Eden looked at his twin with a beautiful smile. He looked like the personification of an angel and Storm felt like he had gotten more handsome somehow. Rage wouldn't be an adequate word to describe what he felt at that moment. Cedro looked at Eden with a smile.
"Hello, Eden."
"President Zephyr, how are you?"
"You can call me Cedro or Uncle. I'm well thank you."
Eden nodded with a smile.
Cedro hasn't spent much time with Eden since usually, the person who would be called in his office was the trouble maker and he isn't that kind of person. On the contrary, he is a hard worker and he brought the company millions. They have his back a 100% just like Eden has theirs. He looked at his son a little surprised when he said looking at Eden with a knowing smile:
"We meet again."
Eden simply nodded at him expressionlessly then he looked away. Luka narrowed his eyes at him.
Eden looked at his parents with a smile and he asked:
"Alaric, Colton how are you doing? Every time I text you to let you know I'm okay you never respond. If I didn't know any better I would think you don't care about your son's well-being."
Since the day he left Eden has been sending one text a week to let his parents know he is okay but they never respond because they don't care. Alaric frowned, Cedro can't think that they're bad parents. Why would they respond to Eden when he made Storm's life a living hell? He can still picture Storm crying to them almost every night.
The only reason he was able to get in business with him is because of how much Cedro values Eden's work ethic, clearly, this is the only thing Eden cares about. Alaric smiled and he said:
"Eden you can call us mother and father. We responded to every one of your texts maybe there's something wrong with your cellphone."
If Eden wants to talk they will be but he won't have those kinds of private conversations in front of someone else it's private.
Eden thought a few seconds and he said;
"Maybe you're not the first person to tell me that. No, I prefer to call you Alaric and Colton you don't mind right?"
They've never acted like his mother and father of course he won't call them that. Eden looked at Colton and he forced a smile his eyes flashing with complicated emotion.
"Of course, we don't as long as you are happy."
Eden couldn't stop himself from laughing, they've never cared about his happiness. Alaric frowned but he quickly put on a smile and asked:
"What's new with you?"
When the servers put down their plates Eden said:
"Nothing much. I'll be right back I want to take my favorite book before I forget again."
His parents nodded and Eden left. When he was out of sight Storm whispered seemingly trembling:
"Do you think Eden will come back? I don't want things to be the way they were before."
Despite his whisper, everyone heard. Colton caressed his head and he said emotionally:
"I won't let anything happen to you again ever again."
Alaric said:
"I'm sure being away for so long changed him, I just hope not in the wrong way like before."
If he plans on acting like a decent human being then they won't stop him from being part of the family but if he doesn't he's out. Just because Eden became famous and made it so they survived the hard times doesn't mean he should talk down to them and bully his sick brother.
Luka frowned, from what Eden said at his audition it seemed like his childhood was difficult so it would make sense that he left but the way his family talks about it is like Eden doesn't want to be around them now that he is famous. Like he is unfilial and selfish.
He doesn't believe it's true he feels like he knows him. Ever since that audition, he feels this attraction to him. He already started to find out everything he could about him because he wants to fuck him but he seems to be closed off, it doesn't matter if he is he won't give up he loves challenges.
Cedro and Luka looked at the entire family and they seemed upset. When Eden came back they all put on a smile as if they didn't want to get into it now. Eden took a seat and he put the book next to his plate. Luka took it and he asked flipping through it:
"Aren't they the same?"
Luka deliberately left the question vague since when Alaric asked what was new with Eden he didn't mention auditioning for High Priest. He knew that Eden would understand what he meant.
Eden met his eyes and he said:
"Every time I felt close to the edge I would read this copy."
Luka felt his heart clench in pain for some reason. Eden turned to the last page and he explained:
"I would draw a circle every time I did."
Luka looked at all the circles with a frown. There were more than a hundred of them, how terrible must've been his childhood that he felt the need to end his life this often? He unconsciously caressed Eden's head affectionately with a compassionate smile. Eden looked into his eyes and he could tell that he was touched.
He smiled back and Luka had a beaming smile on his face his eyes shining with excitement. Maybe he'll be able to have Eden after all, this is the first time that someone makes him feel this unsure and it's unsettling.
