Boredom got the better of me, so I decided to explore the left wing of the mansion. After wandering through several rooms, I stumbled upon one that was locked. The forbidden always had a way of tempting me though i think female lead in horror movies is always dumb beacuse when she knows something is going on her home why she doesn't run but rather check but i understand her situation 'curiosity is such a bad bitch'. So I asked a servant for the key. She hesitated, clearly uncomfortable, but after a long stare, she reluctantly handed it over.I unlocked the door and entered, immediately coughing as a cloud of dust enveloped me. To my surprise, the room was distinctly feminine. The walls were painted a soft pink, and a faint scent of women's perfume lingered in the air, despite the years of neglect. Clothes were scattered on the bed, covered in a thick layer of dust. It had been a long time since anyone had been in here.My chest tightened as I took in the room. The presence of personal items suggested someone important had once occupied this space. Did Kannan have a woman in his life before me? I felt a pang of jealousy and curiosity.I moved towards the dresser and found a collection of photographs. The first few were of a happy family, Kannan included. There he was, younger and smiling, alongside a woman who must have been the owner of this room. They looked close, their bond evident in the pictures. My heart ached at the sight.Who was she? What happened to her? My mind raced with questions. I continued to examine the room, finding more traces of her life—books, jewelry, a forgotten diary.I picked up the diary, my hands trembling slightly. Opening it felt intrusive, but my curiosity overpowered my sense of privacy. As I flipped through the pages, I realized they were filled with entries about daily life, thoughts, and feelings. The last entry was dated several years ago.The entries painted a picture of a woman who was deeply connected to Kannan and the Paniker family. She wrote about family events, Kannan's moods, and her love for the mansion. The final entry, however, was unfinished, trailing off mid-sentence. It left me with more questions than answers.My heart felt heavy as I placed the diary back where I found it. This room held secrets, memories of a past that Kannan never mentioned. I felt an overwhelming urge to know more, to understand the part of Kannan's life that seemed hidden away.The familiarity of the woman in the photos nagged at me, but my memory was betraying me. I stared at the picture of young Kannan, his smile so heart-flutteringly genuine, a stark contrast to the man I knew now. Why didn't he smile like that anymore? The woman beside him, likely in her twenties, shared Kannan's eyes but had softer features. She was a true beauty.Determined to learn more, I turned to the servant who had given me the key. Her weary expression hinted that she knew something. I asked her who the woman in the pictures was. She looked nervous, glancing around as if fearing eavesdroppers."We're not supposed to mention her," she said cautiously.I assured her I wouldn't tell anyone, my curiosity burning. After a moment's hesitation, she finally relented."She is Anna's elder sister, the Paniker family's elder daughter," the servant revealed, her voice barely above a whisper.My mind raced. Kannan had an elder sister? The revelation made me even more curious. Where was she now? What had happened to her? But before I could ask, the servant cut me off, her voice firm."We are not allowed to mention her," she said, a note of finality in her tone.I nodded, respecting her boundaries, but my thoughts were swirling. This mysterious sister, once a significant part of the family, was now a ghostly presence locked away in a dusty room. Her existence seemed to hold a key to understanding Kannan's brooding nature.If I wanted to understand Kannan and the complexities of the Paniker family, I had to uncover what had happened to his sister. But for now, I'd have to tread carefully, knowing that this was a sensitive subject, shrouded in silence and secrecy.It's been a few days since our last kiss, and Kannan has been incredibly busy. Despite this, I find myself looking forward to the nights when I can feel his warmth beside me. He has become an addiction, like a sleeping pill that I can't do without. It's hard to sleep without him lying next to me.The mansion is full of colors and noise as the festival season approaches. The excitement and vibrancy are palpable, but unfortunately, I'm stuck with a cold and fever, unable to join in the celebrations. All the family members are out of the mansion, and Kannan is away for work. The rain beats against the window, mirroring my somber mood. I feel my body temperature rising, and the heat from the fever is making me uncomfortable.To make matters worse, all the servants have the day off. I drag myself to the window, leaning against the cool glass, hoping it will bring some relief. The room feels too big, too empty, and the silence is deafening. I wish Kannan were here. Despite our complicated relationship, his presence has become a comfort I crave.I shuffle back to the bed, pulling the covers over me. The ache in my body and the fever are making it hard to stay awake. I close my eyes, trying to find some comfort in sleep, but the loneliness and discomfort make it difficult. My thoughts drift to Kannan, hoping he'll return soon, hoping that his mere presence will chase away the fever and the loneliness. That sounds like dream.I tried calling him, but he didn't pick up. Rejection washed over me, and I felt like crying for no reason. This damn fever Later, my phone started ringing—it was Kannan. I picked up and said, "Hello," waiting for his response. There was a long silence."Speak, Hari. I don't have all day," he spoke in a harsh tone. My chest tightened at the name "Hari." When