Dear Immortal Tyrant

RING! RING! RING!

Lina let the phone ring until it died down. She didn't feel like talking to him. There was nothing to talk about. If he wanted to schedule something, he could text her. With a heavy sigh, she glanced out the tinted window. Luckily, Atlantis didn't call her again.

For his sake, she let him think she didn't hear the phone call. If she canceled the call right away, it'd look suspicious. As much as she didn't like his approval, she didn't want to burn bridges. She needed Medeor Corporation's collaboration with Yang Enterprise. Just a single collaboration with Krystal Elit wouldn't be enough. She needed at least two or three. 

Her oldest cousin had secured three investments for Yang Enterprise. The stockholders favored him greatly. He rarely had any scandals and his girlfriend was a reputable woman.

"The odds are against me," Lina realized out loud.

Lina knew she had to drag her cousin down somehow, but it'd be impossible. He had the same trust issues as her. But she knew who his father was. And because she knew her Second Uncle, she knew her cousin would be just as sadistic. If not, even more.

"Welcome home, Madame!"

Lina stepped out of the car to the bright greeting of the employees. Flashing them a thankful smile, she quickly made her way into the house. The sun had long faded behind the cloud, making way for the bright moon. Nightfall approached.

When Lina came home, there was a lethal silence in the living room. She turned her head, where Theodore had accompanied her inside. He offered her a warm towel.

"Thank you," Lina mumbled, taking the hot towel for her hand.

Instantly, it refreshed Lina. 

"Is Kaden home?" Lina asked.

"Yes, the Master returned an hour before you did. He's waiting in the dining room," Theodore responded with a low voice.

Lina's heart fell. She had missed dinner time. Swallowing hard, she knew he was pissed. He came home from a tiring day at work and she arrived later. This wasn't part of their agreement.

Lina swiftly made her way to the dining room. Theodore pushed the grand doors open for her. Instantly, the scent of food filled the air. It was quickly replaced by a bone-shattering chill. The atmosphere thickened. She could feel the iciness of his gaze.

The dining room contained a long table with chairs for eight people. At the head of the table was Kaden. He seemed far from pleased.

"M-my husband," Lina stuttered in an attempt to coerce him.

Kaden sharply raised a brow. He took a slow sip of his wine glass. The entire time, his eyes were trained on her. 

Lina swallowed. She was in the wrong. 

"I'm sorry," Lina admitted. "I didn't know our agreement began today. If I did, I would've rushed home quicker."

Kaden narrowed his gaze. He slowly settled the wine glass onto the table. The food was cold. 

"How was your day?" Lina attempted.

Lina walked into the dining room and paused at the chair beside him. His eyes were set ablaze but his face was emotionless. He always kept control of his face. She envied him for it. 

When Lina didn't sit, his gaze darkened. Only when she pulled out her chair, plopped down, and scooted in, did his face soften. Only a bit.

"Well?" Lina pressed, leaning closer to him to show her engagement in the conversation. 

"Good." Kaden remained tense in his chair. His gaze swept over her wind-blown hair and her feet. She was wearing heels again. Her hair had too many flyaways and the wind traveled slow today. What happened?

"Until you showed up late." Kaden stroked strands of hair behind her ears.

Lina froze at his kind gesture. Her breath was acute in her throat. He tilted his head with a pressing stare. He was so sharp. She was at a loss of what to tell him. Especially when his fingers caressed behind her ear lobe. His touch was feather-soft, but it made her skin burn. 

Then, he dropped his hand.

"I chased down a paparazzi," Lina nonchalantly told him.

Kaden's lips twitched. Yes, he heard. What a wild wife he was married to. He loved that about her. 

"I also took care of Elaine," Lina told him.

"One of your bullies?" Kaden asked.

Lina reluctantly nodded. She didn't know how much he knew. But seeing as he guessed it was one of her bullies, he must've looked into it. Pressing her lips together, she was glad she didn't have to repeat the memories of that night.

"So that is why you look like this," Kaden pointed out.

Kaden relaxed in his chair. His people reported she had an altercation in the middle of the sidewalk. 

"My people would've chased the paparazzi down for you, but you ran off first," Kaden said in a smooth voice. "They've never seen someone throw heels before."

Lina let out rushed laughter. She hoped he wasn't there to witness her crazy moments. Her face slowly grew red with the realization that he must've received photos of the incident.

"Apparently, it was a sight to witness," Kaden noted. "My wife is fierce."

Lina adjusted the collar of her shirt and said nothing. She cast her attention to the large spread of food arranged in front of her. Seeing the white sauce, her shoulders slowly dropped. 

"I don't like creamy things," Lina suddenly told him.

"Right…" Kaden drawled, his eyes flashing. 

"And I think I should be on contraceptives," Lina added.

Kaden froze. What?

"I have an heir race and I don't think I'm ready for children yet," Lina told him without hesitation. "Yesterday night, when you declared having heirs, it got me thinking—"

"But I want children," Kaden told her. "I want you to carry my child. As many as you'll give me."

"Kaden—"

"Why not?" Kaden insisted. "You can be a chairwoman and a mother. Your predecessors have done it before."

"Kaden—"

"I've waited so long for you… so long to father your child," Kaden argued in a low voice. He was aghast at her words. All he wanted from her was to begin a family. A family that he had never had. 

"You were fine with unprotected sex," Kaden muttered in disbelief. "I thought you shared the same thoughts as me."

Lina's heart fell at how pained he appeared. His eyes were shaking with doubt. Doubt of her intentions and their marriage. She could see the disappointment weighing him down. 

"I was too absorbed with you… and the moment," Lina tried to explain. "I didn't think about the consequences of our action. I was naive and in the heat of the event, I even thought your words were romantic."

Lina slid a hand over his. She tightened her grip, forcing him to look at her. "I know contraception isn't something you have ever considered. And neither did I think of it, since I have no reason to be on birth-control until now."

"Birth-control?" Kaden sharply repeated. "Then, when shall you get off of it? When shall we have children?"

"Not now," Lina told him. "In the future, we can. In the future when our life has stabilized, we can."

Kaden pulled away. His face became dark and depressing. He didn't understand. He couldn't wrap his head around it.

"Our life is stable," Kaden insisted. "We have the money and resources to raise more than ten children. I can provide for them. Anything you want, Lina, you will get it. I swear it. Tell me what you want."

"Kaden…" Lina trailed off. Why did she feel like the crazy person here?

"Right now isn't the best time. I haven't reached the career I want, our life is plagued by Everett and Atlantis, there is mention of destiny and destruction, and there are too many implications," Lina sincerely told him.

"I want to be a mother, I really do. I want to hold our child in my arms, to hear their laughter, and to witness their growth, but not now," Lina insisted. "Not now."

Kaden was devastated. He didn't expect this. Didn't expect the wind to suddenly drop from his sails leaving him stranded. He was angry with himself and angry at her. He was furious that she didn't want to have children now. He was even more frustrated that he didn't discuss this much earlier. If he had… if he had… what would've happened to them?

Kaden sharply stood up. The chair loudly scraped the marble floor. She winced at the sound. Without another word, he stormed towards the door.

"Kaden!" Lina shouted, rising to her feet. 

It was too late.

Kaden left without another word. Without another glance back. A minute later, she heard the start of the car. He was gone.

Lina could hear it. Her heart shattered to pieces. She staggered and grabbed the table for support. He had left.