Fate was a fickle thing. They twist and spin their strings of destiny, tying and tangling red lines to pinkies, until it is a ball of mess.

  Lina had tried to run from destiny far too many times to count, but that was in her first life where she thought she could defy a love fated in her stars. Now, she was forced to pay back the consequences of her actions. ??

  "Right away, Mr. DeHaven," the hostess slowly said, lowering her gaze, careful to not turn her back to him, as it was a sign of disrespect.

  Lina remained rooted to the spot, grabbing tightly onto the edges of her shirt. She stared accusingly at Kaden who gazed down at her. She expected smugness, but his expression was as cold. She couldn't understand his thought process.

  "Lead the way to your lover, my dear dove," Kaden murmured, gesturing his hand forward.

  "You first," Lina shot back, unable to move her legs.

  "Ladies first," Kaden corrected her.

  Lina unwillingly looked around them. They were beginning to garner attention at the doorway, and now, many people were watching their every move.

  Specifically, Kaden stood out like a sore thumb with his handsome features, tall height, and hotshot outfit. The black coat hanging on his wide shoulders made him look like an undefeatable villain.

  "Fine," Lina sighed, walking into the restaurant.

  Lina began to look around, in search of an empty seat. She tried to not make it so obvious, so that Kaden wouldn't follow her line of sight.

  Completely unbeknownst to Lina, Kaden was watching her the entire time. Kaden starred as her brows tugged together, like a confused puppy. She then held onto the ends of her shirt tighter, resembling a lost child.

  Kaden held back an amused chuckle. If she needed help, say so.

  "He's not here," Lina finally announced, looking up at him. "Thank you for your help, but it was unnecessary. Enjoy your meal."

  Lina tried to run, but he thrust his hand, grabbing her wrist. She froze, the simple touch sending sparks down her body. Her breathing quickened in fear and she peered up at him like he was crazy.

  "Sir, please let go—"

  "Why do you always look like you're going to cry?" Kaden mused.

  Lina touched her face and realized her eyes were growing watery. She didn't think she was a crybaby.

  "Am I so handsome it brings you to tears?" Kaden asked. It sounded like a tease, but he appeared as serious as a statue.

  Lina blinked up at him. Despite the years that passed, his arrogance didn't change.

  "No, you're so ugly, it hurts my eyes." Lina glanced away, hoping he'd be discouraged by her words.

  Too bad for her, his eyes flashed with amusement. Kaden was intrigued by her, not because she treated him indifferently.

  In his entire life, he had never seen someone get so emotional in his presence, not even his mother. He was also humored that she was desperately trying to run from him when most were desperate to run into his arms.

  "Perhaps you're not looking at my face properly," Kaden said, yanking her closer to him—until her chest grazed his arms.

  Her eyes widened. Finally, he had her attention.

  Kaden saw his reflection mirrored in her clear eyes. He saw the individual specks of dark hazel, the black rim around her pupils, and how moist they were. Then, a single tear rolled down her face. The mirth immediately mellowed down.

  "How old are you to be such a big crybaby, my dear dove?" Kaden scoffed, releasing her wrist, feeling a strange stir in his chest to protect her.

  "Much younger than you," Lina shot back, looking away and quickly creating distance between them.

  By now, they had everyone's attention. She could picture their thoughts. Great food and free entertainment? Sign me up!

  "I don't find that hard to believe," Kaden dryly said to her.

  Not many people stood up to him as fiercely as she did. None except for a single person in his youth. With the same clear eyes and a determined stare.

  Lina pressed her lips together. She said nothing else and touched her throat, feeling out of place.

  "Enjoy your meal," Lina promptly told him, this time, walking off for good.

  Lina couldn't believe how small this world was. Out of all the hotels in the area, she just had to run into Kaden again. Out of all the restaurants around here, he chose this one. It was as if her red string of fate [1] was yanking him closer to her.

  Lina wanted nothing to do with Kaden—given their past and their future. She rubbed her neck. Why was she present in his future? Why was she wearing a wedding dress? Who was she begging mercy from?

  "Lina Yang?"

  Lina froze.

  Lina slowly turned around at the mention of her full government name. What rotten luck!

  Whilst Lina was conversing with Kaden, she had forgotten the possibility that her blind date could notice her as well. In the near distance, she saw an elegant and suave man approaching. At the exact time, Kaden's brows also raised.

  When Lina placed the two of them side by side, it was evident who'd win this battle of wits. Kaden had features that made the gods envious, whereas her blind date was just a mere mortal.

  "And who's this?" Kaden commented with an edge to his voice.

  Kaden spun around, curious to see who'd dare covet what belonged to him. He instantly recognized the man, but pretended not to.

  "You have the wrong person," Lina told her blind date.

  Lina began to rush out of the restaurant, feeling a burning gaze glued to her back.

  Lina snuck a glance and saw it was Kaden. He was staring intently at her, his eyes reminding her of the darkest abyss, the place people go to drown out terrifying thoughts.

  Lina shuddered when their eyes met. Even from afar, she could tell his intention wasn't good.

  Lina groaned when she bumped into another person. Her head snapped forward and she saw Sebastian.

  "Wow, your forehead is not only large but also hard," Sebastian muttered, rubbing his chest.

  Sebastian had finally caught up to his Boss when he realized the scene here was strange. Why was everyone looking at him like he interrupted something?

  Lina ignored him and continued walking out of the restaurant. When she turned a corner, a hand grabbed her.

  Growing agitated, Lina spun around, ready to give Kaden a piece of her mind. Then, she saw the friendly expression of her blind date.

  "Lina right?" The man said, revealing a gentle, friendly smile.

  Lina was surprised. Usually, the men her mother set her up with were bad-natured. This man seemed harmless, with his soft eyes, well-kept hair, and handsome features.

  "My apologies, I should've waited for you by the door, instead of sitting down first," her blind-date said, placing a hand on his chest. "My name is Everett."

  "Lina."

  Everett's smile immediately widened. "Is the restaurant not to your liking? How about we take a walk in the hotel gardens instead?"

  Lina was appreciative that he didn't judge her by her clothes. She liked his manners and decided to humor her mother. Besides, she hadn't pulled out the big guns yet, to intimidate him and ensure no other blind dates were set up.

  "Sure—"

  "Let's go then," Kaden stated, coming up to them.

  Lina's amicable expression dropped. Kaden's features lightened up.

  Everett shivered at the grueling temperature. That was strange. He was wearing two layers and was shuddering. He slowly turned around, feeling like a predator was behind him. His eyes went wide at the sight of a DeHaven young master.

  What was going on here?