will I hear my own name, I thought.I spoke while coughing, "Kannan, I—I think I have fev..." Suddenly, my world began to blacken, and I fell to the floor. I heard someone shouting, "Hari! Hari!"The next moments were a blur. I felt disoriented and weak, the cold floor pressing against my skin. The room seemed to spin, and my body felt heavy. Through the haze, I could hear frantic footsteps approaching, and then I felt strong arms lifting me.After a long time, I woke up in a different outfit, wearing his shirt. I looked around, but no one was there. Who brought me to bed? I removed the cold cloth from my head and went downstairs, shivering in the cold.The smell of tasty food filled the mansion, and I saw a tall figure who wasn't wearing a shirt, showing off his abs. Does he not feel cold? His hair floated in the air—it was Kannan. I was caught off guard. When did he come home? His aura smelled bloody, but for some reason, it didn't scare me."You're awake," Kannan said without turning around, his voice calm but with an edge that sent a shiver down my spine."Yes," I replied, my voice still weak. "How long have I been out?""A few hours," he said, turning to face me. His eyes were intense, and his expression softened slightly when he saw me shivering. "You should be resting.""I... I wanted to thank you," I stammered, trying to ignore the way his presence made my heart race. "For taking care of me."Kannan walked over, his gaze never leaving mine. He placed a hand on my forehead, checking my temperature. "You're still warm," he muttered, more to himself than to me. "Come, sit by the fire."i looked at him "You can cook"?He looked at me, his eyes intense. "There are many things I can do, princess."I hummed in response and took a bite. It was delicious. He's an all-rounder. I think he is one of those unique pieces that God took time to make. And another one is me. You shouldn't self-degrade, right?Trying to lighten the mood, I asked, "How did you know I had a fever?"His expression darkened, and I immediately regretted asking. Had I made a mistake?"Because you called me," he said, his voice low and controlled. "And then I heard you collapse."I felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry," I whispered, not knowing what else to say.Kannan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You need to take better care of yourself, Hari. You worry me when you don't."His words took me by surprise. Was he worried about me? The thought made my heart flutter despite the tension.I finished my soup and medicine, my thoughts drifting to a dark place. What if someday he finds out my true identity? Will he still be worried about me? The thought was too burdensome to dwell on, so I pushed it away. I decided to cherish what I had now. My sickness was the perfect excuse to be close to him.I started shivering and rubbed my hands together until he noticed. He looked at me and said, "I'll turn on the heater."This dumbo! I quickly got up before he could and sat on his lap. His body stiffened, and he looked surprised by my action."Princess, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and stern."I'm cold," I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. "And you're warm."I felt a surge of boldness. "I'd rather be shameless than think about losing you," I whispered, my heart pounding. "What's happening to me, Kannan?" i murmured myselfHe seemed to hesitate, his eyes searching mine for a moment. "You should be resting," he finally said, though his arms instinctively wrapped around me, pulling me closer.I nestled closer, feeling his warmth seep into me, calming my shivers. "You know, you're not as scary as you pretend to be," I teased gently.He chuckled, a low sound that vibrated through his chest. "Don't let that get around. I have a reputation to maintain."We sat like that for a while, the silence between us comfortable and warm. His hand slowly rubbed my back, and I felt myself relax completely in his embrace.I snuggled into his neck, feeling the warmth radiating from his skin. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me even closer. His bare chest felt like something out of a werewolf story, radiating a comforting heat.In his husky tone, he warned, "You shouldn't play with fire, princess. It can burn you."I looked into his eyes, which were dark and intense, and said boldly, "What if I say I want it to burn me?"He stared at me for a moment, a mix of surprise and something deeper flickering in his gaze. His grip tightened slightly, his breath warm against my skin. "You don't know what you're asking for," he murmured, his voice low and dangerous."I do," I whispered back, my voice steady despite the wild beating of my heart. "I'm not afraid of you, Kannan."His eyes darkened further, and I saw a battle of emotions in his expression. "You should be," he said, almost as if he was trying to convince himself more than me.I reached up and gently traced my fingers along his jawline, feeling the tension there. "No," I said softly. "I shouldn't."He closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to rein in his emotions. When he opened them again, they were filled with a fierce determination. "You're playing a dangerous game, princess," he said, his voice rough. "But if this is what you want..."Before I could respond, he leaned in and captured my lips in a searing kiss, full of passion and intensity. His hands moved up my back, pulling me even closer, and I felt like I was melting into him.The world around us faded away, and all that mattered was this moment, this connection. I kissed him back with all the pent-up emotions I had been holding inside, my fingers tangling in his hair.When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing heavily, our foreheads resting against each other. "You have no idea what you did to me," he whispered, his voice filled with raw emotion."Maybe