CHAPTER 125: CHILDISH

"I’ve known her since the age when we could barely speak," Gerald said at last, his voice losing its edge. "We’ve been close for so long... I truly believed she would wait for me."

Hades leaned forward slightly. "You... are in love with her?"

Gerald’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "Why else do you think I left the tribe, left my home, and wandered across this realm?"

Hades fell silent. He remembered how Gerald had looked when Peri introduced Hades as her husband—shocked, then disheartened.

"I had everything she could have wanted, except strength," Gerald admitted, his tone low. "Yes, my family was powerful, but on my own, I wasn’t worthy to stand beside her. So I left. I believed that if I gained strength, built some connections, I could return to her. But... well." He gave a bitter chuckle before lifting his eyes. "So tell me—how did you two meet?"

Hades had already rehearsed a story in his head. Without hesitation, he said, "I rescued Peri from the temple of Samarella. After that... we fell for each other."

Gerald didn’t look surprised. "I heard about that incident," he muttered, his expression souring. "If only I’d known sooner..."

Just then, Peri returned to the table. "What are you two talking about?" she asked curiously.

Gerald straightened at once, shaking his head. "Nothing. What would you like to order?"

Peri shrugged. "You know this place better. Suggest something."

"You like mushroom gratin, don’t you?" Gerald asked gently.

Peri’s eyes brightened. Gerald caught the look and signaled for the waiter.

When the server arrived, Gerald ordered, "Two mushroom gratin. And for you?" he turned to Hades.

But before Hades could answer, Peri spoke up, "What red meat do you serve best? Bring two servings of that, with plenty of boiled vegetables. And make sure the salt is light."

The server nodded and left.

Gerald blinked, surprised. "That was for..."

"Hades." Peri cut in firmly. She shot Hades a glare as he slumped back, sulking. "He needs more fiber."

Hades frowned—he never enjoyed vegetables with meat, and she knew it.

Gerald’s expression tightened before he quickly changed the subject. "How is Mother?"

"Mom’s fine," Peri replied. "Well, she wasn’t when I was trapped in that damn temple, but now she’s doing better."

Hades raised a brow. "Hmm? Gerald’s asking about Beatrice?"

Peri nodded. "Yeah. Since we grew up together—and Gerald’s mother passed away when he was very young—he started calling her Mom too."

Gerald chuckled softly. "I spent most of my time at Peri’s house. Those were good days." His gaze lingered on Peri as he added, "Remember how Mother had already started planning our wedding back then?"

He shook his head with a wistful sigh. "Ha... I miss those times."

Peri fell silent, her eyes shifting toward Hades.

He met her gaze, his expression unreadable.

Exhaling lightly, Peri asked, "So, why are you here?"

Gerald straightened. "I’ve been training in the wilderness. I decided to return a few days ago, and I came here to buy gifts for you and Mother."

Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Hey, why don’t you come with me?"

Peri blinked, taken aback. "Eh? No, I just got here."

"So what? Don’t tell me you’re reluctant to meet your own mother." His eyes flicked toward Hades as he muttered, "And I’m sure your husband won’t object to letting me take you away for a few days."

The beast within Hades stirred violently. It growled inside him, urging him to cut down the elf who dared look at his mate with such eyes. His fists clenched as he fought to keep control.

Hades wasn’t like this before...so possessive, but now, maybe because they were bound to each other, Hades couldn’t stand someone else looking at his woman.

But before he could speak, Peri’s voice cut through, heavy and cold. "Can you stop it?"

Hades froze, thinking she meant him—until she turned to Gerald, her eyes sharp. "You’re going too far now, Gerald."

Gerald blinked, genuinely confused. "What do you mean? Did I... do something to offend you?"

"Yes, you did." Peri’s glare sharpened. "Since earlier, you’ve been disrespecting my husband—making him feel excluded, dragging out our past as if it still holds weight. Don’t think I haven’t noticed."

Gerald frowned. "But... did I say anything wrong?"

Peri scoffed. "Are you still a child, Gerald? Still clinging to the little games we once played? I thought you had grown, yet here you are, still not knowing what should be said... or when." Her fist trembled under the table.

Her voice grew heavier. "You say you care about me, don’t you? Then where were you when I was trapped in that cursed temple for three weeks?"

Gerald’s face faltered, his tone softening. "I didn’t know, Peri. Believe me, if I had known, I would’ve come for you without a second thought. Nothing in this world is more important to me than you."

Peri’s eyes hardened. "Is that so? Then you should understand this—nothing is more important to me than Hades. He is my life partner, the man my mother herself accepted. So do me a favor, Gerald—don’t ever trouble me again."

She suddenly pushed back her chair and rose, clutching Hades’s hand. He followed her lead, rising with quiet resolve.

The two left the eatery, Peri’s steps sharp and quick.

Trailing behind her, Hades hesitated before asking in a low voice, "Is it... really okay to leave him like that?"

Yes, he was angry with Gerald but they were childhood friends who have spent years together.

Peri exhaled, a frustrated huff leaving her lips as she glanced at him. "I actually saved his life just now."

Hades’s eyes widened as realization struck—his killing intent had leaked, and she had felt it.

His shoulders sank, voice heavy with guilt. "I’m sorry, Peri—"

"You shouldn’t be." Her tone was firm, unshaken. "He crossed the line. Yes, he was my friend... but that doesn’t give him the right to insult my mate."

Hades felt a sudden rush of warmth seeping into his chest hearing her being so protective of him.

He stepped forward and interlaced his fingers with hers.

Glancing at her, he found her eyes still glaring and angry but her cheeks were slightly red.

"Thank you for taking my side, Peri."

She shrugged, "Isn’t it natural?"

With a grin, Hades said, "Well, how about we have dinner somewhere more peaceful? I can cook for you."

Peri’s brows elevated, "You know such a place?"

Hades nodded, "Yeah. Let me take you there."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the story so far, please drop a review.