Dear Immortal Tyrant

Lina knew herself well. She was the kind of person to never get attached to something. She couldn't. When she developed an attachment towards someone, she wasn't able to think straight. It was why she had very few close friends, except for Isabelle and Atlantis. 

Growing up in a house dominated by  men, Lina realized the more she became invested in something, the more they wanted it gone. When Lawrence grew fond of Rina, everything concerning her drove him insane. When her father was attracted to her mother, he had set aside his shares to marry Evelyn and arranged a deeply frowned upon shotgun wedding. 

There were too many consequences from loving someone too deeply.

"Yet here we are," Lina muttered under her breath.

Lina woke up in Kaden's arms again.. Their position had changed in their sleep. Even in his slumber, he wasn't resting. His brows were knitted, his face fierce as a storm. She wondered what he was thinking about.

Lina slipped out of bed with great difficulty. She knew she was growing attached to him. She had never sought comfort after a nightmare. She comforted herself. That was how it always worked. Yet, when he wasn't there after a passionate night, she was hurt. Hurt that he'd leave so easily.

Lina didn't think she was particularly cruel. She only wanted him to have a taste of his own medicine. So, she got out of the bed without a word. She took a quick shower, brushed her teeth, put on her clothes, grabbed her phone and went straight downstairs.

- - - - -

Sitting in front of the enormous and long kitchen counter, drinking some lemon water as she wasn't a coffee addict, Lina turned on the news. Atlantis' speech was being broadcasted. 

"The entirety of my school life was rough," Atlantis said to a crowd of eagerly listening people. "Credited to many of the people in this room."

Lina choked on her water. He was bold.

"But I'm certain we've grown and matured beyond name calling," Atlantis mused. "Now, we have resorted to what our school has taught us. Despite the turbulent journey, one woman made it worthwhile."

Lina held her breath. Atlantis warned her that he'd talked about her. He didn't warn her of his tender expression or that heartbroken smile on his face.

"Lina Yang made it all worthwhile. She was my closest friend then and still remains so. Without her, I wouldn't have made it out of school alive. Without her, I wouldn't be standing here," Atlantis stated. "You can say Lina saved my life at some point whilst I saved hers, but what I've done for her will never equate to what she has done for me."

Lina felt her heart shrivel up in disbelief. The way Atlantis spoke about her was more than a friend. He looked like he was madly in love. And that terrified her. Not a split second later, her phone went off on the countertop.

"Grandfather," Lina said as she picked up.

"You've worked hard," Lawrence murmured. "Since childhood? Impressive."

Lina swallowed. Her grandfather never praised her. He said too many compliments corrupted a child. With too many praises, a child would eventually develop a closed mindset that sought after such kind words.

"I didn't know he was Medeor's heir when I was his friend," Lina admitted. "I was just—"

"Nonetheless, you did much better than expected. Your hard work has paid off. He's done you a favor, that Atlantis boy. Every major shareholder would've seen the news by now," Lawrence informed her. "And what has your husband done?"

"He—"

"Nevermind," Lawrence deadpanned. "It will do you well to continue acquainting with Atlantis. A collaboration with Medeor Conglomerate will be splendid. Get it done."

Lina deeply frowned. She knew Medeor Conglomerate supplied first aid kits as well as medical supplies.

"I don't want to rely on him. I don't like relying on men, you know that, grandfather," Lina stated.

"You and your complexes," Lawrence chided her. "Did your uncles really scar you to such an extent? How many favors do you still owe them?"

"None," Lina said. "Even so, you know Second Uncle is horrible in many ways."

Lawrence let out a sigh. "William inherited my greatness. Your Second Uncle is the black sheep of the family who inherited all of my evilness."

At least Lawrence knew.

"Now, think of an idea for a collaboration between Medeor Conglomerate and Yang Enterprise. You're not relying on Atlantis if both companies mutually benefit from it," Lawrence told her.

"We could mass order luxury first aid products for our many resorts, hotels, and real estate that Yang Enterprise owns," Lina instantly said. 

"You thought of this on the spot?" Lawrence asked. Less than a second had passed since he told her to think.

"Yes," Lina deadpanned.

"As expected of my champion," Lawrence laughed. His voice was like rich birch wood. 

Lina used to love that sound. Now, she found it cruel. As all Yang men were. Cruel and cunning. She rarely saw them smile for the sake of happiness. It was always smiling for the sake of smiling.

"It'll benefit Yang Enterprise by boosting customer satisfaction, especially if we give it to real estates as a complimentary gift, which in return, will increase their loyalty," Lina said. 

"No profit for us?" Lawrence mused.

"Once we've built even more customer loyalty through the luxury first aid kits, word of mouth will travel. Our new real estate property is almost done with development. With the guaranteed satisfaction in customers, the word of mouth would've finished making its rounds, leading to more customers for our apartment complexes," Lina said.

"Additionally, I will be securing a collaboration with Krystal Elit," Lina said.

"Ah, Chairman Elit's eldest daughter. We've never collaborated with Elit Corporation because our contracts always fall through. If you can successfully sign an agreement with them, your status amongst the shareholders will be further boosted," Lawrence pointed out.

"You sure know how to pick your friends and opponents," Lawrence mused. "You inherited such spectacular traits from me. Good."

"I've inherited the fangs of a snake," Lina told him. "There is hardly any good in it."

Lawrence's lips curled upwards. He knew she couldn't see it, but sometimes he wished she knew how proud he was of her. She was no longer attempting to appease him. Not since she discovered what he did to her. He enrolled her in the mental asylum without her consent and gave permission for electric shock therapy.

Lawrence knew their relationship would never be the same again. She had become closed off to him, but he did not feel pain. She was finally maturing and spreading her wings.

"As a reward for your splendid collaborations," Lawrence slowly said. "A week back, I began the hiring process for a personal assistant and secretary. I've found credible people for you to utilize." 

The best of his spies. Lina would weed out who was the spy and who wasn't. "Thank you," she said in a kinder voice.

"Hmph." Lawrence held back a frown. "You've forgiven me already?"

"I will never be able to forgive you. What you've done can't be changed," Lina told him. "However, I do not wish for the same trauma, caused by the electric shock therapy, to befall you."

Lawrence stiffened at her words. She could've cursed him to the depths of hell. She could've wished a fate worse than her childhood. But she was mature.

"Goodbye, dear girl," Lawrence finally told her.

Lina hung up the phone. She knew she affected him in more ways than he anticipated. With a sigh, she placed the device down. Not a second later, it began to ring again. When she looked at the screen, her brows shot up. At that same moment, she saw a flash of black in the corner of her eye.

When Lina raised her head, she saw Kaden. He was breathless and disheveled. His eyes were like that of a wild beast. When his gaze settled upon her, it instantly darkened.

Kaden felt the same fear as she did yesterday night.