Chapter 55: CHAPTER 51: PSYCHOPATH

Author {yes the story is starting from✨ meh✨}

As Adolph straightened his suit and walked back toward the grand event, he ran a hand through his hair, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His fingers still tingled with the memory of her, of the way she trembled under his touch, completely lost in pleasure.

But more than that—her reaction had been intense. Almost too intense.

And then, realization settled in.

She was a virgin.

His steps slowed for just a fraction of a second as the thought took root in his mind. That explained everything—the way her body had responded so sensitively, the way she was shaking, barely able to stand, the way she had been on the verge of tears from the overwhelming sensation.

No one had ever touched her like that before.

He was the first.

Possession curled in his chest like a slow-burning fire.

He pushed open the grand doors, stepping inside, and immediately, two sets of eyes turned to him.

Pranav and Aliya.

And the looks they gave him—pure, unfiltered disgust.

Pranav dramatically shoved a finger in his ear as if trying to clean it out. “Bro, what the hell? I was just trying to enjoy my champagne, and suddenly, I hear—” He made a high-pitched, exaggerated moan that made Aliya slap him across the arm.

Aliya crossed her arms, scowling. “Disgusting. You could’ve at least made sure we didn’t hear it.”

Adolph raised a brow, unfazed. “Heard what?”

Aliya scoffed. “Oh, don’t play innocent now. We all heard her.”

Pranav faked a shudder, rubbing his arms. “It was echoing, man. Echoing. And now, I’m traumatized.”

Adolph exhaled through his nose, looking around the grand hall. His eyes instinctively searched for Neti.

She wasn’t here.

Of course, she wasn’t.

She was probably hiding, unable to face anyone after what had just happened.

Good.

A slow smirk tugged at his lips.

She wouldn’t be able to look him in the eyes for a while. And he liked that.

Pranav leaned in, whispering as if telling a grand secret, “So… was it good?”

Adolph turned to him with a blank expression before, very deliberately, smacking him upside the head.

Pranav yelped, rubbing the spot. “Okay, rude. But dude, seriously, control yourself! People are still eating, for God’s sake.”

Aliya rolled her eyes and downed the rest of her drink. “Men are disgusting.”

Pranav grinned. “Says the one who was totally eavesdropping like the rest of us.”

Aliya threw a napkin at his face.

Adolph, ignoring their ridiculous bickering, adjusted his cufflinks and smirked to himself.

If Neti was already effected like this, then the rest of the days and nights are dreadful for her

_______________________________

Neti's POV

I could still feel it.

My legs felt weak, my breath uneven, and my body was still trembling from what had just happened. I gripped the marble counter, trying to collect myself, trying to steady the wild rhythm of my heart.

But nothing was working.

How could I face everyone now? How could I walk out there and pretend like I hadn’t just—just—

Oh god.

I buried my face in my hands, mortified. The worst part? I had been so lost in it that I didn’t even think about whether anyone outside heard—

A loud bang on the door made me flinch.

"NETI! Open the damn door!"

I jolted, eyes wide. Aliya?!

Panic shot through me. I was not ready for this.

"Go away," I mumbled, my voice embarrassingly weak.

"Not happening," Aliya snapped. "You’re not hiding in here all night just because you got absolutely wrecked by your fiancé’s fingers."

I choked.

My face felt like it was on fire. "ALIYA!"

But she had no mercy.

"Open this damn door, or I swear, I’m kicking it down," she threatened.

I groaned, knowing she would do it. So, with shaking hands, I unlocked the door—barely managing to take a breath before Aliya stormed in and slammed it shut behind her.

The look on her face was pure evil.

"So," she drawled, leaning against the counter with her arms crossed, an infuriating smirk on her lips. "Had fun?"

I whirled away from her, covering my face. "Shut up!"

Aliya laughed. Laughed. "Oh, I knew something was up when you disappeared, but holy hell, Neti—I didn’t expect you to be so loud."

Oh. My. God.

I was going to die. This was it.

She grinned wider at my complete mortification. "I mean, I always knew Adolph had dominant energy, but damn, I didn’t think he’d actually wreck you like that before the wedding night."

I groaned into my hands. "STOP."

"But did you enjoy it?" she sing-songed.

"Aliya, I swear to God—"

She threw her head back, laughing, before leaning in close and whispering, "He knows you’re a virgin now."

I went still.

Slowly, I turned to look at her, my heart hammering. "…What?"

Aliya’s grin widened. "He knows, babe. And I’m telling you—that man is plotting. He’s probably out there right now thinking about how much worse he’s gonna wreck you on the wedding night."

I whimpered.

She cackled. "Oh, this is gold. You’re so done for."

I buried my face in my hands again, dying. "I hate you."

Aliya patted my shoulder, completely unbothered. "Love you too, bestie. Now, let’s get out of here before people think Adolph actually devoured you in this restroom."

I hesitated, biting my lip. "But—"

"Nope," she interrupted. "No more hiding. You're going out there like the queen you are. Chin up, back straight, own it."

I sighed heavily but nodded, letting her drag me out of the restroom.

I was so not ready for this.

As soon as Aliya dragged me out of the restroom, I felt the weight of every single pair of eyes on me.

