When Lina went limp in his arms, a horrible dread washed over Kaden. He glanced vehemently at the report on the bed. He tossed the papers to the ground and decided it'd serve better as fireplace fuel.

  Out of pure guilt, Kaden could do nothing, but keep her warm the entire night. She laid in bed like a corpse. She didn't snore. Didn't struggle. At times, he had to check if she was still breathing. The only indication of her fatigue was her brows, occasionally wrinkling together. He could practically see the gears turning in her head.

  When the sun peeked through the cloud, Kaden slipped out of bed. At the crack of dawn, he began to make her a large assortment of breakfast from all around the world. He made french toast, crepes, pancakes, porridges, eggs in every form possible, an array of bread, pudding, and the list went on. Everything he could think of, he began to cook.

  "What do you think the Master did…"

  "All I know is a man who cooks this early must've screwed up somewhere…"

  "I'm surprised the couch didn't have an indent this morning."

  Servants gathered around and whispered through the crack in the door. They saw their Boss furiously cooking. Whether it was checking the poached eggs or ensuring the pancakes didn't burn, he moved at the speed of light. The kitchen was a fury of fire and smoke, with all sorts of food whipped up for a special lady.

  "Ahem." Theodore loudly cleared his throat.

  The servants yelped and quickly scrambled away from the door. They woke up first thing in the morning to this surprise and couldn't help but snoop around like mice.

  "I believe the windows could use some dusting and the floor tiles need scrubbing with toothbrushes," Theodore lightly commented, taking out toothbrushes from his pocket.

  "K-kind butler, please spare us—"

  "And the walls need extra cleaning," Theodore concluded.

  With his friendly face, he revealed a light-lipped smile. Like a fox watching over its prey, the servants could do nothing but grumble and sob underneath their breath. Taking the tools from him, everyone quickly got to work.

  "A-and what shall you do, Mr. Theodore?" One of the newly hired maids genuinely asked with large eyes. "We didn't see you at the breakfast table… Would you be able to work on an empty stomach?"

  "Hush now, Mr. Theodore always manages," her friend responded, grabbing her by the elbow.

  "I shall awaken the Madam," Theodore gently told her, for she was a kindred and innocent young woman. His smile remained as he ushered her to work.

  Kaden could hear the commotion outside, but chose to ignore it. He flipped his last pancake over, spread the strawberries and banana onto the chilled crepes, turned the bacon, and did everything that he could. This breakfast table was going to be served to perfection.

  Kaden couldn't think of any other way to make it up to her. Then, he decided before their wedding, they should take a trip. Just the two of them. He'd take her anywhere in the world that she wanted. For her comfort, he'd even purchase an entire five-star hotel if he could. He was willing to sacrifice everything.

  It was precisely why he dropped everything when he heard it again.

  Her blood-curdling scream.

  Instantly, Kaden dashed up the staircase. He had never run faster in his life. His legs were the speed of light. When he reached their bedroom, the sight would be etched into his memory. Forever.

  "Who are you people?!" Lina shrieked, tossing pillows and the nearest object she could find.

  "Madam—"

  "Shut up!" Lina cried out, picking up a yellow statue.

  Kaden instantly recognized it as the one that she purchased for him. This was the exact moment he realized everything was going to go downhill. The moment he knew she no longer loved him. No longer remembered him.

  "Get away from me!" Lina shouted at them whilst taking another breakable object into her hand. She behaved like a cornered animal, gnashing her teeth at them and flinching whenever someone approached.

  "Everyone get out."

  Amidst her panic and chaos, his voice rang true and clear. The servants quickly scrambled out of the room, stepping over broken glass and shattered porcelain.

  Kaden had to hand it to her. She threw tantrums like a true heiress. Of course, she broke the most expensive items first. Of course, she'd choose the items that'd actually break into thousands of tiny pieces.

  "Dove," Kaden said in a hardened voice. He held up his two hands to reveal nothing was within him. He was an expert in taming crazy things. A wildling wife wouldn't faze him.

  "I know you're angry," Kaden murmured. "Rightfully so."

  "Stay away!" Lina yelled, her eyes like wildfire.

  Kaden's gaze softened. He stared at the distance between them, consisting of a large area. There was their enormous bed, spacious rug, and more. She was backing herself against the wall, even though he wasn't actively cornering her.

  "Let's have a proper discussion," Kaden said. "I cooked you breakfast. We can discuss it over a meal, alright?"

  "I want a phone," Lina demanded in a voice that didn't sound like hers.

  Kaden faltered, his eyes narrowing onto her frail frame. She had just woken up. His room was a mess. If she could, she'd strangle him with the curtains. That was how unpredictable she was right now. And he didn't want to believe it. The truth was going to stab him in the gut. Murder him, even. He'd bleed with his heart on the ground, as trampled as the shattered furniture.

  "Dove," Kaden attempted.

  "Fuck does it look like in here? A birdcage?" Lina snapped at him. "There are no doves in here!"

  Kaden's eyes flashed. He had never heard her curse before. Dirty words like that didn't suit her. He'd wash her mouth with soap. He took a step closer, reminding himself this wasn't the way to tame the crazy.

  "Lina," Kaden murmured. "Lower your weapons."

  The word felt funny on his tongue. Her weapon was a miniature yellow statue resembling some sort of duck. The other was her red sculpture that was as abstract as flames could get. She was cute.

  "I'm not here to hurt you," Kaden coaxed. He saw her eyes waver at the soft voice. "I'm never going to hurt you, dear girl. Come."

  Lina stared at him with resolution.

  "Lina." His voice dropped an octave. A warning. He dared her to do it. He dared her to hurl the things she bought with his money. He was certain if she had a gun, she'd shoot him right in the chest.

  "You're angry, rightfully so," Kaden calmly said. "You can break everything in this house. Shatter my windows. Destroy my furniture. Everything that's mine is yours to break, anyway."

  Kaden slowly made his way towards her. He could see her breathing grow steady. She was lowering her defenses now. Good.

  Kaden opened his mouth, but he didn't finish his sentence.

  Lina hurled the yellow sculpture at him. He instantly dodged his head, turning it to the side. His patience snapped.

  Breathing deeply through his nose, Kaden's eyes flashed red. Before she could even run, he was already storming towards her.

  "Stay away, you crazy bastard!" Lina shouted, tossing the other red object at him. That missed, as well.

  Everything broke into large pieces. Sharp, jaggard porcelain. Before Lina could flee for her life, he was in front of her. And he was not happy.

  Seizing her by the chin, he yanked her forward. His lips curled into a deep frown.

  "You shouldn't have done that," Kaden warned her.

  "Let me go!" Lina screeched, kicking and wrestling in his arms.

  "Dove—"

  "You won't get away with this," Lina bit out. "You won't get away with kidnapping me, you crazy bastard!"