Chapter 21: Futur Era / 4.3&4 : Fascinating blue eyes
Eden woke up when a maid knocked on his door.
"Breakfast will be served in an hour."
"Okay."
Eden sighed feeling complicated. He jumped in the shower and after dressing he left for the dining room. Everyone was already there, Dorian was sitting at the head of the table, and on his left were Ryker and his father Arman. On his right were Idriss and Sirius. He said:
"Hello."
He ignored the answer from the Zhus and smiled at Sirius and Idriss.
He walked to Idriss and he asked:
"Can I sit here please?"
Idriss smiled at Eden and he took a seat at the end of the table. He can’t help it anything Eden ask he’ll help if he can plus it’s not like he’s asking him the moon.
Eden sat and he ignored Ryker’s angry eyes. He can feel his anger from miles away, he did when he entered. He saw it coming though. He came knocking on his door in the middle of the night but he never opened the door. Luckily Dorian had locked the door when he sneaked in. After what happened with Dorian he was in no mood to talk to Ryker.
After the servers set everyone’s plates Eden finally looked at Dorian. He feels guilty about last night and he’s upset. He’s so used to Gege being the same in all the universes that he would always act the same. When he is angry at him he messes and teases him, he’s a vindictive person. Still, he never goes too far but he should not have done it with Dorian. After what happened to him he doesn’t trust anyone and he won’t even look at someone who plays games. He never hides what he is up to and always shows his true personality to Gege.
So when he saw that he isn’t the naive spoiled brat everyone thinks he is he must’ve been a little disappointed. He doesn’t want him to think that he is just a game to him. He almost reached out when his hair fell on his face. He put back his hand on his lap. Dorian smiled at that, he saw Eden’s hand move. It just proved what he thought yesterday, Eden only acts he’s never his true self. He felt stunned when Eden put the strand of hair behind his ear and he seemed to accidentally caress his cheek.
He didn’t look into his eyes first he looked at his engagement ring who was under the table and saw that it was red. Yesterday after Ryker proposed to Eden and he accepted the ring was white meaning he felt nothing. Based on what he knows of Eden it makes sense. What would he be happy about Ryker proposing if he knows he’s after his Qin Empire? When Eden was looking at Sirius his ring was red, it’s normal that he feels affection for his best friend.
Even when he asked Idriss for his seat his ring was red. But Eden just met him why would he feel affection for him? He met Eden’s eyes when the ring turned purple and he asked:
"Did you sleep okay?"
He could tell that Eden was truly worried and he felt touched. Everyone looked at Dorian worried about how he’ll react. Everyone knows that he hates people touching him. He only talks to people if he has to. They felt like he would snap because of Eden calling him Dorian yesterday. Arman smiled waiting for Dorian to teach that brat a lesson. Their entire family has been living under his thumb since his father passed away.
They always have to act like they love him and it’s not like Eden makes it easier on them. He is spoiled rotten and such a queen. This is all his father’s fault for agreeing to all his demands. The only good thing is that Eden is naive and stupid and they benefit from it. Ryker was shaking in anger, even he never got to touch Dorian but Eden did. Plus he asked Eden to marry him less than 24 hours ago and he touches another man like that?
He’s already pissed about him not coming to him and not opening the door when he knocked. He’s shocked that he didn’t come crawling back to him. He and Eden have been living together for almost two years and the only way he falls asleep is if he is wrapped in his arms. He was about to yell at Eden but before he could Dorian answered:
"I did."
Everyone was stunned again seeing the lack of anger in Dorian. Eden felt better hearing that and he grabbed his chopsticks to eat. He was about to eat when Dorian asked:
"Did you?"
Eden met his eyes and he said honestly:
"Not really."
"Why?"
Dorian asked to see if Eden will be honest with him again. He doesn’t know why but he feels like Eden understood how he felt yesterday.
It’s weird because he feels this deep connection to him like they’ve known each other for a long time. He feels drawn to him and he never felt that before this is why he felt so upset when he saw that he was playing with him yesterday. He tilted his head when Eden looked at him uncomfortably. After a few seconds he answered with a slight blush:
"Because someone I like was upset with me."
Eden looked into his eyes to make him understand and he knew he did when he smiled. He looked away a little uncomfortable. Dorian smiled brighter, he could tell that it was the real Eden. In many ways he is just like him, they both have a hard time opening up and trusting people. It stuns him how he can tell when Eden is being honest with him, it’s like he has a part of him.
Ryker felt better hearing Eden’s words and seeing the blush on his face. He unconsciously smiled, at least Eden regret the way he acted yesterday. He knew he was talking about him when he saw the blush on his face, he only does that for him. Arman felt better too since he could feel tension between the two of them.