Oh. My. God.

I wanted to die.

Pranav was already grinning like an absolute menace, standing next to Adolph, who—of course—looked completely unbothered, sipping his champagne like he didn’t just ruin me in that restroom.

Aliya, on the other hand, was thriving.

She practically paraded me into the room, her grip on my wrist firm as if she was making sure I wouldn’t escape back into the restroom.

"Look who's back!" she announced loudly, smirking. "Refreshed and glowing, might I add."

I choked.

Pranav howled with laughter, nearly spilling his drink, while Adolph raised a single brow at me, lips tilting ever so slightly in amusement.

I knew he was enjoying this.

The worst part? Everyone in the room had already heard what happened.

I wanted to disappear.

Pranav wiped a fake tear from his eye, still laughing. "Damn, Neti. I think you broke a record for the loudest—"

"Say another word and die," I hissed at him.

Aliya smirked. "Oh, don’t be shy, babe. Everyone already knows—"

I turned to Adolph in pure desperation. "Control your people!"

He simply sipped his drink, looking me up and down with those infuriatingly knowing eyes. "You were the one who couldn’t control yourself, tesoro."

I gasped.

Pranav practically collapsed laughing. Aliya gave Adolph a slow, approving nod. "Damn, even I felt that burn."

I clenched my fists, feeling utterly betrayed. "You're supposed to be on my side!" I hissed at Aliya.

She shrugged. "Sorry, babe. The entertainment is too good."

"Yup," Pranav agreed, grinning. "And honestly, Neti, if this is how you react to just fingers—"

"I WILL END YOU!"

Pranav ran for his life, laughing his ass off. Aliya cackled beside me.

And Adolph?

He just watched, smirking behind his champagne glass like the smug bastard he was.

Just as I was about to make my grand escape—again—a new voice chimed in, stopping me dead in my tracks.

“Well, well, well… what do we have here?”

I froze.

That voice.

I turned around slowly, already feeling the heat creep up my neck.

And there she was.

Adolph’s mother.

Looking right at me.

Kill me now.

She was stunning, of course—tall, elegant, and effortlessly intimidating. With a single glance, she took in everything—my trembling posture, my still-flushed skin, the way I kept avoiding looking at Adolph, and the fact that Pranav was still trying to breathe after laughing so hard.

A slow, knowing smirk spread across her lips.

“Oh,” she drawled. “Oh.”

I wanted to die.

“I see my son has been thorough with his affections tonight,” she mused, sipping her own champagne while her sharp eyes stayed locked on me.

Pranav, being the traitor he was, wheezed. “Thorough is one way to put it.”

Adolph, of course, remained completely unbothered, as if his own mother wasn’t standing there basically announcing my humiliation to the world.

“Mother,” he greeted simply, lifting his glass.

“Adolph,” she replied smoothly. Then, without missing a beat, she turned back to me and grinned.

"Tesoro, you poor thing. You look like you're one second away from bolting."

I was.

And the worst part? Aliya was gone, leaving me alone in this nightmare.

Pranav—still laughing—wiped at his eyes. “Oh, she’s already tried. The restroom has become her safe space tonight.”

Adolph’s mother laughed. “Oh, sweetheart, don’t run. You’ll only make them chase you.”

I. Was. Mortified.

Adolph? He had the audacity to smirk at that.

That was it.

I turned right around and made a beeline for the restroom again.

“Oh no, you don’t—”

Before I could make it, a firm arm snaked around my waist, pulling me back flush against a broad chest.

"Not this time, tesoro," Adolph murmured, voice smooth and dangerously amused.

I squeaked.

Pranav clutched his stomach, looking like he was about to die from laughter. “Oh my God. This is the best night of my life.”

Adolph’s mother simply sighed in delight. “Ah, young love.”

I wanted to punch someone.

Aliya returned with her champagne, took one look at my very obvious distress, and immediately grinned like a devil.

“Ohhh,” she drawled, eyes flicking between me, Adolph, and his smirking mother. “What did I miss?”

Adolph’s mother smirked. “Your friend here has been trying to hide all evening.”

Aliya gasped—fake as ever—and clutched her heart. “Neti! Running away? From your fiancé? After what I just heard from the restroom?”

I choked.

Pranav was practically on the floor now.

Adolph? Smug. Just standing there, sipping his champagne like he wasn’t the devil incarnate.

Aliya set her glass down, rubbed her hands together, and oh no.

I knew that look.

I tried again to escape, but she blocked me.

"Don't even think about it," she smirked. "You're stuck with us, sweetheart."

Adolph’s mother nodded. “Indeed.”

I groaned.

"Please," I begged. "Please don't."

Aliya ignored me and turned to Adolph’s mother with sparkling eyes. “Did you hear what happened?”

“Oh, I heard,” she said smoothly, taking another sip of champagne. “And let’s just say—so did the rest of us.”

I squeaked.

Aliya grinned. “I was gonna say, Neti, if you wanted everyone to know how good your fiancé’s fingers are, you could’ve just said so.”

"ALIIYAAA!"

I lunged, but she dodged, laughing.

