As Kannan strode into the room, his presence alone seemed to cast a shadow over the family breakfast. His steps were deliberate, each one echoing with an unspoken intensity. When he settled into his seat beside me, the air suddenly thickened with the scent of his seductive cologne, a fragrance that wrapped around me like a velvet cloak, intoxicating yet dangerous.As I tried to avoid meeting Kannan's eyes at the breakfast table, my gaze wandered around the room, seeking refuge in the faces of the other family members gathered there. Across from me sat a woman in her forties, her features bearing a striking resemblance to Kannan, I realized she must be his mother Kamini Paniker . I could tell she is dipped in pool of elegance.Beside her sat another woman, likely Kannan's sister. Her resemblance to him was less pronounced, but there was a familiarity in her features that hinted at their shared lineage but for sure she has arrogance nose which is very much like Kannan and sharp features. Kamini PanikerKalyani PanikerKrithika PanikerMy gaze fell on an old women in 60's Kalyani paniker—the matriarch of the Paniker family, i could sense graceness and experience of life dripping from her. Though it's bit weird this family is obsessed with letter "K". As i was peacefully looking around, i get distracted by Kannan's mother voice "Hari Do you remember How you were running behind Kannan calling 'Anna'(brother) and Whining that you wanted Marry him?" Unexpected remark sent a jolt of embarrassment coursing through me, shattering the fragile facade of composure I had struggled to maintain. Her words dredged up memories I never had. I am so confused why did'nt Hari fucking mention that she had childhood sweetheart and her Audacity to lie to me. I tried not to freak out and i could sense kannan's burning gaze on me."Aunty I was Childish and too Young to understand" i replied maintaining left out courage in me.As I turned to meet Kannan's gaze, expecting to find a myriad of emotions reflected in his eyes for hari , I was met with something altogether unexpected. His eyes, seemed devoid of any emotion, like bottomless pits of darkness that betrayed no hint of the turmoil raging within.It was as if he didn't care—didn't care about the memories had brought to light, didn't care about the fragile bond that had once existed between him and hari. Aunty interrupted and said with a warm smile "Hari don't call me aunty, you should call me "Amma"(mom) as your going to be my daughter in law". I reluctantly replied "Ok Amma".Last 20minutes at table were hardest moments of my life and no one tried to have conversation. The room seemed to close in around me, suffocating me with the weight of my own deception. soon everyone left after breakfast as if i was invisible only to left out me and amma. This Family is too much cold to me to survive. With the dining room now empty save for Amma and myself, I mustered the courage to break the silence that hung heavy between us. Meeting her gaze with a kind smile, I spoke in a gentle tone, offering my assistance in any way I could."Can I help you with anything?" I asked, my words infused with genuine sincerity. Despite the weight of the secrets that lay between us, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope at the prospect of forging a connection with Kannan's mother. As Amma responded with a calm tone, indicating that the servants could handle most tasks, my heart sank slightly, but her next words brought a surge of anticipation."I do need help with one thing," she said, her demeanor softening.Eager to be of assistance, I leaned in, my eyes shining with excitement. "I would love to help, Amma," I replied earnestly, ready to lend a hand wherever needed.Her request took me by surprise. "Help me send this hangover tea to Kannan," she said with a gentle smile. As I took the tray from Amma's hands, I felt a sense of purpose wash over me. This small act of kindness was not only an opportunity to assist, but also a chance to bridge the gap between us if someday she could save my neck and get back my phone from kannan.As I ascended to the upper floor, tray in hand, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the opulent decor of the hallway and the air of restriction that seemed to hang over Kannan's office. The servants had informed me that this floor was usually off-limits to most, adding an air of intrigue to my journey.As I approached the fourth room, I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that crept over me. Despite the grandeur of the surroundings, there was an unsettling stillness that seemed to envelop Kannan's office, as if even the light itself dared not intrude upon its confines.With a steadying breath, I knocked softly on the door, my heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Moments passed, and there was no response. Steeling myself, I pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit room.The sight that greeted me took my breath away. Despite the subdued lighting, every corner of the