Dear Immortal Tyrant

The two of them didn't see it, but the cameras certainly did. It was one of the most blinding and beautiful moments of the entire premiere, outshining even celebrities.

The photo of Director Lina and Chairman DeHaven. Lina stood at the top of the staircase, in her dazzling white dress, her face filled with sorrow as she gazed beneath her. Chairman DeHaven was a contrast in his dark black suit, the two representing colors that seldomly mixed. 

Chairman DeHaven wore an indifferent expression when he glanced up at her. The distance between them was large, but their faces brought them together in close proximity. One could feel their love crackle even from half a mile away.

This was a legendary photo that'd go down in history, quoted by artists and poets alike.

"Come on, Lina," Milo urged her, but she was frozen on the spot. 

Suddenly, Kaden began to make his way towards her. Frightened by his ruby red eyes, Lina quickly stumbled and finally, decided to head into the movie screening. The entire time she fled, she felt his brooding stare on her shoulders. He was watching her. He was always looking at her.

Even in her dreams, Kaden's eyes would forever haunt her.

"He wants my blood," Lina said to Milo the second they found their seat at the center of the theater filled with celebrities and socialites. 

There was a soft buzz and hum in the air, for everyone knew better. Despite their excitement, everyone spoke in low voices and kept themselves tame. The wealthy strived to behave with class. 

A few lingered in the corner with their champagne filling  strawberry-rimmed glasses. Others were seated, but some were gathered near the food table. Conversations were buzzing all around, for the movie was yet to start and people were waiting for everyone to find their seats..

"W-we don't know what he wants, maybe he's just angered at seeing you with another man, even if it's me," Milo said. "Or maybe he's jealous at how handsome I am. I wouldn't be shocked, I mean, have you seen me in this suit?"

"I have and it's not your best color," Lina dryly said, earning a complaint from him.

Suddenly, all chatter died down. 

Lina immediately knew who had entered. Kaden always had that effect of slowing time. Around him, people would forget what they were doing. They'd feel a purpose to please Kaden, who was always the most important man in the entire room.

"He's watching you again, my god, what a creep," Milo complained under his breath, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He twitched when he heard the ruffle of clothes beside him.

Lina had turned her attention back to the front of the theater as if captured by something, even though the screen was black. Her insides churned at the heated gaze coming from his direction. Wasn't he supposed to be emotionless? 

'Don't tell me,' she thought to herself. 'That I am the only one he feels emotion for. Don't tell me I am the solution to this mess.'

"Excuse us," Mia chirped whilst dragging Kaden to a seat right behind them. 

Lina felt her core paralyzed on the spot. He was so close. She could smell him. His scent filled her nostrils, warming her from the inside out. Spice and sweetness. The scent of a forest and orange orchid flowed over her. Suddenly, all of her anxiety melted away. 

Lina cursed her body's reaction to him. They both knew they wanted to be together, but she denied it despite her heart's behavior. Even now, with his proximity, she slightly trembled. 

What if he wiped her memories again? For a man who could warp her perspectives and behave as he pleased, she was frightened. He could do it again. He could change her entirely with the flick of his wrist.

"I've seen you before," Milo suddenly said. "At the club I was drugged at."

Mia slowly blinked. She let out a slight laugh, tilted her head in confusion, and scrunched her brows together.

"I beg your pardon, Young Master?" Milo responded, spitting out the title like an insult.

Milo narrowed his eyes. "You own that club. You were there—"

"Enough."

One word. That was all it took to quiet the squabbling children. Kaden's command frightened the entire room who couldn't stop looking away. Mia clamped her mouth shut. She sulked and frowned to the ground. Milo turned back in his seat, scowling.

Suddenly, Lina's phone buzzed. She took it out of her purse and saw it was a text from Milo.

[Found in the trash: Mia is that club owner! You know, the one where I got black out wasted only after a few sips of alcohol. That's completely unlike me!]

Milo narrowed his eyes when Lina responded.

[Picked up on the streets: I know. I'll look into her.]

[Found in the trash: Do you think she's the daughter of that new triad entering Ritan?]

[Picked up on the streets: I'll have it handled.]

Milo huffed at his older sister's response. He put his phone away and crossed his arms, glaring to the ground.

Lina slipped her phone back into her purse. Now, everything was beginning to connect. Was Mia at the center of the drug distribution? To think such a cute little Princess would live a life like this. Was it because of her wrongful death? Was Mia's fate bent on destroying Lina for what happened in the past?

Lina could still remember Prince Kade's wretched expression. He had staggered backwards at the news as if it had mortally wounded him. She had comforted him that night, but he lost his temper. He lost it. The one and only half-sibling that loved and accepted him unconditionally was dead. Poisoned, they said, on her journey back to Ritan after being kidnapped by Atlan and his team.

Everyone gave Prince Kade hope that she was returning. He was overjoyed. Suddenly, his hope was squandered and he was shattered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take a seat. The movie will start in ten minutes. Thank you."

The announcement instantly caused a wave amongst the people. Finally, everyone was seated. Lina could feel her anxiety begin to die down a bit. As she watched all of the influencers, socialites, and celebrities make their way to their destination, the corner of her eyes rolled to Kaden.

Kaden was watching her still. She could feel his gaze lick at her naked skin, despite being clothed. The tension between them was noticeable. She felt hot, pressing her thighs together. 

Suddenly, cold water poured over her.

"Is that…" Lina barely finished her sentence.

Lina shot to her feet, surprising everyone around her.

"Excuse me," Lina rushed out.

Lina refused to make a mistake it. Lina knew what she saw that night and she would always vouch for it. Hurrying to the exit, where she last saw him, she picked up her long dress to walk faster. 

What was the artist doing at the premiere? Who did he know there? Why were his hands stuffed into his pockets? Why did he look so defensive? 

Lina would receive all of the answers tonight, the most chaotic moment of the entire premiere. There was a reason the photo would be remembered in time, for it was the exact moment that the world realized exactly how much Director Lina loved Chairman DeHaven.