After breakfast, Eden went to get changed for hunting. He got in the car and they left for the forest. He looked out the window and said nothing to Ryker. They got out of the car and they walked to the tent. They were a lot of seats and tables with hunting weapons. Eden looked at the weapons and grabbed a long-range rifle. Everyone couldn’t stop themselves from smiling and chuckling. They were a lot of big names from Cethra 7 and the neighboring planets. They all know about Eden since he is the heir of the most profitable company in the galaxy.
Plus he’s always trending and there are crazy stories about his extravagant ways. They all know that he does nothing but live lavishly with money his family worked hard to earn. They thought that he would take a seat next to their wives and partner. Ryker frowned and he grabbed the riffle but Eden wouldn’t let go. Eden asked with narrowed eyes:
"What do you think you’re doing?"
"Sweety I think that you should sit and enjoy yourself instead of riding on a horse and hunting for long hours."
Why would he do that when he can vent his anger? Plus he loves to ride and hunt. Eden pulled back the gun and Ryker felt surprised by his strength.
Eden said:
"I know what I’m doing."
"Eden it isn’t the time to act the way you always do okay. You could get hurt."
"You’re the one who’s going to get hurt if you keep talking to me like you’re my boss. You’re aware that I’m your partner right? If you don’t start treating me like it, we’ll be nothing to each other."
Eden walked to the horses and left Ryker stunned and embarrassed.
Everyone felt like Ryker was a rockstar for having so much control over Eden and that’s what he’s been showing to people. So the fact that Eden put him in his place and threatened to end things in front of everyone destroyed that reputation. He looked around and saw that this time they weren’t laughing at Eden wanting to hunt but him, he felt worst when he saw that Dorian had witnessed everything. He grabbed a rifle and left.
Eden looked at all the horses and he felt immediately drawn to a white one. He caressed it with a smile, it reminded him of the white wolf. He looked at the handler and said:
"Saddle this one."
Once the horse was saddled he mounted it and stoop next to the others. Dorian stood in front of everyone and said:
"As usual every animal in the forest is fair game and the one with more body counts gets a favor."
This is also one of the reasons every businessman wants to attend Dorian’s hunts.
A lot of them got to do business with his company when before they would never even be considered by him. It’s a long tradition passed on from generation, and it reminds Dorian of his father so he left it exactly the way he used to do it.
"Go."
Everyone left, Eden left them in the dust riding fast. He smiled as his horse galloped through the forest. He ignored the people who were following him. He slowed down when he saw a deer. He stopped in place while the deer ran away. He took his time putting his rifle in position and shot when he was ready.
Everyone was stunned when the deer was hit and he instantly died. They all followed Eden because they were sure he was going to make an ass out of himself and get it on tape. When they saw him slow down and then stop they thought that he finally understood that he has no business being there but he was so confident that he knew no matter how far along the deer was that he would be able to hit him. Arman narrowed his eyes.
Eden nodded at one of his assistants and he grabbed the deer. He hunted for a few hours and he sent all his assistants back when he was sure he would win. He wants that favor from Gege. He rode to the river and after tying his horse to a tree he lay on the grass in front of the river. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the calm. He didn’t think that it would be so difficult after his previous life. For the first time, his parents were alive and they loved him. He had a son and grandchild with his soulmate and an amazing father-in-law. But now he’s back to being in a universe where he is alone and every people who had his back died because of him.
More accurately because of the person who is after him. Plus Gege is different this time. For some reason, he thought that he would always be the same. In this universe, he became like all the Gege because of what he went through. Before what happened he was genuinely easy-going but now it’s just a front. In every universe, Gege always showed an easygoing attitude while he was ruthless to anyone who would go after him or someone he loves and indifferent to the rest. But in this universe, he wasn’t like that he became it as a result of his uncle abusing him. Eden doesn’t know what exactly he went through all he knows is that he changed after his uncle tried to steal his company when he came of age.
He always tries to find out the minimum about Gege because he wants him to open up to him. Eden chooses what Gege gets to know about him so he should too. He can tell that he isn’t over it and he’ll never be unless he opens up to someone and share his feelings. Even in the original timeline he only had feelings three years after they married. He needed Ryker to prove himself to him but even then he never told him what happened with his uncle.
Eden didn’t say anything when he heard someone approaching he opened his eyes when he felt someone blocking the sun. He smiled and his eyes softened when he saw that it was Dorian. At that Dorian felt his heart beating faster. Eden sat up and he patted the ground next to him. He took a seat feeling like everything on the press about Eden was lies. He once came across an article saying that he won’t seat on cheap chairs let alone on the ground. Eden is well aware of his reputation and he plans on using it to his advantage. The truth is that everything on the news about him is written by the Zhus.