“Oh, tesoro, you’re so cute when you’re embarrassed,” Adolph’s mother cooed, like I was some adorable little thing instead of a woman dying of mortification.

Adolph, still smug, finally spoke.

"Don’t be shy now, dolcezza,” he murmured, brushing his fingers along my wrist. “You weren’t this quiet in the restroom.”

I squeaked again.

Aliya gasped, mockingly. “Neti!” She pressed a hand to her chest. “Did he just tease you back?”

Adolph’s mother laughed. “Oh, she’s getting such a good husband.”

Pranav, still laughing, wiped at his teary eyes. “Poor thing’s gonna pass out.”

I wanted to disappear.

Adolph leaned in, voice low, dark, dangerously amused.

“You’re trembling again, dolcezza.”

I kicked his shin.

Hard.

Aliya and his mother burst out laughing.

_______________________________

Adolph

I barely flinched at her kick, though I could see the satisfaction on her face when I didn’t immediately respond.

Adorable.

Neti was still burning from head to toe, avoiding my gaze like her life depended on it. Meanwhile, Aliya and my mother were thoroughly enjoying themselves at her expense.

“Oh, tesoro,” my mother sighed dramatically, wiping away a nonexistent tear. “She’s already so obedient to you, Adolph. You didn’t even have to order her to be loud, and yet…”

I smirked, swirling my champagne. “I suppose my touch just has that effect on her.”

Neti choked.

Aliya was grinning like a maniac. “Ooooh, look at you, Mr. Confident. And here I thought Neti was just a little shy, but nooo. Turns out she’s a—”

Neti slapped her hand over Aliya’s mouth.

“Not. Another. Word.”

Aliya licked her palm.

Neti shrieked and ripped her hand away.

I chuckled as she furiously wiped her palm on her dress, all while Aliya giggled evilly.

Pranav, watching this mess unfold, took a long sip of his champagne and sighed.

“You know,” he mused, “I was gonna tease you more, but honestly? Neti’s suffering enough already. I’ll be the bigger person.”

I gave him a blank stare. “You?”

“The bigger person?” Aliya snorted.

Pranav nodded sagely. “It’s what a future brother-in-law should do.”

Neti, still fuming, turned to me. “Can I trade him?”

“Hey!” Pranav looked offended.

I smirked. “Tempting, dolcezza, but I don’t think anyone else would take him.”

Pranav gasped like I’d personally stabbed him. “You wound me.”

I arched a brow. “Do I?”

Neti shoved his shoulder. “Stop being dramatic.”

“Me? Dramatic?” Pranav clutched his chest. “Aliya, back me up here.”

Aliya grinned. “Oh no, I fully agree with them. You are dramatic.”

Pranav looked betrayed. “Et tu, Aliya?”

She patted his shoulder. “Yes, me too.”

Pranav groaned.

I took another sip of my champagne, thoroughly amused by the night’s events.

Between Neti’s flustered state, my mother’s relentless teasing, and Aliya and Pranav acting like absolute fools, this evening had turned into something I hadn’t expected at all.

And yet—

I was enjoying every second of it.

1 hour later...

Pranav whistled, swirling his champagne lazily as we watched Neti practically sprint to her room without so much as a glance in my direction.

"Well, well, would you look at that," he mused, a smug grin stretching across his face. "Seems like someone has been left high and dry tonight."

I gave him a blank look. "Shut up, Pranav."

He laughed, clinking his glass against mine. "Ah, but I won’t. See, this is too good to let go." He leaned in slightly, his mischief-filled eyes studying me. "You broke her tonight, didn’t you?"

I took a slow sip of my drink, not responding.

Pranav’s grin widened. "Oh, you totally did." He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Poor Neti. She’s traumatized. The wedding night is going to be an absolute nightmare for her."

I smirked slightly, setting my glass down. "Maybe she should prepare herself, then."

Pranav snorted. "Prepare? Brother, she just ran away from you like you’re the devil incarnate. Which, let’s be real, you kind of are."

I rolled my eyes, ignoring him.

"Tsk, tsk," he clicked his tongue, grinning. "How does it feel, Adolph? Knowing your soon-to-be wife is literally too scared to be in the same room as you now?"

I exhaled slowly, feeling the smallest flicker of irritation. Not because he was wrong, but because he was right.

Neti had never avoided me like this before.

Pranav leaned back against the table, still smirking. "This is karma, you know?" He took another sip. "You teased her, played with her innocence, and now? Now she’s freaking out so much that she’s probably barricading herself inside her room."

I chuckled darkly. "She’ll have to come out eventually."

Pranav gasped. "And when she does…?"

I smirked. "I’ll be waiting."

Pranav placed a hand over his heart. "Damn. That was villainous as hell. I almost feel bad for Neti."

"Almost?" I arched a brow.

He grinned. "Almost. But let’s be real—I’m definitely enjoying this."

I shook my head at his nonsense and took another sip of my champagne.

Regardless of how much Neti tried to avoid me tonight… she wouldn’t be able to run forever

I stood outside Neti’s room, the dim glow of the hallway lights barely reaching the polished surface of her door. My knuckles rapped against the wood, slow and deliberate.