Cedro was stunned to see his son like that. Even if he seems laid back he knows that he's not and how emotionally closed off he is to everyone beside him. But he could tell that he was touched by what Eden said and he was radiating happiness after he received a smile from him. It made him pleased to see his son be genuinely happy instead of faking all the time. Although he did warn him that it came with the territory of being a celebrity.
Eden went back to eating, a few seconds later he asked Alaric:
"How are things at my company?"
Alaric asked stunned:
"What did you say?"
Eden smiled and he asked:
"How are things at the company?"
When he saw the mocking look in Eden's eyes he knew that he didn't mishear him. Why must he keep doing that? He knows that without Eden they wouldn't be able to be where they are today. Does Eden think that he doesn't feel like a failure when he thinks about the fact that he was supposed to take care of his family but couldn't?
Even if Eden gave the funds he's the one who has been running the company. He realized a few years later that he could make him sign a contract that would make him the owner of it despite being registered under Eden but he left before he could make him sign it. He needs to do it now more than ever since Eden seems to have changed in the worst possible way which he didn't think was possible. Alaric smiled.
"Good."
Eden smiled at him then he went back to eating. Cedro could feel this weird tension so he asked:
"Eden, I heard that you auditioned for High Priest how did it go?"
Hearing that Storm choked on his food. Colton patted his back as he coughed uncontrollably.
When he could finally breathe Storm looked at Eden. Eden smirked and Storm felt like slapping him. Eden looked at Cedro but before he could answer Luka did:
"He was amazing, he's going to receive a call from the director telling him he has been cast."
Eden looked at Luka with a smile, he reached out caressing his cheek. Luka looked back with shiny eyes and he grabbed his hand lacing it with his. He's definitely going to add Eden to his list of conquest. Eden is different than the person he's used to sleeping with so he just needs to change his approach a little.
Storm's hands tightened into fists. He's been in love with Luka forever and all he ever got from him was a smile. Maybe it's a good thing that Eden was cast that way he'll be able to destroy his reputation and Luka will be there to see it. He just needs to act like he wants them to be close again.
Eden looked at their laced hands then Luka. He pulled back his hands and his smile disappeared. Luka couldn't understand what prompted this change in him and he narrowed his eyes at Eden again. Storm smiled and he said:
"That's good that you were cast I was too."
Eden asked indifferently:
"As what minor role?"
Storm thought that he would be angry because of how much he loved the book but he almost seemed bored. It made him angrier that he assumed that he could only get a minor role but he put on a smile.
"As Jiang Cheng."
"Oh as the prostitute it's a fitting role for you so I don't doubt that you'll be great at it."
They all looked at Eden in outrage. Colton was trembling in rage. Even after everything he put Storm through growing up he still acts this way now. He is finally healthy enough to act and instead of being supportive he insults him. He couldn't stop himself from saying:
"Eden how could you say something so horrible."
When Colton saw the tears running down Storm's face he felt worst. He pulled him in his embrace and he said:
"What kind of person would treat his sick little brother that way."
Eden narrowed his eyes at Colton.
The person he feels betrayed by isn't his twin brother or his father but his mother. How could he treat someone he carried for nine months that way? He always treated him as the enemy while Storm was pampered and spoiled. If he knew the littlest about him he would know that Eden would never bully his brother, but since they were little Storm would tell Colton lies about him and he would blindly believe him. The fact that Colton believed them was a choice because he never got to know Eden. Storm didn't start to jealous him when he started acting but before because his health has always been a little better than his and he felt weak. When their parents would spoil him it made him feel powerful and he knew that it hurt Eden.
Eden smiled viciously at him. Who said blood is thicker than water? When I'm done with them blood will flow like water. For the first time, they all felt that Eden was scary. Having achieved what he wanted Eden said with a smile before leaving:
"Now that I have what I needed I'll leave. I'll see you soon brother."
When Eden left Storm cried more and he said pitifully:
"I thought that he moved on from the past but he still hates me."
Colton felt heartache and he held onto him tighter.
"It doesn't matter father and I love you."
Storm nuzzled on his chest and he caressed his head affectionately.
Alaric looked at his son crying and his wife comforting him. He thought that Eden wouldn't dare show up but not only that but he became arrogant and ruder than he was before. If he tries anything against his family he'll take him down. Meanwhile, he'll play nice until he signs the contract giving him the company and shares only then can he destroy him if he goes after them.
