Taken By The Mafia Lord

As sassy as Karen was, she was good company and Natalie saw hope that perhaps this friendship thing could work between them. But that would be if she tapped down on her smugness and egoism a bit.

Not long after, Karen had to leave, however, it seems that Eric was busy in his office since Natalie couldn't even get him to come out, and she let him be. It was for the best anyway, seeing that Karen and Eric in a room together would only result in an explosion, Natalie then saw Karen out by herself and the woman left.

Back, Natalie went to Eric's office and knocked on his door.

"Come in," She heard his voice and entered his office.

Call it strange or something, but Natalie sensed that there was a shift in the atmosphere and Eric wasn't looking at her.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asked out of concern, knowing one thing could bother him like this and it was work. As the head of the commission, he had to oversee all Mafia activities in their state and serve to mediate conflicts between families. It was quite demanding.

"Yeah, I'm fine, it's nothing to worry about," Eric answered, looking at her for once and noticing a hint of sadness in his eyes which he blinked away and it was gone just like that. Perhaps, she was imagining things, Natalie thought unsure.

"Karen left already," She informed him.

"Oh yes…" Eric readjusted in his seat. He stood up from his seat and walked over to her and before Natalie could say a word, he just hugged her.

Sure, Eric did not fail to express his affection for her all the time but she couldn't help but feel that the hug this time was unwarranted, but what could she do other than lean into the warm embrace? Whatever happened in his work this time must have affected him greatly, Natalie assumed and hugged him tightly.

"It's okay," Natalie told him, rubbing his back soothingly.

Eric finally pulled back only for his hands to fall on his shoulders and squeezed affectionately.

"You know I love you, right?" He asked suddenly, which was surprising to Natalie. Why was Eric suddenly being clingy? Was he in heat or what? It was quite funny to watch.

"Of course," She answered with more assurance than the other times. Any doubt she had concerning Eric's feelings for her was cleared after spending time with Karen today. The visit ended up better than she had expected.

"Then, never forget that because I'm never letting go of you. You are mine, Natalie Valerie." Eric said with a strong conviction in his tone and hardness in his eyes that made her lady bits tingled.

She was so liking this domineering side of him. Right there and then, Natalie melted from the inside out. It was even a miracle that she was still standing on her feet.

"Never!" Natalie promised him, her eyes sparkling with the number of feelings she had for him

Hence, Natalie left his office a happy woman, giving him the privacy she needed to work, and returned to her room. Contrary to what people thought, She wasn't jobless and had a hospital she owned. The years she had spent taken in by Eric's family, she had used the opportunity to finish her studies and even have an MD, which was the highest degree for physicians and surgeons.

The only good thing Natalie could do around here was treat Eric's people. Her hospital was one of the tops in the nation thanks to Eric's investment - that she never asked for but he does so anyway. Now that she thought about it, Natalie found it sweet that he was supporting her occupation.

Natalie's identity as the owner of the hospital was strictly confidential and she only goes around to visit once in a while and engages in one or two demonstrations of her great medical skill. Natalie achieved all she wanted in life except that she was alone - no family, no daughter.

After her father had ruthlessly cut her off, Natalie had not asked around for them in fear that Daniel might be keeping an eye. Moreover, she didn't trust any of her family members, if they could disown her to keep their asses safe, she does not trust them to keep her alive status a secret.

Knowing who Daniel was, he must have relished telling them that she was dead and perhaps, it was better they remained this way. No one was getting hurt - except her. She was the one taking the brunt of everything.

Natalie was about to prepare for another visit to the hospital when she saw a folder. At first, her brows furrowed in confusion as she went to pick it up, wondering who he had left it here until she saw the title on the paperwork, and her heart missed a beat.

It was Jason, Eric's assistant and she had almost forgotten she had begged him to look into Edward for her. He must have dropped it off when she was busy bonding with her new friend, Karen. Natalie's heart began to pound hard in her chest as she was filled with anticipation of finally meeting him. It was ages, who knows how Edward is doing?

She opened the folder and began to go through the information hurriedly only for her to go incredibly still when she met a word boldly written next to his name, "DECEASED".

The file fell from her hand and Natalie screamed or tried to because she quickly cupped her hands with her mouth, afraid that someone would hear and report back to Eric.

Without a second thought, Natalie picked up the document and rushed into the bathroom, turning the shower on to the maximum, she began to scream. Natalie screamed so hard that her voice was hoarse and hurt. How could this be possible?

All those years she had thought that Edward had gotten married after she left him with their daughter and was living happily ever after with his family. So how could he be dead?