No response.

I smirked. As expected.

"Neti," I murmured, my voice deep, teasing—almost mocking. "Are you going to ignore me all night?"

Still nothing.

I leaned against the doorframe, amused. "You’re not asleep."

Silence.

I chuckled, dark and low. "Cara mia," I dragged the words slowly, my fingers tracing the edge of the door. "Are you really going to hide from me now?"

A faint shuffling sound came from inside. She was listening.

Good.

I let my fingers glide down the door, as if I were touching her instead. "I can still hear you breathing, you know?" My smirk widened. "So fragile… so easily shaken."

More silence.

I pressed my palm against the door, lowering my voice into something silky, something that would seep through the

_______________________________

Neti

I should ignore him.

I tried to ignore him.

But his voice…

That deep, velvety drawl slithered through the door like a whisper of sin, curling around me, pressing against my skin like an invisible touch. My fingers curled into the bedsheets, my legs instinctively pressing together as I bit down on my lip, willing myself not to react.

"You’re quiet now, cara mia…" Adolph murmured from the other side, his tone filled with dark amusement. "But I know you’re there."

I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Are you trembling?" His voice dropped to a husky whisper, like a caress against my ear. "Still feeling me?"

My breath hitched.

"I bet you are," he continued, his voice lazy, possessive. "I bet if I walk in right now, I’d find you just as I left you… body warm, breath uneven… thighs clenched."

Heat rushed through me.

I hated how my body reacted, how the ghost of his touch still lingered, how just his words sent a shiver down my spine.

"You ran away, piccola," he tsked, like he was scolding me. "But tell me, did you run from me… or from what you felt?"

I sucked in a breath.

Silence.

The kind of silence where I knew—I knew—he was smirking.

"Open the door, Neti."

I shook my head, even though he couldn’t see me.

A soft chuckle. "You’re so easy to ruin."

I swallowed hard.

"You think locking a door can keep me out?" His voice was pure, dark amusement now. "You forget, piccola, everything you have… is already mine."

A shiver ran through me.

"I could walk in," he murmured, voice a sinful promise. "Push you against the wall… make you feel everything all over again."

My knees buckled.

"Or…" His tone turned cruelly soft. "I could leave you like this."

I clenched my fists, heat pooling deep in my stomach.

"You’d like that, wouldn’t you?"

My breath caught.

A low chuckle. "Goodnight, Neti."

And just like that, his footsteps faded.

Leaving me standing there—weak, breathless, and completely at his mercy.

_______________________________

Adolph

I walked away, smirking to myself, knowing exactly what state I left her in.

She thought she could escape me.

How adorable.

The way her breath hitched, the silence stretching between us as she tried—failed—to keep her composure… I could feel her through that door. The tension, the heat, the need she was too stubborn to admit.

She was mine. She knew it.

And yet, she still fought it.

I leaned against the railing at the end of the hall, running a hand through my hair as I exhaled, the lingering scent of her still haunting me. Damn her.

"That was cruel," a voice drawled behind me.

I didn’t even need to turn around.

Pranav.

Of course.

I glanced over my shoulder, raising a brow. He stood there, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. His stupid Pikachu night suit only made his mockery worse.

"You left her like that?" he continued, eyes glinting with amusement. "Brutal, even for you."

I didn’t respond. Just took out a cigarette and lit it.

Pranav’s smirk widened. "You’re so in love it’s disgusting."

I shot him a glare. "Shut up."

He laughed. "She’s probably sitting in there, shaking like a damn leaf, and you—" he gestured at me dramatically "—are standing here, brooding like the dark, tortured antihero you think you are."

I exhaled slowly. "Go to bed, Pranav."

"But it’s so much fun watching you suffer," he said, grinning. Then he hummed. "You know, she's suffering too."

I took a slow drag of my cigarette.

"You’re both so pathetic," he sighed, shaking his head. "A match made in toxic, dysfunctional heaven."

I ignored him. But damn if his words didn’t settle deep, burrowing into my already chaotic thoughts.

Because he wasn’t wrong.

She was suffering.

And the worst part?

I liked it.

Pranav sighed dramatically, leaning against the wall beside me, arms crossed like he was analyzing my entire existence.

"You know," he started, tapping his chin, "for someone so terrifying, so mysterious, so mafia-like—" he wiggled his fingers in the air mockingly "—you’re acting like a damn teenage boy who just found out his crush likes him back."

I shot him a deadpan look. "I don’t have a crush."

Pranav gasped, clutching his chest. "You so do! Oh my god, Adolph, you’re in love."

"Pranav—"

"Wait—wait—" He suddenly stood straight, eyes widening like he had a revelation. "Did you just leave her high and dry because you were scared?"

I clenched my jaw, ignoring the way his words hit a little too close to home.

Pranav’s face lit up like it was Christmas morning. "You did! Holy shit, you actually lost control, didn’t you?" He covered his mouth, barely suppressing his laughter. "Big, bad Adolph couldn’t handle his woman all desperate for him!"

I inhaled sharply through my nose. "Pranav, if you don’t shut up—"

"Wait—wait!" He held up a hand. "So you’re telling me you had her against the counter, trembling, begging for it, and instead of finishing the job, you just—" he mimicked dramatically walking away "—left?"