Luka frowned again. He can feel that something isn't right. He doesn't like how they make Eden look like a monster.
Eden woke up in a good mood. After taking a shower he dressed and went to have breakfast. After eating he got out and a car was waiting for him in front of the gate. A man came out of the car, he had short brown hair with a round face. His eyes were slanted and he had a small nose with thin lips. He looked handsome but not enough to tempt Eden. Rune asked:
"Why didn't you tell me you auditioned for High Priest and that you're going today to sign the contract and try on the costumes?"
Eden ignored him and he got in the car, Rune followed him in, and when the car started he looked at him.
He felt that Eden was different somehow.
"Eden?"
Eden looked at him inquisitively.
"Why didn't you tell me? Haven't I told you that it wouldn't be the right move for your career? It saddens me how little you trust me."
He knows that now it's too late to back out but Storm said that he'll deal with Eden during the shooting. Still, he doesn't like how he went behind his back. He looked at Eden waiting for him to apologize and reassure him as usual.
Eden looked at him and he sneered:
"I've had a career since I was a kid way before you were my agent do you think I don't know which moves are right or wrong? I don't give a damn that you're sad we're not friends this is business."
Rune looked at him stunned, he probably imagined Eden's attitude. He would always follow everything he would say and apologize every time he said that he upset him.
"What did you say?"
"Did I stutter? How would not auditioning for one of the biggest tv shows not be the right move for my career? Let me make things clear right now if you don't do your damn job from now on I'll fire you and get someone else."
Rune looked at Eden dumbstruck, what the hell happened for him to change this drastically? Eden pulled Rune's tie until they were close and he asked:
"Have I made myself clear?"
Rune looked at him unblinking. He felt hypnotized and he just wanted to lean in and taste his cherry lips. How does he look even more seductive when he acts that way? He felt his heart beating faster as he imagined doing all sorts of things he would do to him in bed. Even if he sleeps with Storm it isn't the same. What he loved about Eden is that he had this purity, he was like an angel but right now he feels like he is a siren and he feels lured. He wants him more than he did before.
When Rune didn't answer Eden pulled him even closer his blue eyes flashing.
"Did you hear me?"
Rune immediately nodded. Eden let go of him and he leaned back using his cellphone. Rune looked at his jade-like profile the whole way mesmerized. When they arrived Rune came down first opening the door for him even if his bodyguards were there. When they entered the building Rune said gently:
"Take a seat while I speak to the receptionist."
Eden nodded expressionlessly and Rune left feeling glad that he isn't ignoring him anymore.
He came back and they entered a council room. Arsen, Cael, and the producers were there. Cael immediately stood up and he hugged Eden with a big smile.
"I'm so happy you'll be playing Wei Ying."
He pulled back looking at him excitedly. Eden smiled cheerfully.
"Thank you so much for choosing me it means the world."
Cael smiled caressing his head. Rune narrowed his eyes and he grabbed Eden's hand leading him to a seat. Eden let him and he sat. Arsen said:
"This is the contract as per your demands."
Eden skimmed through it.
Rune asked:
"Do you want me to read it?"
He's usually the one who reads the contracts but he feels a little awkward asking this time since he told him not to take the role. Eden said:
"If you want to be helpful bring me a coffee."
Rune smiled.
"I'll be right back."
Eden has an assistant but he prefers to send Rune, plus he knows him by heart the more he looks down on him the more he'll want him. He doesn't get people like that but it works to his advantage since Rune has to pay as well.
Everyone looked at Rune eagerly leaving a little stunned. Doesn't Eden have an assistant to do that kind of thing instead of using his manager? When Eden finished brushing through it he signed the contract and the copies. Arsen took them with a smile.
"When your manager comes back we'll go to the costume department to make sure they don't need alteration before shooting."
"I'll leave him a note let's just go."
Eden scribbled something on a paper and they left. When Rune saw the paper Eden had left for him he smiled, then folded it carefully and put it in his pocket.
Storm was looking at the rack with his name on it. Every once in a while he would look back at Luka who was sitting behind him using his cellphone. Once he destroys Eden he'll be able to get closer to him, he knows he'll feel pity for him. Plus he saw him frown yesterday when Eden left, he could tell that what Eden said bothered him.
