reiner’s hand before leading him out of the bedroom.

...

We met Lucien in one of the study rooms where he was waiting for us. As if from old habits, I felt intimidated once I stepped into the study room. It felt like I was meeting Lucien in his study back at his mansion. However, today Lucien seemed like he was in a good mood. I prayed silently that what he wanted to talk about wouldn’t have any negative impact on my life with Reiner. I didn’t care about anything else, but I hope that our relationship would be spared if nothing else.

Chapter 494: Reiner - A Father’s Decision

“Sit down,” Lucien said as he gestured for both of us to take a seat opposite from where he was seated.

Although this mansion wasn’t his house, Lucien still eluded a clear aura of authority. I sat down while Reiner held my hand supportively. I got so nervous as the silence between us stretched on that I started playing around with Reiner’s thick and long fingers.

“I’ll try to keep this as short as possible. I’m sorry that we have to do this today but I’m flying back tomorrow so this is probably the only chance that we’ve got to talk,” Lucien said before he came to a pause.

“You’re leaving so soon...” I whispered sadly.

He just got here...

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back to visit you sooner or later,” Lucien said reassuringly.

“Really?” I asked in pure surprise.

“Yup. I got King’s permission and all that already,” Lucien said with a small laugh.

I guess Reiner was right. King and Lucien must be on very good terms with each other.

“What did you want to talk to us about?” Reiner asked, cutting right to the point.

“Natalia, after much thought I have decided to create a trust fund to manage your inheritance,” Lucien stated.

“A trust fund?” I repeated in shock.

“It’s just as I said during the wedding. Although I’m sure that Reiner and his family can take care and support you, I am not comfortable leaving you to live off of them,” Lucien said with a disapproving shake of his head.

“Lucien...” Reiner said with a clear edge in his voice.

“Calm down. I know exactly what you’re going to say. You’re going to tell me that you love her, and you’ll take care of her and provide for her. She would be well taken care of and all that. I get it, I really do. But as her father, I also have the right to transfer to her whatever wealth I deem necessary,” Lucien said firmly without backing down.

I bit my lower lip as tension seem to rise in the room. Honestly, I could understand both sides. Lucien was overly protective and worried just like he had always been since I knew him, and he was right. He’s my father by law and he has the right to give me as much money and assets as he wants. However, the way that he was saying it definitely made it sound like he clearly doubts that Reiner will be able to take care of me.

“Let’s hear him out first,” I said to Reiner as I gave his hand a little squeeze.

Reiner sighed but he didn’t say anymore. Thankfully he was willing to listen to what Lucien had to say.

“I’m going to explain in simple terms how the trust fund is going to work. Firstly, starting as of next month, you will receive a monthly sum. You will keep on receiving this monthly sum adjusted for inflation until the day that you die. Don’t worry, there is more than enough money for that. Secondly, when you turn 30, I will transfer over to you 30% of my entire wealth. Finally, when I die, you will inherit the rest of my wealth,” Lucien explained slowly as he watched me to make sure that I understood.

The concept wasn’t difficult for me to understand but there was one very big issue with all of this.

“I don’t need that much money. I don’t have any use for that much money...” I raised my concern passionately.

Lucien giving me all of his wealth at his death is just crazy. Even the 30% was crazy.

“My wealth is mine alone and it won’t involve you with the other Rosenhalls, which I know is something that you don’t want. I also don’t wish that for you. As for what you want to use the money for, that is up for you to decide. You can use it, you can save it, you can pass it on to your children or you can give it all to charity. It is all up to you. You can decide when your time comes, as for me, I’ve already decided,” Lucien said resolutely.

I was dumbstruck and I just didn’t know what to say. Reiner clearly found Lucien’s idea surprising, and I didn’t blame him and the reaction that he had at all.

“Oh, let me just say this in case you’re wondering. I don’t plan to have children and even if I happen to have one by accident, he or she will not inherit anything from me. The trust fund and its conditions stand. If you’re fine with it, then all you have to do is sign some documents and it will be settled,” Lucien said with a casual shrub of his shoulders.

Although he seemed calm about this, I could tell that Lucien had already put a lot of thinking behind this. Having money wasn’t a bad thing but I had no idea what to do with that much money. I also felt guilty for inheriting his wealth. Just what is Lucien thinking? Why can’t he just donate it to charity in his lifetime?

I glanced over at Reiner and his expressionless face. We’re married now so I guess I should consult my husband about this, right? That was probably the reason why Lucien had chosen to talk to both of us instead of just me alone as well.

“Reiner, what do you think?” I asked in a small voice.

“Up to you. I’m completely neutral. It doesn’t matter how much money you’ll have; I don’t have any plans to touch it and I’m sure that I can provide for a lavish lifestyle for you even after the day that you die,” Reiner stated emotionlessly.

Great. He’s probably a little pissed.

Well, Reiner is much wealthier now than when he was living simply off of his butler’s salary for sure. Although that wasn’t the main issue right now.

