One should always fear the unpredictable. Kaden's face was always cold, calculating, and cunning. A man like him was not to be trusted. He'd kill with a smile on his face. His expression revealed little about his emotion. No one could predict his next move.

  Lina saw the displeasure in Kaden's eyes. He didn't like her staying out this late. She knew time passed by too quickly in the office due to her daydreams and indecisiveness. From the large clock in the lobby, she saw it was 11 at night.

  "How was your day?" Lina chirped, her lips twisting into a bright smile.

  Kaden narrowed his eyes. At a time like this, she had the audacity to ask him that?

  "Could've been better," Kaden said.

  "Oh, well, my day was fantastic. I grabbed coffee and cake with Isabelle at a nice little cafe for a while and then we went shopping. There's a ring store I saw that sold these really cute men's rings, but I don't know your size… And then, I went with Isabelle to this sweet little burger spot that had the most delicious—"

  "Dove."

  Lina innocently blinked.

  "I didn't ask."

  Lina blinked again. Then, she shrugged.

  "Anyway, the burger restaurant was really good, I had a smoky bacon burger with a double layer topped in pepper jack cheese with caramelized onions. After that, we walked around a bit, but I was thinking a lot about becoming Chairwoman, so I came here and—"

  "Dove."

  "And I went to William's office. Well… I sort of broke in with my private access card. Regardless, I sat in his chair and thought to myself how uncomfortable it was. It really is. How do you sit in hard leather for such a long time? Does your butt not get sore? But I digress. I was thinking that I didn't want to be a Chairwoman—"

  "Do you know what time it is?" Kaden snarled, his patience snapping.

  Lina locked eyes with him for a good second. Then, she naively tilted her head and looked up at the clock.

  "Well, its 11—"

  "Exactly," Kaden deadpanned. "11 and you refused to tell me where you were?"

  Lina glanced behind her. He couldn't possibly be talking to her in that horrible tone, right?

  "You must not be talking to me," Lina stated.

  "Who else would it be? Ghosts?" Kaden argued.

  "Obviously."

  Kaden's nostrils flared. He stormed up to her, grabbed her tightly by the arm, and yanked her close.

  "You told me you were terrified of your Second Uncle, Clyde. He was spotted around the office," Kaden hissed, unable to wrap his mind around her lack of fear.

  Lina wasn't behaving like her usual self. The realization dawned on Kaden. It pierced his chest. He froze. Was it because of what he had done? Lina slowly raised her head, the rationality fleeing her eyes.

  "So?"

  Kaden's grip tightened on her. "You said your Second Uncle—"

  "I told you about my Second Uncle?" Lina asked in disbelief.

  Kaden could feel his world spin. No. It was impossible. Lina looked at him like he was crazy. She gazed to the ground, her brows taut.

  "I've never told anyone about him…" Lina mumbled to herself. "Oh, maybe I did tell you but I forgot. You know, lately, I've been forgetting so many things…"

  Kaden could feel the blood drain from his face. He released her arm like her skin burned him. The rejection flickered in her expression. She touched her elbow, in the exact spot he held.

  "Let's go home, dove," Kaden replied, his voice restrained.

  "Thank you for looking out for me," Lina told him.

  Kaden could feel a knife dig through his heart. The sharp object twisted deeper when she held his hand with two of her own. She beamed up at him like he had done nothing wrong. In her eyes, he hadn't. Pain prickled across his chest. His throat tightened.

  Lina's eyes held the night sky. Her pupils were dark, but her love for him glimmered like shooting stars. He could do nothing, but choke with guilt. She didn't know what he had done to her. She didn't think he'd do her any harm.

  Kaden knew she was helplessly in love with him. She rested her weight against his arm, tilting her head.

  "I love you, dove," Kaden suddenly said in a hoarse tone. He cupped the side of her face. She let out a peal of small laughter, placing her forehead on his arm.

  "I love you too, Eden."——

  The drive back was quiet and comfortable. Lina sat beside Kaden, resting her head on his body. He made no attempts to touch her, which only confused her further.

  "I support your decision," Kaden finally told her. "I'll always support your decision."

  Lina simply smiled. She said nothing of it and closed her eyes, growing exhausted from today. The food coma finally hit her and her feet were sore from shopping.

  "If you ever need anything, anything at all, you must tell me," Kaden said to her. "No request is too large and no hope is too small."

  Lina hummed in reply. Kaden was warm. That was what she liked about his physical features. Most Pure-Bloods were cold as ice, for they had lived far too long and their skin no longer sustained warm blood. But Kaden had been human before becoming a Pure-Blood. Heat radiated off of him steadily.

  Lulled by the smooth car ride and Kaden's warmth, Lina eventually fell asleep beside him.

  "Dove," Kaden gently said.

  Silence.

  Kaden left the conversation there. Soon, the car ride came to a rolling stop.

  "Take my hand," Kaden told her.

  Silence, again.

  Kaden finally mustered the courage to look at her.? He was struck by thunder upon seeing she had fallen asleep. She was comfortable enough to sleep anywhere, so long as he was there.

  Kaden's throat went dry. In any other circumstances, he'd be elated. But tonight, he wasn't. His heart was threatening to be pulled into two pieces from his own actions.

  Aware of the consequences of his deeds, Kaden knew he could never wipe her memories again. He hadn't used his ability in a while and didn't control it properly.

  "Boss, we've arrived."

  Kaden didn't respond. He climbed out of the car, opened the door, and scooped her into his arms. He turned and shot the servants a warning glare. They needed to keep their mouths shut tonight.

  "We've drawn a bath for your arrival, Master," Theodore calmly explained, as if he didn't see the sleeping Madam. "Shall we release the water?"

  Kaden gave a curt nod of his head. Then, with his wife in his arms, Kaden entered the house. She was as adoring as a sleeping pet. Kaden's chest tightened. His eyes hardened.

  "Hng… Eden?"

  "Sleep," Kaden gently whispered to her.

  "Where…"

  "You're safe with me, dove, promise."

  At this, Lina fell back asleep, with a small smile on her face. Kaden might as well have dropped dead on the spot from the agony in his heart. The guilt ate him alive, nibbling at his conscience. He pushed it all down. The pain didn't bother him. He refused to give into his emotions. He refused to look back on his actions, despite the regret.

  Kaden carried her to their bedroom, where he tucked her in, and then joined her. That night, he held her for a while, just listening to the sound of her steady breaths.

  "Sleep well, dove," Kaden murmured, patting her softly through the blankets, lulling her into an even deeper slumber.

  "And in the morning, may you wake up rested." Kaden continued to stare at her sleeping expression.

  When the sun rose, Kaden hoped for the best. He hoped her memories would remain intact, and that she'd never forget him. Now that she was finally in his arms again, he was uncertain what'd happen if he lost her. All he knew was that the world would pay.

  Kaden was frightened that when tomorrow came, she'd wake up, look him in the eye, and ask "Who are you?"

  Kaden was certain he'd shatter on the spot. He was certain he'd become a monster. If she tried to flee from him, he'd chase her to the end of the world.

  No road was too rough. No mile was too much. Kaden would chase her to the end of this world, and should she be with another, he'd rip the man apart…… That was how much he was obsessed with her.