He still has to be nice to Eden's face though even his father told him that or he said that they could lose the talent agency since it's under Eden's name. He won't let that happen, once Eden signs it away he'll be able to destroy him. What annoys him is that his parents just want to cut ties with Eden not destroy him. They basically said they would go to war with him only if he goes after him so he needs to make that happen. Eden is so stupid so he's sure he'll give him ammunition. He's glad that his parents are so easy to manipulate.
Once Arsen walked in Storm walked to him, he wants to make a good impression on him since he is the director. Plus it might give him a chance to be cast in his next show or movie. Before he could speak Arsen said:
"This all your costumes you just need to try them on and the stylist and seamstress will write down what needs to be fixed. Once you try one on come next door. Do you need anyone to help you put them on?"
Eden smiled.
"No, it's okay thank you it isn't my first time wearing robes."
Arsen nodded.
He looked at Luka.
"Luka you can try your robes at the same time since a lot of your costumes have to match."
He looked at Storm but he seemed to have forgotten his name. Storm smiled gracefully and he said after blinking his peach blossom eyes:
"My name is Storm."
Arsen said:
"Right Storm you can go wait in the room at the end of the hallway. Someone will bring the rack there."
Storm nodded and he left in anger. Not only does the director not know his name but he isn't even showing how his costumes fit to the important people
Arsen left after closing the door. Eden looked at his racks and he caressed the robes with a smile. He felt someone holding him from behind and asked:
"What are you thinking about?"
Trust me you don't want to know, he answered:
"Nothing important."
He tried to get free of his hold but Luka wouldn't let go. Eden turned in his arms and he looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Why do you run away from me?"
"Do I?"
He can feel Eden putting a barrier just like when they had that moment during dinner, he became cold of all a sudden. He's running away from how he feels, he feels an attraction between them and he is sure Eden does too. They should just have fun and be done. Luka pulled him closer and he whispered in his ear:
"Are you saying you don't want me as much as I want you?"
Eden narrowed his eyes. He is already pissed at him and he wants to play this game? In this universe, his husband of 600 years married someone else, and the one who made his life a living hell at that. No matter how you put it he's infuriated. He feels drawn to him like a moth to a flame but then he thinks of how he married Storm and he just wants to stamp on his head.
Plus it's everywhere how the film Emperor has a harem, he is the biggest player in the world, time for him to taste his own medicine. Eden reached out caressing his chest then he moved his hands up and wrapped them around his neck. He met Luka's eyes and be smiled seductively.
"We can have fun provided it doesn't go further than that."
Luka nodded with a smile. He feels attracted to Eden more than he's ever been to anyone he just needs to get him out of his system. He isn't the type who gets into relationships he just likes to have fun and he's glad Eden feels the same.
"Don't worry I'm the kind of person who gets bored easily."
Eden's eyes flashed but he didn't say anything. Gege you're going to pay dearly. His husband is the kind of person who is possessive and jealous and in this universe is an Alpha which heightens all those traits. He's going to rue the day he said that to him. Eden leaned in and Luka felt his soft lips on his neck. He trailed kisses until he reached his mouth. He first gave him a peck then he kissed him wildly. Eden pushed his tongue in his mouth and Luka held onto his waist tightly.
He kissed him back desperately. He felt like he could never get enough of Eden. He felt Eden grinding on him and a groan escaped him.
He held onto his ass to feel more of him. He felt that Eden was trying to kill him because it wasn't nearly enough with their clothes separating them. He unzipped Eden's pants but he stopped him and broke the kiss. He looked at Eden panting, his eyes were misty, his lips were red and he looked so sensual. How does he expect him to stop now? He leaned in to kiss him again but Eden put his hand between their mouth. He pushed him and said:
"They are waiting for us."
Eden stripped and he put on the first robes. Luka stood there looking at him his mouth dry. He just wanted to fuck him right then and there. He swallowed and he shook his head to focus. He went to his rack and put on his first robes lost in thought. He can't understand how a simple kiss from Eden can drive him to insanity. He shook his head again to clear his mind. As soon as I have sex with him a few times I won't think of him anymore. He's never had feelings for anyone and it will never happen. So all he feels for Eden is just lust, right?
Eden peeked at Luka and he could already tell that his thoughts are spiraling. He believes wholeheartedly that they are fated so he's always going to fall for him. But before he can accept him he needs to learn a valuable lesson. Eden smiled maliciously.