The more horrible his reputation is the more people will think that Ryker is brave for being with someone like him. He indeed used to live in luxury but that doesn’t mean he is spoiled. This is all he’s known since he was a baby, his father was extremely generous. Growing up in that kind of environment then it becomes normal. He knows that everyone is jealous of him because he holds the most valuable resource in the galaxy and they wish they did including the Zhus.
Dorian looked at him and asked:
"Are you okay?"
He could sense sadness from him. Eden met his beautiful blue eyes just for a sec then looked away.
"I was just thinking about how things were compared to now."
He can move on from his previous life if he doesn’t think about it. Plus Gege needs him more than he ever did so he should focus on that.
Eden asked:
"Are you okay?"
"Not yet hopefully I will be soon."
Eden met his eyes and said:
"The only way you will be is if you open up and share what’s weighing on you or it’ll eat you from the inside."
He didn’t think that it was the case with him until he met Gege and opened up to him.
Dorian looked into Eden’s eyes and he felt like he understood him somehow. When Eden looked away again he held his chin and turned his face.
"Why do you keep looking away?"
"Because I don’t like your mesmerizing eyes. I would probably do things that I wouldn’t normally do if I keep looking into them."
Eden admonished himself for letting out his exact thought. He looked away a little embarrassed. He sometimes feels shy in front of Gege but with Dorian and his hypnotic eyes, it’s worse.
When Dorian chuckled he looked at his beautiful smile. Gege is always gorgeous and perfect but he is way more this time around. Dorian caressed his cheek when Eden blushed wondering if he only does for him. He let go of him and he looked at the river.
"When the person you trusted most betrays you, It’s hard to have faith again."
He looked at Eden when he said:
"I know but you might lose more by not taking a chance."
When he thinks about how he was hesitating, in the beginning, to be with Gege he feels stressed. He can’t imagine his life without him and he would’ve never been this happy.
Dorian felt like Eden was speaking from experience. He’s always been sure that he would never tell anyone what happened to him. The police report about what happened was buried and as far as people know his uncle just tried to steal his company period. They all think that he changed because of that but that’s not true. The only family member left by his side manipulated and abused him, which would turn any happy person ruthless. If Eden acts real with him like he is now he would maybe feel comfortable enough to talk to him but he needs time.
"I need a little more time."
Eden nodded. After a while, he stood up.
"I’ll ride back."
They both rode back to the tent in comfortable silence. When they arrived everyone was already back. They were all surprised to see them coming back together until they remembered what an amazing shot Eden is. They know how much Dorian loves hunting so it makes sense that he would want to hunt with him. Ryker looked at Eden then his ring who was yellow. Why is he happy? Even when he proposed to him his ring didn’t turn yellow. He doesn’t understand what’s going on with him since he proposed, Eden has changed.
Once Dorian’s assistant assembled everyone they all looked at him eagerly to see who won this weekend. Even if they didn’t they still have 3 more chances since the hunting season lasts a month but over time it becomes harder because there are more people.
"After counting the winner is Eden with 8."
Everyone clapped for Eden but he could tell they were half jealous and half impressed. Usually, the winner wins with 4 or five.
"Think about your favor before leaving tonight."
Eden nodded with a smile he already knows what he wants.
They all got in the car to get ready to leave. On the ride back, Ryker kept looking at Eden upset. After a while, he asked frustrated:
"Don’t you want to marry me?"
Eden met his eyes.
"Don’t you?"
"I do or I wouldn’t have asked."
He does but not because he loves Eden. Still, he doesn’t like how utterly indifferent Eden is. Did he stop loving him? Doesn’t he think of him as the only person he needs anymore? He doesn’t know why but Eden not looking at him with loving eyes bothers him and not just because he might not go through with the wedding.
Eden felt like laughing. Ryker is truly the most self-centered person he ever met. What he loves more than himself is people who love him. He knew it would bother him that he doesn’t seem to love him anymore and seemed to be interested in someone else. He was planning on showing him that he has feelings for Sirius but since last night he decided that he’ll just show him the person he truly cares about. It’s more effective since he knows that he is in love with him plus he doesn’t want Dorian to think he plays games.
"I do too."
"I just feel that you’re acting differently than usual."
"That’s because I am. I don’t want to be so dependent on you as I used to be. I became that way after my father passed away but I don’t want our relationship to be like that, it isn’t fair to you. I want you to count on me just like I count on you."
That’s the truth when Eden’s father passed away Ryker was always there for him. What he didn’t know at the time is that Ryker used that to make him fall for him. Ryker looked at Eden stunned, that’s what he wants, a partner with who he is on equal grounds who they can count on each other but he’s always the one taking care of Eden. It made him complicated that Eden was aware that he’s been counting on him so much and everything he’s done for him. Eden asked:
"Do you understand?"
