Chapter 35 Behind The Mask
I recoil in shock, tears running down my cheeks. "You're not human… you're a monster. Why this arrogance? What do you want from me?"
King steps closer again, his voice steely. "Do what I say. Forget about home. And stop using that small brain of yours for questions… or you'll lose even your sense of self."
I break down, sobbing, hiding my face in my hands. He moves forward, trying to wipe my tears, but I jerk away from his touch.
Taking a deep breath, he says coldly, "Don't cry. Your tears won't weaken me. This place isn't your prison… it's your destiny. Accept it."
Through my tears, I whisper hoarsely, "No… I will never accept it…"
Without a word, he slowly lifts me into his arms, as if I am something delicate, something that might break with the slightest touch.
Startled, I immediately turn my face away, refusing to meet his eyes. My heart pounds, and although I don’t want to be this close to him, I have no strength to resist.
He notices my shy defiance, the way I try to hide my face, and for the first time, his usual cold gaze softens. Something unfamiliar yet strangely calming appears.
He lays me carefully on the bed, as if I am fragile. I look at him with widened eyes and try to move away.
"You… you can't sleep here… please…" I whisper, my voice trembling.
He closes his eyes, breathing in the subtle, sweet scent of my skin, the warmth of my breath barely brushing against him. His lips curve into a cold smile. "I can do whatever I want, wherever and whenever I wish," he says in a deep, commanding voice.
I try to speak, but the words stick in my throat. Fear makes my heart race. Without hesitation, he wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close, lying down beside me.
He lets out a slow breath near my ear and whispers, "You're afraid of me… but that fear is what brings you closer to me. I will never let you go."
I wipe my tears but say nothing. My heart thuds loudly, and I lie there in silent fear.
A strange chill settles in my chest. He is still right beside me, his arm tightly wrapped around my waist, his breath flowing in a soft, steady rhythm. His face remains hidden behind that ever-present mask, and in my eyes, a storm of restlessness flickers fear, yes, but also overwhelming curiosity.
My heartbeat quickens with every passing second. I keep wondering: Who is this man? Is there a scar behind that mask? Or is there some identity he’s hiding?
My heart whispers insistently: Just once… just once, see his face… know the truth…
Slowly, cautiously, I reach my hand toward his face. My trembling fingers brush against his cheek, sending shivers through my spine. My hand shakes, but I gather my courage and gently lift the edge of his mask.
His eyes are still closed. His breathing remains calm, undisturbed. I carefully lift the edge of the mask I am just a moment away just a breath away from seeing the face behind it…
Suddenly, his eyes fly open. Grey, sharp, intense like lightning breaking through darkness. I freeze, my hand suspended mid-air, my lips unable to form a word.
He catches the mask and pulls it back into place. His gaze stays locked on me, cold.
"Didn't I warn you never to play clever games with me?" he says in a low, harsh voice.
My face turns pale, as if life has drained from me. I quickly pull my hand back, eyes filling with tears. "I… I just wanted to see who you are."
He leans closer, his breath brushing my face. His cold, menacing voice sends a chill through my soul. "Trying to know who I am is a mistake. Even the world doesn't know my face. What makes you think you will? Stay away from the truth it will destroy you."
Without another word, he tightens his hold around me, pulling me even closer. He buries his face against my neck, his breath warm against my skin, making my entire body shiver in fear.
In a trembling voice, I plead, "I'm a widow… please stay away from me."
His jaw clenches in anger. His grip on my waist tightens fiercely, causing me to wince in pain. I fall silent immediately, afraid to say another word. Moments later, something strange happens.
Despite the tension, a strange calm settles over us. He, too, seems drawn to my scent, something inexplicably pulling him closer.
I wake up after a while, only to find myself still wrapped in his arms. As soon as I realize it, I quickly sit up in shock. My sudden movement wakes him, and he stares at me with those piercing eyes.
Without a word, he grabs my waist and pulls me close. I feel deeply uncomfortable. I don’t like it, but fear grips me if I say anything, it feels like he might harm me.
In a trembling voice, I whisper, "You… you can't do this. I'm already married, and I won't tolerate you coming close to me."
He glares at me furiously. I flinch in fear. "Shut up! That wasn't a real marriage it was just a contract arranged by your father," he snaps, his voice cold and angry.
I stare at him in shock. "How do you know that? Who… who are you?"
He remains silent, his eyes hiding something dark. Tears well up. My voice cracks as I cry, "You're a murderer! You and Vihan… you killed him together!"
I quickly get up, stepping back in fear. He looks at me in surprise.
I grab the knife lying nearby. My hands tremble, my eyes burn with pain and fury. I bring the knife close to my chest, staring straight at him.
He immediately steps forward, alarmed. "Ishani, put that knife down! Are you out of your mind?"
My voice shakes from crying but is firm with determination. "I'm not crazy… I'm just tired. Either give me my freedom… or I’ll end my life right here, right now!"
He freezes in shock, eyes wide. "What are you saying? Freedom?"
I shout, voice breaking, "Yes! I'm not your prisoner… I'm not your property I have the right to live my life on my own terms!"
I bring the knife even closer to my chest. "If you try to stop me if you try to keep me captive I swear I'll kill myself right here!"
He shouts my name, panic rising. "Ishani! Don't you dare! If anything happens to you."
I cut him off, my voice full of disgust. "Then let me die! But I won't stay with you. You touch me in such a filthy way, I hate it!"
I press the knife's edge to my chest. As he steps forward, I scream, "One more step and I'll slice through my heart!"
His breath catches. He breaks into a cold sweat, face pale with fear. He folds his hands, desperate. "Okay I’ll give you your freedom. Just put the knife down."
I slowly lower it, still full of doubt. "Are you telling the truth?"
He speaks softly, "Yes… it’s the truth. But… do you really hate it when I touch you?"
I look away, shaking my head silently 'No.'
He speaks slowly, in that deep, commanding voice that silences any room, "Are you ready to leave?"
My heart pounds. Tears shimmer in my eyes, but my face looks as innocent as a child's. Without a word, I nod quickly, eager to escape this bond, this place.
He looks at me for a long moment. Something flickers in his eyes an emotion he quickly buries. Then he turns away quietly. "Fine go. I never wanted you to leave but if you must, so be it. It's your choice now."
He turns his back, hiding the storm raging inside him. I stand firm. Wiping my tears, I speak, voice trembling but determined, "I will obey you but only if you answer my questions. I want to know… who are you? I want to see your face."
I step closer, directly in front of him. My eyes hold no fear now only stubbornness and a desperate need for answers.
He stares at me. No one ever dares to question him like this. But I am not stopping. My silence has broken, and my words cut like knives.
I say again, firmly, "Why are you silent? I deserve the truth. Show me the face behind this mask."
He takes a deep breath. The air grows heavy. Slowly, he raises his hand to his face. The hall seems to pause, time itself holding its breath.
He grips the mask and begins lifting it, revealing his face little by little. My breath catches. My heart races. As the mask finally falls away, I freeze completely, stunned. My eyes widen, lips part. Before me stands a man with a face I never imagined yet.