Bonus - A Present from Edward

“Congrats again. I’ll see you at home…you should enjoy the rest of the evening with your friends,”

Lucien said as he patted the top of my head fondly. I loved this heart-warming gesture but sometimes it made me feel like a little girl and I didn’t like that.

“You have to leave already? You just got here…” I protested slightly in a soft voice.

“No need to be so depressed, we can see each other at home anytime. Enjoy the evening, Natalia.

Chin up…you look stunning tonight,” Lucien comforted me before tipping my chin up with the tips of his warm fingers.

“Ok…” I replied softly as I felt my face blushing again at his touch.

I watched silently and with a heavy heart as the back of my belove walked away into the crowd. I wished he could have stayed with me a little longer. Now that Lucien and Zak were gone, I had no reason to hang around here at this party. Maybe I should just leave as well.

I made my way toward the back exit with the aim to sneak out unnoticed. I felt like I’ve had enough of this party for tonight, retreating and going back home was what I wanted to do the most right now. I waved at a few people as I walked by in response to their greetings.

Soon I was outside, and I felt the cold night wind on my bare arms and face, giving me goosebumps.

It’s cold, I didn’t think about that and didn’t have any other article of clothing to protect my body from the aggressive wind. I let out a huge sigh and watched the smoke from my breath drift up and away.

Standing there my thoughts suddenly started drifting randomly.

I thought about what I really wanted to do after graduation. How would my life change? What demands will the Elders make of me? Is an arranged marriage on the horizon?

I was so preoccupied with my thoughts that I didn’t realize a tall man had approached me from behind…

Suddenly, I felt warmth and the sensation of fabric being draped to cover my bare shoulders and arms.

Stunned, I turned around to come face to face with a face I was familiar with. Lucien…

But not quite, although this face was very familiar and had the same striking green eyes, this face was younger and looked more mischievous.

“What are you thinking about out here all alone in the cold?” the man said as he draped over his suit jacket over my naked shoulders, enveloping me in his scent.

“Edward…” I whispered his name as I managed to gather my wits. This isn’t Lucien, this man is Lucien’s younger brother. Edward, the genius black sheep of the Rosenhall family.

In my ten years in the Rosenhall family, I have to say that I’ve had very few interactions with Edward and none of them left a positive impression on me. Most of the time he seemed crazy and out of this world and it left me feeling uncomfortable. Just like now, I mean, he just popped out of nowhere. I also don’t remember inviting him to this party.

“On your way back already? The party is still in full swing. Are you feeling unwell?” Edward asked with concern as he leaned closer.

Before I could get away from his unusual closeness, his face was right in front of mine and his warm palm rested on my forehead. What is going on?!

“Hmm…you don’t seem to have a fever. Should I drive you home?” Edward said with relief as he stared into my eyes.

He’s too close and for reasons unknown to me, I couldn’t break eye contact or move my body.

Thankfully, after a short moment, Edward slowly removed his hand from my forehead and straightened up to his full height once again. I felt my tightened chest start to relax as he moved away.

“…it’s ok…Zak’s bodyguards can drive me back…” I replied, trying to keep my voice natural.

“I see. Let me know if you’ve changed your mind, I’ll be around for a while,” Edward said casually as he winked at me.

Edward is seriously so handsome and with a bad boy vibe. I could understand why some women were attracted to him. As for me, he’s not really my type…and the rumors surrounding him are too plentiful for my tastes.

“Oh, I almost forgot why I came. Congratulations on your graduation, Natalia. Here’s a present for you,”

Edward said with a bright smile as he handed me a small light pink box.

“Thank you for coming and for the present,” I thanked him and presented him a small smile. I wanted our encounter to end but I still needed to remain polite. This man is my step uncle after all.

“Open it,” Edward encouraged.

I nodded in response and began opening the small box. What I found inside was…unexpected. To be honest, I didn’t know what it was or what to make of it when I first saw it.

Inside was a grey color keycard…like an access card? But what did it grant access to?

“A keycard…what is this for?” I asked curiously and Edward smiled at my question.

“This is a keycard to access one of the main lab facilities that I currently manage,” Edward replied without any emotions. Since he did not continue to explain why he had bothered to give this to me, I was left with no other option than to ask.

“Why did you give this to me?” I asked.

“You were thinking of what to do after your graduation, right? I thought gifting you an option to start your career might be a suitable present. You are welcomed to intern at my lab, and I’ll be glad to be your mentor,” Edward explained.

This man…he has the ability to read minds? Edward was spot on.

Working with such a famous person like Edward in one of the family business’s biggest labs is surely a wonderful opportunity. Despite the weird rumors surrounding him, being able to work for and be mentored by a man like Edward was a rare and precious opportunity.

--To be continued...