Chapter 226 - Promise

Lina registered the events perfectly. In fact, she could predict the exact order of events. Priscilla must've received a forced resignation letter from Kaden, then stormed to his office and told everyone to leave, then attempted to argue, but Kaden showed her the new hiring contract instead.

"What company is it?" Lina asked, approaching the contract and picking it up. Her brows rose at the benefits and salary.

"Intriguing choice," Lina decided, but paid no mind to it.

"You know," Lina said. "She did nothing wrong in this life to me, but my soul remembers the hatred I felt because of you."

Lina settled the contract back onto his black desk. Everything in his office was monotoned with white, black, and grey decoration. She made up her mind to bring in colorful accessories here and there, maybe a cheery yellow vase or a green centerpiece.

"I guess she paid for her sins in this lifetime," Lina murmured. "She started from nothing and climbed to everything with hard work, instead of living the comfortable life where she used to be a rich, discarded heiress."

Kaden narrowed his eyes. "The promotion was out of the goodness of your heart."

"I have no goodness. I just pity her, that's all." Lina's gaze swept over the table. "I hate to see talent go to waste."

"I could've demoted her for what she did upon receiving the resignation letter," Kaden deadpanned, fixing his belt back into place.

Lina saw him buckle it. Her throat tightened. She knew what Priscilla tried to do. It'd explain why she was on the other side of the desk, standing right next to Kaden.

"She tried to seduce you," Lina realized. "What else is new?"

Her voice was bitter and sarcastic. She didn't understand why so many people were attracted to Kaden. Then, she took a good look at his handsome face and apathetic expression. Women wanted to change him. Some viewed him as a project. A beautiful project.

When one rarely smiled, everyone wanted to see the phenomenon when he did. Eventually, it became a chase—an addiction to make the other person happy. In doing so, they chased for his acceptance.

Lina guessed that was why Everett liked her. Because she was indifferent around him. Because she was rarely happy in his presence, he wanted to do everything to make her his, so that he was the only one to see her smile. The same could be said about Atlantis, who had lost her favor and was now trying to regain it.

"Is it even love if we do not undergo trials?" Kaden dryly asked with a sardonic expression. He gestured for her to sit. But there was no other chair—except his lap.

"My grandfather once told me a love story without conflict is just a simple crush," Lina pointed out.

Lina took a seat—but not on his lap. She slid onto the corner of his desk and peered at him through her lashes. He was already observing her. His thick legs were slightly spread, ready for her to sit within them. The veins on his hands pulsed at her absence. His jaw clenched and unclenched.

"Are you angry? Is that why you refuse to sit in your seat?" Kaden demanded, grabbing one of her hands. It was her left hand but he brought it to his lips anyway, pecking her fingertips.

"No," Lina stated.

Kaden's attention fell to her empty hand. The one with the ring.

"There is no House DeHaven family heirloom. It's all rumors. The ring has been lost for centuries now. I would know, I watched it sink to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean," Kaden said.

"What is the story behind that?" Lina asked.

"Let's just say heartbreak and betrayal lead to crazy things, like abandoning a ring worth a small town," Kaden told her.

Lina wondered what the dramatic history of this precious heirloom could be. Seeing as it was involving Holton DeHaven, the other immortal, she could conclude it was none of her business. Except for one thing—it was a tragic love story.

"She must've been brave," Lina mused.

"Who said it was a 'she?'" Kaden returned.

"Holton was that emotional?"

"Yes."

Lina was surprised. She wanted to press on for more information, but Kaden's dimming gaze warned her not to. Her lips curled. He was a jealous man. She liked his possessiveness. She enjoyed the way his hands grabbed her on reflex. She especially liked it when he asked for permission.

This time, he didn't.

In a rough yank, Kaden had her on his lap. His arms snaked around her waist as she straddled him.

"You—"

"You smell good," Kaden deadpanned. He nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck. It was where her pulse was and the spot where she always sprayed her perfume. The warmth of her skin and the sweet scent were driving him crazy with addiction.

Hearing her silence, Kaden kissed the spot. She let out a small groan, her hands sliding on his shoulder.

"I know where my family's heirloom ring is," Kaden said. He caressed his lips on her supple throat. He skimmed his mouth upon her soft skin. She let out a small sigh, her fingers digging into his body.

"From my time as the Second King of Ritan. The ring I never gave you," Kaden continued.

"I know what that is," Lina finally realized. She had read about it in history books before. The most startling discovery of ultimate wealth was tucked under the Second King of Ritan's bed. The very one he shared with his wife.

"It's a blue sapphire, whose value is well into the high millions now," Lina deemed. "At that time, sapphire was extremely rare in Ritan, but it was believed to be a gift from heaven because of how startling blue the color was and—"

"You always remember the most darn things," Kaden complimented, stroking the side of her face with amusement. "I can see your love for history shines through."

Lina ignored him. "That ring belongs to a museum for display. The best jewelers around the world pay respect to it because of the magnificently crafted ring."

"A ring that was supposed to be yours long ago before people stole it from my bed like tombstone looters," Kaden snorted with the roll of his eyes. "It'll be sold at an auction soon, where half the profits will be donated to charity."

"I don't think I want it—"

"You'll get it," Kaden decided. "I've been waiting for the auction. This ring is but a promise one."

Kaden intertwined their fingers together. He stared at the enormous ruby. "Red and blue. It'd look lovely on your fingers. In fact, we should add in a set of necklaces and earrings to decorate you like a statue."

"I'd make a horrible statue then," Lina remarked.

'Why?"

"People would be too busy looking at my jewels than me," Lina scoffed. "I do not want anything."

"Rings were advertised as a necessity," Kaden suddenly said. "A ring is the only thing a wife owns wholeheartedly. If anything goes sour, she can always pawn it off as security."

Kaden leaned his forehead against hers. She smiled at the reaction, her eyes fluttering shut. She was so darn beautiful. He was breathless by the small action alone.

"You'll never feel unsafe with me around," Kaden promised her. "But should there be a day you need money and you need it quickly, use the two rings as lifelines."

Lina was humored by his words. She'd say she only needed 1 lifeline. Why would she need two extra? Then, she remembered the life they lived. It was far from her cozy house and normal husband. So, she accepted his gift in a heartfelt voice.

historical

"I'll appreciate this present."