"I do that’s what I want to."
"Then don’t act like my parent or boss. You’re my fiance."
Everything Ryker would tell him to do he would because he was scared of losing him.
He would always use that as a threat because he knew how scared he was to alone know that he lost every family member he used to have. By the end, he’ll be the one to threaten him that way. He used his father’s death and fear of being alone against him. What kind of person does that? Can he even be called a human? Eden said before getting out of the car when they reached the castle:
"If you can’t treat me like your equal and be abstinent they will be no need for us to marry."
Ryker looked at him go shocked. He feels like Eden finally grow up and act like an adult. If he was in a real relationship with him it would be a good thing but in this case, it was better when he always needed him and acted childishly. He walked out of the car and left for his room to get ready to leave.
Eden looked at the help taking his suitcases down. He grabbed his cellular and walked to the door but Dorian came in and he closed the door behind him. Eden smiled at him and Dorian smiled back. He can feel that he is more open which makes him happy he could barely sleep after last night. Dorian asked:
"Did you think about the favor?"
"I did."
"What do you want?"
Eden stood in front of him and he said meeting his eyes:
"A kiss."
Dorian looked at him a little stunned. He never thought he would use such a huge favor for a kiss. Every year everyone fights hard just so they can gain this favor and they always get the most out of him. He took a step forward and he asked:
"Are you sure? It can be whatever you want."
Eden said with a blush:
"I am, I want you to kiss me."
Eden felt like killing Dorian. He already felt uncomfortable the first time he said it and now he has to say it again. Dorian looked at his beautiful blushing face and pulled him in his embrace. He leaned in slowly to give him time to retract in case he changed his mind but Eden never did.
He captured his lips and he kissed him tenderly. Eden sucked on his tongue when he felt it. Despite that, the kiss was pure sweetness and they both felt their heart beating wildly. It amazes him that Gege can still have so much effect on him. After so long. They kissed for a long time until Eden reluctantly pulled back. He looked into his beautiful eyes and said:
"I have to go, I’ll see you next week."
Dorian nodded disappointed. He knows that he has to go home but he doesn’t want that. He wants them to get to know each other better.
Despite Eden saying he has to go he stood in place looking into Dorian’s eyes. He already had a hard time being away from Gege but in this universe, it’s worst. He knows that he has nightmares during this time of the year since this is when it happened, this is also why he likes the hunt because it distracts him.
"Can we meet before the next hunt I have a business proposal?"
Dorian immediately nodded.
"Give me your cellular."
Eden handed him his cellular after unlocking it. Dorian tapped his number then called. When it rang he hung up and handed it back.
"Is Tuesday okay? I know that I have a free hour I’m just not sure what sure about the hour. I’ll have to ask my assistant."
Eden nodded.
"It is doesn’t matter what hour."
"Okay, I’ll text you when I know."
Eden nodded again. He kissed his cheek and he finally left. Dorian looked at him leaving anxious. At least they’ll meet in a couple of days and he has his cellular number.
Arman was seated in the car but he was surprised to see his son entering it.
"Why aren’t you leaving with Eden?"
Ryker ordered the driver:
"Go."
Once they started to move he closed the partition and he said:
"Eden wants us to be abstinent until we marry."
Arman immediately asked:
"What did you do?"
Ryker said offended:
"Why would you think I did something?"
"Because I can feel that he is different. He even dared to touch Dorian when the whole galaxy is scared of him. He even threatened to end your relationship before the hunt."
Ryker was about to ask how he knows that until he remembered that his father has spies everywhere.
"He told me in the car that he wants our relationship to be on equal grounds and be there for each other. He wants us to live separately until the wedding."
Arman frowned. This isn’t good, Eden always needs someone at his side or he gets scared. It’s always been like that since his father passed away and it allowed them to have control over him easily but if he wants to be independent anymore he’s not sure they’ll be able to fool him until giving everything away.
"First you need to make sure that Eden is always happy when he is with you. Even if you don’t live together have dinner with him every night. Convince him to get married in three weeks before the end of hunting season. Dorian is your best friend he’ll accept if you ask him to get married in his garden. Just say that it’s beautiful and Eden loves it. That way all the most important people of Cethra 7 and neighboring planets will already be here."
Ryker said determinedly:
"Don’t worry father I won’t let Eden go."
He’ll make sure that Eden looks at him the same way he did before. He won’t accept anything less than that. He has to love him no matter what. He never thought that Eden not being enamored with him would bother him but it does. If he has to destroy someone else he is interested in he will. He must only love me.