I said nothing.

Pranav cackled. "Oh my god, you idiot! Do you realize what you just did?!"

I exhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose. "What did I do, Pranav?"

"You created a monster, my guy," he said, shaking his head. "She’s gonna be so pissed—like, she’s probably in there plotting your murder right now."

That made me smirk. "I’d like to see her try."

Pranav groaned. "No, no, you don’t get it. You denied her. On purpose. Women never forget that shit. She is never gonna let you live this down."

I rolled my eyes, flicking ash from my cigarette. "She’ll get over it."

Pranav snorted. "Yeah. Sure. Just wait until your wedding night."

I frowned. "What about it?"

His smirk turned absolutely devilish. "She’s gonna make you beg."

I froze.

Pranav grinned. "Ohhh yeah. You just gave her the perfect revenge, my friend. I cannot wait for this."

I turned to glare at him. "Go. To. Bed."

Pranav just patted my shoulder, shaking his head with a smug look. "Good luck, lover boy. You're gonna need it."

And with that, he walked off, still chuckling to himself, leaving me standing there, cigarette forgotten, suddenly very, very aware of what I had just done.

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair as I leaned back against the balcony railing. The night air was cool, but it did nothing to settle the mess in my head.

Neti had barely glanced at me after the engagement ended. She had run to her room, locked herself in, and refused to acknowledge my presence. She was avoiding me. Because of what I did to her.

And the worst part?

I liked it.

I liked that she was flustered. I liked that she was trying to distance herself, acting like she could escape me when we both knew she couldn’t. I liked that she wasn’t as free around me anymore—that there was tension now, a hesitation.

She used to look at me with trust, with comfort, like I was someone she could lean on. But tonight? When I had touched her, ruined her, then left her trembling against that counter?

She had looked at me with something else entirely.

Wariness.

Desire.

And beneath it all, the tiniest hint of fear.

And God help me, I wanted that.

I took a drag of my cigarette, watching the embers burn before flicking the ash away. She wasn’t going to be the same around me anymore. She would be cautious, nervous, unsure.

And that just meant I had her exactly where I wanted her.

I ran a towel through my damp hair, the coolness of the water still clinging to my skin. Droplets slid down my jaw, trailing over my collarbone, before disappearing beneath the black fabric of my shirt. The thin material clung to me, outlining every ridge of muscle, still damp from the shower. My sweatpants hung low on my hips, comfortable, loose—but with the way they fit, there was nothing casual about them.

I exhaled, rolling my shoulders as I stepped into the dimly lit hallway. It was quiet, the mansion wrapped in the silence of the late hour. But then—movement.

I stopped.

And there she was.

Neti.

She was standing just outside her room, frozen, her wide eyes locked onto me. The glass of water in her hand trembled slightly, her grip tightening. Her gaze flickered, trailing over me—slowly, hesitantly, like she wanted to look away but couldn't.

The way her lips parted, the way her breath hitched—I knew exactly what was running through her mind.

I smirked.

"Something wrong, cara mia?" My voice was low, teasing, laced with the remnants of amusement and something darker.

She snapped her gaze to my face, cheeks blooming with heat. "I—I was just getting water," she muttered, trying to step past me.

I didn’t move.

The hallway wasn’t small, but suddenly, with her standing so close, it felt small.

I leaned down slightly, just enough so that my damp hair brushed against her cheek as I whispered, "You sure that’s all you wanted, sweetheart?"

She inhaled sharply, her grip on the glass tightening.

I chuckled under my breath.

She could run, she could pretend, she could avoid me all she wanted.

But we both knew—she was already trapped.

Neti was still standing there, her breath uneven, her fingers gripping the glass of water like it was her lifeline. Her wide eyes were locked onto mine, lips pressed together as if that could stop the heat crawling up her neck.

I let my smirk fade just a little, my expression softening as I reached out. Slowly. Gently.

She tensed when my fingers brushed against her cheek, but she didn’t move away.

I tilted her chin up, making her look at me.

And then—I leaned down, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her forehead.

It was soft. Almost too soft, considering everything that had happened between us. But the way her breath hitched, the way her lashes fluttered—she felt it.

I stayed there for a second longer than necessary, my lips lingering against her skin.

Then, just as I was about to pull away—

A loud thud echoed through the hallway.

We both turned.

And there stood Pranav.

In his ridiculous Pikachu night suit.

His face was twisted into pure, exaggerated disgust.

"Really?" he scoffed, crossing his arms. "Y’all are out here having a whole moment while I'm suffering from nightmares in my lonely bed?"

Neti, already embarrassed, turned scarlet.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Pranav—"

"No, no, don’t ‘Pranav’ me," he cut me off, marching forward. "You know what? This is favoritism. I get nightmares, and what do I get? Nothing. Meanwhile, Neti so much as blinks and you’re out here kissing foreheads like some tragic romantic hero."

Neti groaned, covering her face. "Oh my god, Pranav—"

"No!" he pointed dramatically at her. "You both need to acknowledge the pain I go through every night. Do you know what I dreamed about today? Huh? DO YOU?"

