Dear Immortal Tyrant

For her wedding dress design, Lina sought for Theodore. She inquired about her art supplies and he warmly informed her that they were placed in storage for safekeeping. At her request, Theodore had the boxes moved to a spare, empty room near her private office. There, she began to unpack everything.

Lina unintentionally made the room her art studio. She set up the wooden easel and canvases, then took out the carefully wrapped paints, brushes, metal equipment, and other supplies. 

Lina arranged for a high stool chair, a comfortable one to ease into, and another for her to stare out the window from. The room was south-facing, thus, received the most sunlight. As she began to unpack everything, Lina was amazed by the beautiful sunset pouring onto the wooden floors.

Half a day passed as Lina unpacked all her hobbies. She left her violin sitting by a table in the corner of the room. When she located her sketchbook, she sent a phone call to Estella in search of a designer for the dress. 

"It'd take me centuries to make by hand and I don't know how to sew," Lina had decided. 

Thus, Estella began to search for a talented team of designers who'd be able to bring her dream to life. Lina held up the sketchbook, admiring the drawing in disbelief. When she drew the gown, she was lost in a daydream. Who would've thought the dress would be coming to life soon? 

With a quiet hum, Lina placed the drawing back onto the table. She began to look through her supplies in search of her paint palette, the one especially curved to the shape of her hand. 

A soft knock sounded through the room.

"Hm, come in!" Lina continued to browse through her boxes, pressing her lips together in confusion when she came upon nothing.

"Madam, shall we prepare a late lunch?" Theodore asked her with a polite smile.

Lina appreciated how little he probed into her life. Despite seeing Atlantis on his knees yesterday, Theodore didn't look at her any differently. Nothing about his behavior or expression changed.

"I didn't realize how much time passed," Lina responded, gazing at the clock.

"But it's alright, I'll wait for Kaden," Lina decided.

"The Master informed us he will be returning later tonight, due to business matters," Theodore explained in an apologetic voice.

Lina slowly blinked. Why did Theodore have to deliver this news? Kaden couldn't have just called her? Nonetheless, she slowly nodded.

"In that case, prepare a late lunch and dinner," Lina responded.

Theodore drew his brows together in worry. He knew what the Madam was implying. She was still going to wait for Kaden at the dinner table. But he decided to follow her request anyway, for it wasn't his place to comment.

"As you wish, Madam."

Lina watched as Theodore departed from the room. She picked up her phone and the screen flashed on. No one had called her. No one had texted her. The only notification she had received was for a promotional code for some brand. Disappointment weighed her shoulders down. 

Despite being in a house of people, servants, and guards alike, Lina suddenly felt lonely. She realized she only had Isabelle as a close friend, whereas other people were simple classmates. 

To fill the silence, Lina dropped what she was doing and decided to call someone. Along the way, she exited the room and went straight to her office.

"Madam, how can I help you?" Estella asked the second she picked up the phone.

"Any updates?" Lina murmured.

Estella noticed the glum tone of her Boss, but didn't dare to comment. 

"I've secured a team who specializes in the laces, fabric, and intricacy of your gown," Estella said.

Lina was surprised. "Already?"

"Yes, Madam."

"You're amazing, Estella, thank you!" Lina happily said, clutching her phone with two hands. She arrived at her private study in the house.

"And another thing…" Estella began. "Miss Elit's assistant reached out and would like to schedule a meeting."

Lina wondered why Krystal didn't just contact her directly. With a shrug, she began to look through her drawers for the contract.

Lina suddenly thought about the contract with Krystal. If she stopped her pursuit as Chairwoman, would their collaboration fall through? She hoped not. Picking up the nearest manilla folder to her, she took a seat in her comfortable chair, but decided against it.

From all of the unpacking and organization, Lina's lowerback was beginning to hurt. She desperately needed to lie down and take a break.

"That's fine, I've been meaning to speak to Krystal," Lina informed Estella.

Lina carried the folder with her to the shared bedroom. With a tired yawn, she slipped under the covers, sat in bed, and rested her back on the pillows.

"Would tomorrow in the afternoon work?" Estella questioned.

"Yes, that'd be perfect," Lina decided.

Lina gazed at the folder and to her surprise, it wasn't the contract. She could tell by the untouched seal that this was the infertility report. 

"Oh, and a hospital called just yesterday. I've been meaning to tell you," Estella began. "They would like to schedule a follow-up in regards to the previous appointment."

"A follow-up?" Lina deadpanned.

"Yes, for solutions to the report they've sent to you. However, the hospital didn't specify what the report was about. Would you like me to inquire more information?"

Lina held back a sigh of relief. So, Estella didn't hear the truth.

"Reject it," Lina immediately told her. "No one needs a follow-up."

"Alright, I shall inform the hospital today," Estella stated.

"I'll talk to you soon," Lina decided, hanging up the phone.

Lina placed her cell onto the nightstand. She stared intently at the folder in her hands. She stared at the wax seal of the report, finding it amusing that an advanced hospital would use it. Then again, this was sensitive information and wax was the perfect way to make sure the letter wasn't tampered with.

Out of curiosity, Lina touched the seal. But then, she decided against it. Exhausted from the unpacking, Lina decided to take a small nap before lunch. Maybe when she woke up, Kaden would be back. She'd like that. They needed to discuss the incident this morning.

With that thought in mind, Lina closed her eyes and walked straight into dreamland.