I do," I replied, my voice equally breathless. "And maybe I feel the same way."He said, 'I can't love, princess.' I looked into his eyes and replied, 'It doesn't matter.'"The next moment, he picked me up effortlessly and carried me to our room. He placed me gently on the bed, and for a moment, he seemed to be battling with himself, his eyes filled with a mix of desire and hesitation.I didn't give him time to second guess his feelings. I reached up and pulled him down into a kiss, pouring all my emotions into it. It was my way of telling him that I understood and that I wanted him despite everything.One by one, my clothes left my body, until I lay there, exposed and vulnerable under his intense gaze. His eyes roamed over me, and I felt a shiver run through me, not from the cold but from the raw intensity in his expression.He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear, and whispered, "You're beautiful."The words lodged in my throat, leaving me speechless. His hands traced gentle paths over my skin, as if committing every curve and contour to memory. Each touch sent sparks of electricity through me, heightening my senses and making me acutely aware of every sensation.He paused, his eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt or hesitation. Finding none, he continued, his kisses trailing down my neck and across my collarbone. I arched into his touch, my body responding instinctively to his caresses."Kannan," I breathed, my voice barely a whisper. His name was a plea, a confession, and a promise all rolled into one.He kissed me again, this time slower, deeper, as if trying to convey everything he couldn't put into words. His hands explored every inch of my body, making me feel cherished and desired. I tried to hide my breasts, feeling a surge of insecurity, but Kannan's eyes darkened as he looked at me. "Don't hide from me, princess," he said in a low, commanding tone.His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I hesitated before slowly lowering my hands. His gaze softened slightly as he reached out, gently brushing his fingers over my skin. "You're perfect," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity and something deeper, something that made my heart race.Kannan's hands and mouth explored my body with a mixture of tenderness and intensity. His lips found my nipples, sucking hard and making my back arch in response. A soft moan escaped my lips, and I couldn't help but run my fingers through his hair, holding him closer.He continued his journey down my body, his touch sending electric shocks through my skin. When he reached my core, he tore off my panties, leaving me completely exposed. The cool air on my skin heightened my sensitivity, and I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.As his fingers brushed against my wetness, he chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that sent shivers down my spine. "So wet already," he murmured, his voice laced with satisfaction. His words made my cheeks burn with a combination of embarrassment and desire.I couldn't bring myself to look at him, my shyness overtaking me. But his touch was insistent, his fingers teasing and exploring, building a tension inside me that was both thrilling and unbearable. He knew exactly how to drive me wild, and I was helpless under his control."Look at me, princess," he commanded softly, his tone both gentle and firm. I opened my eyes slowly, meeting his gaze. His dark eyes were filled with a mix of desire and something else, something deeper that made my heart skip a beat."You're beautiful," he whispered, leaning down to place a kiss on my inner thigh. His words, combined with his touch, made me feel more exposed and vulnerable than ever before. But in that vulnerability, I found a strange sense of empowerment, a connection with him that went beyond the physical.As he continued to explore and tease, I felt the tension inside me build to a breaking point. My breath came in short gasps, and I could feel my body trembling with anticipation. Kannan seemed to sense this, his movements becoming more deliberate and focused.He looked up at me, his eyes locking onto mine. "Let go for me, princess," he whispered, and with those words, I surrendered completely, giving in to the wave of pleasure that washed over me.After he teased me, driving me to the brink but stopping short of going all the way, I looked at him in a mix of frustration and longing. He moved beside me, pulling me close, and whispered in my ear, "Not today, princess. You're sick. But when you're well, I'll fuck you until you forget your name."His dirty talk made my heart race and my cheeks flush. I buried my face in his chest, trying to hide my embarrassment. He gently dressed me in his shirt, saying, "You'll awaken the beast inside me if you sleep naked." Blushing even harder, I hugged him tightly, feeling a sense of comfort and safety in his arms.As I lay there, wrapped in his warmth, I felt a profound sense of peace that had eluded me for so long. I had always thought of myself as a free spirit, yearning to roam the world like a bird in the sky. But now, in his arms, i wanna stay.I held onto him tightly, savoring the closeness and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. For the first time in what felt like forever, I was able to let go of my worries and fears. All that mattered was this moment, being with him, feeling his heartbeat against mine.The storms of my past, the guilt, the conflicts—they all seemed to fade away as I nestled closer, seeking the peace and stability I had been searching for. In Kannan's arms, I had found a place where I belonged, and I no longer felt the need to be a restless wanderer.With these thoughts, I finally drifted into a deep, restful sleep, my dreams filled with the warmth and security of being held by the man who had unexpectedly become my anchor.