I raised a brow. "I don't care."

He ignored me completely. "I dreamt I was eating boba tea chicken wings with a random bald man in a dark alley!" He shuddered. "It was horrifying."

Neti, despite her obvious attempts not to, let out a choked laugh.

Pranav gasped, offended. "HOW DARE YOU LAUGH AT MY TRAUMA?"

I exhaled, shaking my head. "Pranav, go to sleep."

"Oh, sure! Just toss me aside like an old sock!" He clutched his chest dramatically. "I see how it is!"

Neti, now fully giggling, tried to push past me to escape. I caught her wrist at the last second, pulling her back slightly. Her breath hitched again, her laughter cutting short.

Pranav immediately started pointing at us. "SEE?! FAVORITISM! HE DOESN’T EVEN LET ME BREATHE NEAR HIM!"

I ignored him completely, brushing my lips against Neti’s ear. "Go to sleep, cara mia," I murmured.

She swallowed, nodding quickly before practically bolting to her room.

I let her go. For now.

Pranav sighed, shaking his head as he muttered, "Unbelievable. Absolutely disgusting. I need therapy."

I smirked. "You need a brain."

"And you need to stop being obsessed with your fiancée." He gave me a knowing look. "Simp."

I rolled my eyes and walked away, leaving him standing there, grumbling about "double standards" and "the tragic life of an ignored best friend."

I stopped mid-step, smirking as an idea formed in my head.

Slowly, I turned back to face Pranav, who was still dramatically muttering to himself in his Pikachu night suit.

"You know, Pranav," I said casually, rolling my shoulders, "Neti is going to be my wife soon, so obviously, I can kiss her whenever I want."

Pranav narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, and? What's your point, lover boy?"

I took a slow step forward. "So… what should I do about you, hmm?"

Pranav blinked. "What?"

Another step. "You always complain about favoritism, about how I don't treat you the same."

His eyes widened slightly. "Wait—"

I tilted my head, smirking. "So should I kiss you too?"

"WHAT THE FU—"

Before he could react, I lunged.

Pranav screamed and bolted down the hallway like his life depended on it.

"GET AWAY FROM ME, YOU LUNATIC!" he yelled, practically tripping over his own feet as he tried to escape.

I chased him, laughing. "Come on, Pranav! Don't you want equal treatment?"

"NO, I TAKE IT BACK! I LIKE BEING NEGLECTED!"

We ran past a few maids, who stared in horror as their terrifying mafia boss was literally chasing a grown man in a Pikachu onesie.

Pranav dodged behind a couch, panting. "I— I HAVE A GIRL I LIKE! YOU CAN’T KISS ME!"

I raised a brow, stalking closer. "Oh? You mean Aliya?"

His face flushed. "NO. I MEAN— I— SHUT UP!"

I leaned forward slightly, smirking. "So you'd rather she kiss you instead?"

Pranav died right there. "GOODNIGHT!" he yelled, grabbing a cushion and hurling it at me before sprinting away to his room.

I caught the cushion easily, chuckling as I watched him disappear.

Amused, I tossed the cushion onto the couch and turned to head back to my room.

But just as I did, I heard soft laughter.

I looked up.

Neti was standing at the top of the staircase, arms crossed, smirking down at me.

"You know," she said, tilting her head, "for a dangerous mafia boss, you really do enjoy bullying your best friend."

I shrugged, slipping my hands into my pockets. "It’s his fault for being entertaining."

She let out another small laugh, her eyes twinkling.

I stepped forward, gazing up at her. "Should I chase you next, cara mia?"

Her breath hitched.

Then, without another word, she turned and ran to her room, slamming the door shut behind her.

I chuckled to myself.

"Smart girl."

Author

Pranav peeked out of his room like a fugitive, eyes darting left and right, making sure the coast was clear. The hallway was dimly lit, silent—except for the distant sound of Eliza giving orders to the other maids.

But he knew. He knew that lunatic was still out there.

He gulped. He was thirsty, but going out there himself was not an option.

So he did what any reasonable grown man in a Pikachu night suit would do.

He picked up his phone and dialed.

“Eliza,” he whispered dramatically the moment she picked up.

A pause. “Sir?”

“I need you to do something very important.”

Another pause. “What is it?”

He licked his lips, checking the hallway again. “Bring me water.”

“…What?”

“Water, woman!” he whisper-yelled, gripping his phone like his life depended on it.

A sigh. “Sir, there are bottles in your room.”

“No, no, no,” he panicked, shaking his head even though she couldn’t see. “I need it fresh from the kitchen. I can’t risk my safety.”

Eliza, long used to his nonsense, didn’t even ask why. “Fine.”

Pranav relaxed. “Good. But be quick—I don’t know how much time I have left.”

Eliza hung up.

Meanwhile, Pranav paced his room, chewing his lip. He could still feel Adolph’s presence out there. That lunatic had chased him just minutes ago, talking about equal treatment and kissing him.

Pranav shuddered at the memory.

That was NOT how he wanted his first kiss to go.

A few minutes later, a soft knock came at his door.

“It’s me,” Eliza said, sounding unbothered.