“Since your husband isn’t against it, then there shouldn’t be any issues, right?” Lucien asked.

“Right...” I was forced to admit.

Chapter 495: Reiner - Money Matters

“Just think of it as doing me a favor if you will,” Lucien said with a warm smile.

“Fine. I’ll go along with whatever you see fit,” I replied in defeat.

“Great. It’s settled then. Reiner, can you give us a moment alone?” Lucien requested with a smile.

“Sure. I’ll be waiting just outside,” Reiner replied to Lucien before turning to talk to me.

“Ok...” I replied.

...

“Are you happy here?” Lucien asked the moment that the door closed behind Reiner, and we were alone.

“Yes, I’m very happy here,” I replied without hesitation.

“That’s good. You’ll be safe here too,” Lucien said with a sigh of relief.

“Yes...” I replied softly.

“Let me say what I want to say. This will probably sound very bad for your husband to hear so I had him step outside for a bit,” Lucien said before a thoughtful look crossed his face.

“Ok...” I said softly as I waited for Lucien to compose his words.

“Money isn’t everything, but it can and usually plays a role in the balance of power between two people in a relationship. Although I believe that Reiner loves and will take care of you, we never know what may happen in the future. I will not take any risks of putting you in a disadvantaged position where you have lower negotiating power because you don’t or you have less money than your husband,” Lucien said sternly as he kept his beautiful emerald eyes on me.

Negotiating power?

“I don’ think...that I would need something like that with Reiner...” I replied softly but honestly.

“Better safe than sorry. There may be things that you want to do that requires money that he doesn’t approve of. What would you do then if you have no money? Money is freedom, Natalia,” Lucien continued on with his lecture.

I understood him but I wasn’t sure if I agreed with him. At least, in my case with Reiner, I couldn’t imagine a scenario where we wouldn’t be able to talk things out. We’ve been doing our best to make compromises so far...

Fighting this isn’t going to help anyone. Lucien won’t back down from this since his mind seemed to be so made up. Maybe if one day Lucien had children, I can pass this inheritance on to them...

“I understand. I’ll go along with it if that is what you want,” I said in complete defeat.

“Excellent. One more thing. This is a present to you from Zak,” Lucien said as he slid over a small and neatly wrapped box onto the table.

My eyes widened in surprise. Zak sent me a present?

Slowly and carefully, I lifted up the small box into my hands as if it was the most fragile item ever. The box was light as if it didn’t contain much inside, but it made my chest and my heart feel so heavy.

Zak...

“Thank you...very much...” I said before a single tear rolled down my cheek.

“You ended up crying...” Lucien said with a shake of his head but there was a small smile on his lips.

Slowly, Lucien reached over and wiped the tear way with the pad of his thumb. That gesture only made me cry some more.

...

When I exited the study room, Reiner was waiting for me just like he promised that he would. Without saying anything to me, he offered me his hand and we walked back to our bedroom in silence. I spent the short walk to our room thinking of what I wanted to say to Reiner.

“I’m sorry...” I apologized softly when we sat down together on the bed.

“What for?” Reiner asked blankly.

“In the end, I couldn’t turn him down...” I replied with a small sigh.

“I didn’t think that you should turn him down. It’s up to you. I hate to admit it but Lucien’s right. It would be safer for you to have your own wealth. Well, that doesn’t mean that you’ll need to use it if you don’t feel like it. Just as I said, I’ll take care of you regardless,” Reiner said lightly to reassure me.

I debated with myself if I wanted to share with Reiner what Lucien told me about negotiating power and the power balance in a relationship but then I quickly decided against it. Either Reiner already knows that, or it would just make our relationship sound like some business deal, and I would hate that the most.

There was one thing that I wasn’t sure if I should share with Reiner but if I didn’t tell him would this mean that I’ll be keeping a secret from my husband? I still didn’t know what was inside the small box that Zak gave me. It was so small that I had been holding it in my hand and perhaps Reiner hasn’t noticed its existence. What if the present is something that no one else is supposed to see?

“Are you, ok? You should get some sleep, you look tired...” Reiner suggested with a smile.

“Yeah...” I murmured.

In the end, I never got the chance to bring up that present from Zak before we turned off the lights and went straight to sleep.

...

The next morning, I woke up early to send Lucien off. King had arranged for a private plane to send Lucien back. Reiner was there with me to meet Lucien one last time before he departed from the island. After living with Lucien for such a long time, it was strange and extremely sad for me to be separated from him. There were many things that I haven’t had a chance to ask Lucien. More than anything, I wondered how he is doing. Things must be very busy for him at work like always and his relationship with Angela must be very complicated still.

Lack of time was just an excuse that I provided myself with for not asking those questions that I had burning on my mind. The truth was that I was scared to ask him. When I first moved to this island, I had a hard time settling in and letting go of my old life and everything associated to it. I found out that thinking about my old life only made me sick with worry for the people that I had to leave behind. It was then that I realized with much disappointment that my life on this island with Reiner could not truly coexist with my old life.