Chapter 123 - More tension and confrontation

Soon after Ayu and Lina had left to go to Dr. Hayama's clinic, Shen had called home to check on Lina's health again. Her text a while back was cold and unresponsive. 

The entire period of their misunderstandings after the argument had taken a toll on his stress levels. Even though he didn't show it to Lina directly, his thoughts were filled with her even whilst working. 

The unpleasant nature of his dinner at the Lim household, with that woman Lila's company being forced upon him had made him very agitated. 

Besides, the renewal contract they offered him was beyond unreasonable and went against the interests of the Moshi Corporation. 

Yet, he could not reject them outright, especially with the marriage offer on the table. He must let them down gently while at the same time, making it clear that he already had a wife.

This meant he would have to guard Lina even more closely. Until he was confident nothing would hurt her, he would keep her under lock and key.

He stepped out of the dining room quickly and called the Moshi mansion. When the butler answered the phone, he asked instantly about Lina.

"Butler Min, is Madam feeling better? Has she eaten dinner?" 

"Young master, madam was feeling unwell, so Miss Ayu took her to the doctor." 

The butler's answer unsettled him. 

"Which doctor?! Why was she feeling unwell?" 

Lina had had a host of different doctors tending to her recovery. He hoped she had gone straight to doctor Yoshi, who oversaw her entire treatment. If it was any other doctor, he would have left and taken her personally.

Butler Min suddenly regretted not asking Madam more questions before she left. But at least she was with Miss Ayu. The young master trusted Miss Ayu. 

"Uh..young master, I'm not sure which doctor. I was going to accompany madam myself with the chauffeur but then Miss Ayu volunteered to bring her back and stay with her." 

Shen rubbed his temples in irritation. 

He hung up the phone and tried to call Ayu. But Ayu was picking a fight with the thin man at the desk. She wasn't paying attention to her boss' call. 

Shen tried calling her at least twenty times, but it kept ringing. 

Finally, he tried calling Lina. 

But Lina was in a trance in Dr. Hayama's office, reliving a memory of her father. 

By the time Lina and Ayu were driving back to the Moshi mansion, Shen had already come back home.

He had walked out of the Lim household citing a major emergency at work and fixing a date by when they could discuss the renewal contract again. 

The butler and housekeeper were sweating in fear at the young master's crazy demon temper. He had broken a dozen glass decoration items lying around. 

He had furiously called Dr. Yoshi if he or any of his doctors had recieved Lina that evening. His mind was clouded with both anger and fear. 

Shen had totally forgotten about checking with Dr. Hayama in his rage. In fact, he was about to drive to his capital city office to yank James from his cell to track Lina. 

As he was storming out of the front door, Ayu's car pulled up and Lina got out. 

She stood in the driveway looking at her husband's messy and horrified appearance. His clothes were a mess, his suit crumpled and his hair was everywhere as if he had run his hands through it a million times in frustration. 

"Lina!" he almost yelled, half in relief and half in anger. 

He had never raised his voice at her till that day. 

She gave a little start, not expecting him to greet her in that tone. 

She walked towards him slowly. Ayu was hanging her head in embarassment. She hadn't been attentive to the boss she was meant to be loyal to for the woman she loved. 

Looking at her phone now and seeing his texts and missed calls, she bit her lip. She was in so much trouble. 

But Lina...she would be in more trouble. Ayu looked at her approaching her husband, fearful of his reaction. He had been very clear, Lina was not to do things as she pleased. She was supposed to be supervised under his orders. 

"You're back" she said, softly but her voice was monotone, as if she was reporting a rehearsed line. 

Shen's temper boiled over. He had been too lenient with her. 

He grabbed her shoulders tightly, ignoring her flinch. His eyes bore into her face, daring her to look at him. 

But she couldn't. She just looked away. 

"Where were you?" he demanded. 

Lina finally turned to him, her eyes blazing as well. Since when did her start treating her so forcefully. She had always felt safe around him, always wanted to protect him.

But today, what right did he have to question her whereabouts!? 

"Where was I?!" Lina repeated sarcastically 

"The real question, hubby, is where were you?" 

Shen suddenly let go of her, and drew back, confused. What kind of question was that. She knew he had a business dinner to attend tonight. She also knew how important it was for Moshi Corp.

"You know where I was!" he answered, slightly surprised at her question. 

"Oh right...a business dinner." Lina was still sarcastic.

Then Shen caught sight of Ayu, standing quietly behind Lina. 

"Ayu." he commanded. 

"Yes, boss." she replied obediently. 

"Where did you take Lina?" 

"I took madam to-" 

"Enough. Don't say a word, Ayu. It isn't his business to worry where I was." Lina snapped, interrupting Ayu. 

Ayu's face was full of despair. What should she do? She was stuck in a disastrous conflict between husband and wife - between the man she idolised and the woman she cared about more than anything. 

"Ayu, how dare you?!" Shen accused, wondering why she wasn't answering him. She worked for him. Yet, she was conflicted between him and Lina? 

"Boss...madam had an appointment." she said no more, trying to play it safe and please them both.

"Where, and with whom?" he continued to demand. 

Ayu looked up at Shen, her eyes pleading. 

'Boss, please just let madam off this once' her eyes begged. But Shen was in a bad mood. 

When he was like this, he made sure to get what he wanted. There was no escape. 

But Lina wasn't easy either and she wouldn't let up. 

"Don't ask Ayu! She was just doing me a favour. Why don't you just deal with me directly?! Or would you rather lock yourself up in your study?" 

Lina's voice was shaking now. Days of pent up sadness and frustration was spilling over. Big, fat tears formed in her eyes as she refused to give in. 

Shen looked at her with surprise. This woman...she was normally so strong. She wouldn't cry so easily. She must be really hurt. 

He had only really seen her cry after she woke up from her coma and ran to him in the middle of the night. 

He had promised her that night that he'd never leave her. 

"I promise I won't ever leave you, my little angel."

That's what he had said as she was curled up in a ball in his arms. 

She was making the same face at him again today, as if he had betrayed his promise.