office was adorned with exquisite decorations, a testament to Kannan's refined taste and attention to detail. Yet, there was an air of solitude that hung heavy in the air, a palpable sense of isolation that seemed to permeate the very walls of the room.As I approached Kannan's desk, I set down the tray with trembling hands, my senses heightened by the eerie silence that surrounded me. It was as if time itself had come to a standstill in this secluded sanctuary, leaving me feeling like an intruder in a world that was not meant for me.With a final glance around the room, I turned to leave. As the harsh voice shattered the silence of the room, my heart skipped a beat, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. With every fiber of my being, "Who gave you permission to enter my office " he said. I fought to maintain my composure, refusing to let my fear show. "Amma asked me to bring you some hangover tea," I replied, my voice steady despite the tremble in my hands. "I knocked, but there was no answer."With those words, I turned to leave, the weight of his gaze burning into my back like a searing brand. Every instinct screamed at me to flee—to escape the suffocating atmosphere of his office and the chilling presence of the man who occupied it. As I reached for the doorknob, a sudden, harsh grip seized my arms, halting my movement. A surge of panic shot through me as I was forcefully pushed against the door, the cold surface sending a shiver down my spine. I felt the chilling touch of the door against my bare back, a stark contrast to the warmth of the room that had now turned oppressive.Before I could react, I found myself pinned against the door, his strong grip holding me in place. His voice, low and menacing, cut through the silence like a knife."Who asked you to leave?" he demanded, his words laced with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.Caught off guard by his sudden aggression, I struggled to find my voice, my heart pounding with fear and confusion.But even as I trembled under his gaze, I knew that I couldn't let my fear overwhelm me. Summoning every ounce of courage I possessed, I met his eyes with a steely resolve, refusing to cower before him."No one and i don't think i need your permission to leave". As the words left my lips, I braced myself for his reaction, unsure of what would come next. In that moment, the air seemed to crackle with tension. his eyes darkening with an intensity that made my heart race. "I didn't know my princess had such a sharp tongue," he remarked, his voice dripping with a hint of amusement.The term "princess" caught me off guard, a stark contrast to the harshness of his earlier demeanor. "I don't belong to you" not wanting him to intimate me!"Not yet" he replied with a smirk. what does supposed to mean, As his hand brushed against my cheek, a shiver ran down my spine, the touch sending a wave of unease coursing through me. I tensed, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and revulsion, as his touch turned invasive, his fingers tracing a path toward my lips.His gaze darkened, the intensity of his stare locking with mine as if he were trying to devour me whole. My breath caught in my throat, a sense of dread settling over me as I realized the true nature of his intentions.In that moment, I felt a surge of panic rising within me, a primal instinct urging me to flee from the darkness that threatened to engulf me. But fear held me rooted to the spot, paralyzing me with its icy grip as his touch grew more insistent, his fingers inching ever closer to my lips.The sudden proximity left me stunned, my heart racing as he drew closer, his hot breath ghosting over my skin. I could feel weird sensation i have never felt before and i am sure he could hear my heart beat. He chuckled and went back to his chair and i was left awkardly standing there. "Come sit here We have lot to talk" he said drawing out of my thoughts. I cursed myself for not pushing him and embarrassing myself but made my way towards seat opposite to him. Quickly back to purpose i came here for "I need my phone back" i said meeting his eye, "In few days you will get back" he replied not wanting to discuss anything about it. "Do you really wanna marry me?" i asked as i was curious does he really like hari or any other reason! "Yes and No" he replied confusing me. "Yes and no! what does supposed to mean " i stated with furious look, i can't believe hari is really has bad luck with boys one she is dating a jerk and another childhood sweeties who is weird as fuck. as if i have i sense of good people, I am damn colorblind in relationships if i had eyes i wouldn't have dated my ex. "I am neither husband material nor wanting to be loyal, marrying you is just business deal and i am assuming you have same thoughts" he said in bored tone "Business?"confusion took over me as i remember hari said her family left this shady business long back and had no connection with it. What the heck is going here? Hari i am sure your hiding something from me.