Pranav yanked the door open just enough to snatch the water bottle from her hands, then slammed it shut again.

“Bless you, Eliza!” he gasped dramatically, pressing the bottle to his forehead.

From outside, Eliza sighed. “Sir… do I even want to know why you couldn’t get it yourself?”

“No,” Pranav said instantly, chugging the water like he’d just crossed a desert.

Another sigh. “Goodnight, sir.”

Eliza left, shaking her head, while Pranav leaned against his door, alive and hydrated.

And most importantly—safe from that lunatic.

Just as Eliza was about to leave, a deep voice rumbled behind her.

“Eliza.”

She froze. Slowly, she turned around, already knowing exactly who it was.

There stood Adolph, arms crossed, his black t-shirt clinging to his muscles, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips, looking like a damn nightmare in the dim lighting. His piercing eyes locked onto hers, and Eliza—who feared nothing and no one in this mansion—felt her soul momentarily leave her body.

“Open the door,” he said smoothly, his tone leaving zero room for argument.

Eliza, who had just helped Pranav escape, was now put in a position where she had to betray him.

“…Sir, is that really—”

“Eliza.”

That was it. Just her name, but the way he said it had her sighing in defeat. She turned back and knocked lightly.

“Sir,” she called, voice hesitant.

Pranav, who had been basking in his false victory, immediately went rigid.

“No…” he whispered to himself.

Eliza knocked again. “Sir, please open the door.”

“Traitor!” Pranav whisper-yelled from the other side.

Eliza sighed. “Sir, I swear I—”

Too late. Adolph had lost patience. With zero hesitation, he turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.

There stood Pranav, wide-eyed, still in his Pikachu night suit, clutching his water bottle like a lifeline.

Adolph stepped inside, slowly, predatorily, and Pranav backed up in sync with his steps.

“Brother,” Adolph greeted darkly, his lips curling in amusement.

Pranav pointed at him accusingly. “You stay back, you psychopath.”

Adolph just smirked. “You refused a kiss earlier.”

Pranav’s soul left his body.

“No—”

“I don’t like being refused,” Adolph continued, stepping closer.

Pranav bolted.

Or at least, he tried. But Adolph lunged, grabbing his arm, spinning him so fast that he ended up getting trapped in a chokehold.

“NOOO!” Pranav wailed.

Outside, Eliza casually walked away, pretending she heard nothing.

“P-PLEASE! HAVE MERCY!”

Adolph lowered his head next to Pranav’s ear.

“You owe me, brother.”

And then—he kissed his forehead.

Pranav went limp.

Not from injury.

But from pure psychological damage

_

_____________________________

Adolph

The second I stepped inside, Pranav jumped onto the bed, snatching the blanket like it was a shield.

"STAY BACK, YOU UNCULTURED SWINE!" he screeched, pointing an accusatory finger at me. His Pikachu ears flopped forward, making him look even more ridiculous.

I crossed my arms, amused. “What? I thought you wanted water.”

Pranav’s eyes narrowed. “Water, yes. TRAUMA? NO.” He dramatically clutched his chest, shaking his head. “I can’t believe what just happened. Do you know how violated I feel? You—you kissed Neti on the forehead and then threatened to kiss me!?!”

Eliza, who was still standing at the door, coughed to hide her laughter.

I smirked, stepping closer. "Well, technically, I didn’t threaten you. I just asked if you wanted one. Big difference."

Pranav let out an offended gasp, pulling the blanket tighter. “BIG DIFFERENCE? BIG DIFFERENCE?! Do you understand what you just implied? You—YOU MONSTER.”

I chuckled. “Relax, drama queen.” I grabbed a glass from the nightstand, pouring him some water from the jug. “Here. Drink before you actually pass out from your own theatrics.”

Pranav snatched the glass like I had personally poisoned it. “I’m sleeping with a lock on my door from now on.”

Eliza finally lost it, doubling over in laughter. “Oh my God, Pranav, you’re so dramatic.”

Pranav whipped around to her. “EXCUSE ME? You think this is funny? I’ve been assaulted! You saw it happen! You’re a WITNESS to my SUFFERING.”

I smirked. “Don’t be so dramatic. If I really wanted to kiss you, you wouldn’t have been able to stop me.”

Pranav shrieked and threw a pillow at my face.

Neti rubbed her eyes sleepily, stepping into the hallway. The noises had been loud enough to wake the dead, and she was this close to murdering whoever was responsible.

She blinked at the sight in front of her.

Author

Pranav was curled up on the bed, hugging a pillow like his life depended on it, shaking like an abandoned puppy in a storm. Eliza was wheezing with laughter, clutching her stomach like she had just heard the funniest joke of her life. And Adolph—well, Adolph looked way too entertained for her liking.

"What the hell is going on here?" she mumbled, still half-asleep.

Pranav immediately turned to her, his eyes wide, desperate. "NETI! YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED!" He pointed a shaky finger at Adolph. "THAT—THAT MONSTER—"

Adolph smirked. "Now, now. Let’s not exaggerate."

