The test came back "regular." Lina wanted to suspect that Kaden either did something to the doctors or the test. But with what evidence or proof? She pressed her lips together and gazed around the empty room.

  "Are you certain?" Kaden muttered. He trailed from one side of her hospital bed to the next, examining this and that. Was her IV finished? Was the machine stable? Is the bed comfortable?

  Kaden smoothed out the blankets of her bed. She wasn't in distress or anything, but he wanted things to be perfect. Not a hair out of place. Not a single problem in sight. Kaden never wanted her to be inconvenienced. He wished for her to be stress-free. Let her live a good life. Let her be happy. Everything that he could possibly ensure, he did so.

  "Yes, please return and take care of the company. I can feel Sebastian's distress from the other end of the city," Lina reassured her needy… husband? Lover? What was she supposed to call him?

  "The company can wait." Kaden grasped her hands and softly frowned. He hoped she didn't notice the small details that most patients would. Instead of a bruised skin from all the IV injections and shots, the top of her hands was smooth and unblemished.

  Physically, Lina didn't bear any signs of a coma-patient. Her limbs worked perfectly. Her skin glowed with life. Her eyes were bright and she had no eye-bags. Any normal human would've questioned it. Lina already did, but didn't receive the answer she wanted.

  Kaden was worried. What if she tried to look into it before he could tell her the truth. Was she ready to discover what he did to her? Would she accept his rationality and actions?

  "A multi-billion corporation with tens of subsidiaries and nearly hundred of thousands of employees with a firm grasp in the stock market and a practical monopoly… you're telling me the company can wait for their Chair Executive Officer any longer?"

  "Yes."

  "You're crazy."

  "——in love," Kaden corrected her.

  Kaden adjusted the blanket on her lap. He was worried her stomach would be cold. Fretting about this and that was never his life plan. He was always self-assured. He had so much wealth, he paid out the people that ranked the richest people in the world, so that he'd never show up on the list.

  The person you think was the richest in the world is actually not. The true wealth hid from the limelight.

  "Sometimes, your kindness stresses me out."

  Kaden froze. He carefully straightened up and quirked a brow.

  Lina warily blinked at his calm expression. He revealed a cunning smile, so serene that she shivered. He was good at pretending to not be affected by things. He was insane. Behind his friendly smile, she saw the destruction he concealed from her. The danger… the warning signs, every bell was ringing in her head. The reddest of flags—it was her favorite color.

  Her heart stilled and goosebumps crawled on her skin.

  "Does it, dove of mine?" Kaden took a deliberate seat by the edge of the hospital bed. He slid his palm over her knuckles. Her fingers curled into a fist, whether to brace herself from him or run from the iciness of his touch.

  "Like right now," Lina admitted.

  Kaden tilted his head.

  From the outside perspective, one could never detect a flaw in Kaden's composed nature. One would think of themselves in control. How could they not? Kaden appeared defenseless with his tranquil smile and loose expression. But Lina knew better.

  His shoulders were broad and strong, narrowing down to a lithe waist crafted from side muscles. Powerful veins flexed on his hands, like chords of iron climbing up his arms. Whenever he lifted a finger, his veins bulged. His eyes were an intense shade of brown, so dark that it was midnight black.

  "You're so good at giving the facade of placidness that it frightens me. Your silent fury is worse than a lethal scream." Lina turned her hand, linking their fingers together. She stared at their joined hand, at the ten fingers. He gripped her tightly, using it to pull her close.

  "What? Do you want me to lash out on you, dove?" Kaden was so close, she could taste his lips.

  After Lina woke up, Kaden suddenly cared for his body again. He took showers and brushed his teeth every morning and night. He took great consideration in every single detail… specifically his mouth.

  "Would you like me to yell and throw things in a fit of tantrums?" Kaden's eerie voice sent chills down her spine. He ran the back of his finger down her cheek, sending her heart trembling.

  "Do you want the violent rage? The kind that makes women curl into the corner of the room and cry? You'd have that response, given your childhood."

  Her eyes flared. What was he implying?

  "But now, I'm certain you'd throw the items right back at me, dove. Vases… portraits… knives alike, you'd fight back, wouldn't you, dove?" Kaden's lips curled in amusement, for he knew this was the truth.

  "All I'm saying is that I wished you wouldn't have a facade around me," Lina admitted. "I always appreciate your kindness, but it stresses me out because you place me before you. And that's not healthy."

  Something within Kaden snapped. He blinked. Once. Twice. Then, he felt himself pull away. Her words affected him deeply. Here he was, attempting to manipulate her back into his arms. But she jumped through his traps and laid it out for him. He let out a sharp chuckle.

  "You play me like a fiddle, dove."

  Lina rolled her eyes and leaned back against the headboard.

  "I just know you well enough," Lina responded.

  "After 3 lifetimes of knowing me, I'd hope so."

  Lina smiled at his words. "Three lifetimes," she repeated. "This would be my last with you… before I return."

  If, you return.

  Here she was, presenting him with an opportunity to tell the truth. Lina was unaware of her own actions…… But Kaden was certain, for he knew something that she didn't.