The hall was beautifully decorated with fairy lights and flowers. Music played softly in the background as guests mingled and laughed. Ananya stepped in, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Tonight was her father’s family gathering, and she had dressed carefully. She wore a red satin full-length frock with a cowl neck that hugged her curves perfectly. The soft fabric shimmered under the lights, and she could feel eyes noticing her as she moved through the crowd.

Her gaze wandered across the room, smiling at relatives and cousins. Then, her eyes landed on him. Siddharth.

He was standing near the drinks table, tall, confident, and calm. His shirt was neatly fitted, showing his broad shoulders. Even in the crowd, he drew attention without trying. He laughed at something someone said, and Ananya felt an unexpected flutter in her chest. She had known him all her life as her dad’s best friend, but tonight, he seemed different—older, stronger, and… magnetic.

Their eyes met for a brief moment. He didn’t look away. Not rudely, but in a way that made her pulse race. She quickly turned her gaze elsewhere, pretending to be interested in something else, but her heart wouldn’t calm down.

Siddharth walked toward her, a small, confident smile on his lips. “Ananya,” he said, his voice calm but low and deep, “you look… amazing tonight.”

Ananya felt her heartbeat quicken. “Th-thank you,” she said softly, her cheeks warming. His words sent a thrill through her.

He looked at her slowly, taking in the way her red dress hugged her curves. “You’ve grown into a very beautiful woman,” he said. “And tonight… you’re impossible to ignore.”

Ananya’s stomach twisted. His words weren’t just about her looks; there was something more—intensity, interest, and a subtle challenge in his gaze. She tried to laugh lightly. “You always notice everything, don’t you? Planning to judge everyone tonight?”

Siddharth’s dark eyes glinted as he stepped a little closer. “Maybe,” he said, leaning in slightly. “Or maybe I’m just curious about you.”

Ananya’s pulse raced. Curious about me? she thought. She looked down at her dress, feeling suddenly very aware of her curves, the satin shimmering over her skin. Her cheeks burned, and she quickly tried to focus on something else.

“I… maybe I am,” she admitted softly, her voice trembling.

Siddharth’s smirk grew slightly. “Good,” he said. “Honesty is… appreciated.” He tilted his head, his eyes locking on hers. “You’ve always been a little mischievous, haven’t you?”

Ananya felt a shiver run down her spine. There was a command in his tone hidden under the teasing words, and it made her pulse spike. “I… I don’t know what you mean,” she whispered, trying to stay calm.

“Yes, you do,” he replied, stepping a little closer, close enough for her to feel his presence. “I’ve known you since you were a little girl. And now… I see a very different side of you.”

Ananya’s heart beat faster. Every word, every step he took, made her feel both nervous and excited. She tried to focus on a cousin speaking nearby, but her gaze kept drifting back to him.

Siddharth noticed. “See?” he said softly, almost teasing, “I can tell when you’re nervous. And I can tell when you like the attention.”

Ananya swallowed hard. His words made her blush, her breath catching in her throat. He was playful, yes, but there was a dominant edge in his tone that made her body respond before her mind could think.

“You… you shouldn’t say things like that,” she whispered, trying to sound firm, though her voice trembled.

“Maybe not,” he said, his gaze darkening slightly, “but sometimes, the truth can’t be hidden. And tonight… I can’t hide how I feel.”

Her pulse raced uncontrollably. Siddharth had always been attractive, strong, and confident, but tonight he seemed dangerous—magnetic and in control. She felt drawn to him in a way she didn’t understand.

He smiled lightly. “Relax, Ananya. I’m not going to do anything… yet,” he teased, voice low and commanding. “I just want to see you blush a little more, see how you react.”

Her body responded before her mind could protest. Heat rushed through her, her pulse racing. And even though she knew she shouldn’t, she didn’t look away.

Siddharth chuckled softly. “I know exactly what I do to you,” he murmured, stepping back slightly, giving her a small, satisfied smile. “And I like it.”

Ananya’s cheeks burned, and her stomach fluttered. He was teasing her, yes, but there was dominance in his words and actions, subtle but thrilling. She couldn’t stop herself from wanting more, even though she knew it was dangerous.

And deep down, she realized—part of her didn’t want him to stop noticing her.

The music continued, laughter echoed, and the family mingled around them. But for Ananya, the world had narrowed to Siddharth—the older, commanding man who made her heart race with a glance, a word, a simple smile.

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