Pranav ignored him, gripping Neti’s hands like he was confessing his last words. "Neti, listen to me carefully. I was minding my own business, being a sweet, innocent person, when he—" he dramatically jabbed his thumb toward Adolph "—threatened to KISS ME."

Neti stared. Then blinked. Then stared some more.

"What."

"I KNOW!" Pranav wailed. "I’M TRAUMATIZED! Look at me! I’m shaking! I’ll never be the same again!"

Neti turned to Adolph, raising an eyebrow.

Adolph shrugged, completely unbothered. "I just asked if I should kiss him too since I kissed you on the forehead."

Neti deadpanned. "…You what?"

Pranav let out a choked sob. "SEE?! EVEN SHE’S HORRIFIED."

Eliza collapsed onto the chair, laughing so hard that no sound was coming out.

Adolph tilted his head at Neti. "What? You are my fiancée. It’s natural. Should I have kissed Pranav instead?"

Pranav shrieked and launched another pillow at him. "BACK, DEMON! BACK!"

Adolph, still smirking, took a slow, deliberate step forward.

Pranav squeaked.

“DON’T COME CLOSER—” he warned, holding a pillow up like a cross against a vampire.

Adolph took another step.

Pranav yelped, scrambling backward onto the bed. “I SWEAR TO GOD, ADOLPH! I WILL—”

Another step.

Pranav pressed himself against the headboard, eyes darting around for an escape. “ELIZA! NETI! HELP ME!”

Eliza was gone. She had run out the door, still laughing like a hyena.

Neti just stood there, arms crossed, completely done with all of them. "I don't know, Pranav. Maybe this is karma for all the teasing you did."

"NETI, HOW COULD YOU BETRAY ME LIKE THIS?!"

Adolph lunged.

Pranav shrieked and bolted, practically jumping over the bed to escape. He nearly tripped over his Pikachu night suit but somehow managed to stay upright as he dashed for the door.

Adolph casually leaned against the bedpost, watching him run for his life. "Huh. I didn’t even do anything yet."

Neti sighed. "I hate this house."

Neti was too tired for this nonsense. She sighed, rubbed her temples, and just left.

She went straight to her room, crawled into bed, and fell asleep almost instantly, completely forgetting to lock the door.

A while later, she stirred slightly, feeling a shift in the mattress. Her sleepy brain barely registered it. Maybe it was just her tossing and turning.

Then warmth. Strong arms. A presence too close.

Her eyes fluttered open just enough to see a shadowy figure beside her.

Sleepy and disoriented, she mumbled, “Adolph?”

“Hm.”

Her brain took a second to process. Then—

Wait.

Her eyes snapped open.

He was lying right there. Relaxed. Comfortable. As if this was normal.

“WHAT THE—” She shot up, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her right back down.

“Sleep,” he muttered, voice deep and raspy.

She blinked. “Excuse me?! What are you—”

“You didn’t lock the door.”

“And that means you can just get in my bed?!”

He opened one eye lazily. “Yes.”

Her mouth fell open. “ADOLPH.”

He didn’t even respond. Just closed his eyes again.

She huffed, flopping onto her back. This was ridiculous. Completely insane.

And yet… his warmth, the steady sound of his breathing, the way his arm was half-draped over her waist—

She swallowed hard. Nope. Nope. Nope. She turned away, determined to ignore him.

Adolph smirked in the dark. “Goodnight, cara mia.”

Her only response was a muffled groan into her pillow.

_______________________________

Neti

I had never been this still in my life. Not even when I had to hide from my so-called family as a child. Not even when I had to sit through hours of Adolph’s cold, unreadable stares in the past.

But this? This was different. This was actual torture.

Because Adolph—the Adolph—was wrapped around me like a damn koala bear, dead asleep, holding onto me like I was his lifeline.

My mind was screaming.

How did this even happen? I had gone to bed alone. Alone! And now, this?

I tried to move, very slowly, but—

Bad idea.

His grip tightened.

His arm around my waist pulled me closer. His leg—why was his leg there?!—was thrown over mine, caging me in.

Worst of all? His face was buried against my neck, and I could feel his warm breath tickling my skin.

No. Nope. Absolutely not.

I was going to die. Right here, in this bed, from sheer overheating and humiliation.

Clenching my jaw, I carefully tried to pry his arm away.

He made a sound.

A soft, sleepy hum.

And then—dear god—he nuzzled into my neck.

My soul left my body.

I was going to combust. Right here. Right now.

My face burned hotter than the sun. My heartbeat was out of control. This was illegal. This had to be illegal.

Adolph was Adolph—a terrifying mafia boss, feared by many. But right now? He was a menace in an entirely different way.

And the worst part? He didn’t even know what he was doing!

This wasn’t fair. This wasn’t fair at all.

Swallowing thickly, I tried again to move—this time just my wrist—but his grip was ironclad.

Okay. Plan B.

I could wake him up.

Except—nope. That was worse. If he woke up and realized what he was doing, I would actually have to die on the spot.

Which meant there was only one option left.

I had to suffer in silence.

Eyes squeezed shut, I took a slow, deep breath, willing my body to ignore the way he felt against me.

Just survive the night. That’s all you have to do.

…And never forget to lock the damn door again.

_______________________________