The forbidden obsession

Chapter One – The Guardian The grand hall shimmered with gold and crystal, chandeliers spilling light over velvet carpets and glittering gowns. Tonight was supposed to be about Kelvin — her younger brother — who had just turned eighteen. But his birthday celebration looked more like an imperial gathering than a simple party. Senior cadres, businessmen in dark suits, foreign dignitaries, and bodyguards filled the room with their polished smiles and veiled intentions. Georgina wasn’t paying attention to any of them. Her gaze was locked on one man. Nathan. Her father’s best friend. It had been two years since she had last seen him, and in those years, something about him had changed. He stood at the edge of the party, quiet but commanding, his presence impossible to ignore. His shoulders seemed broader, his jaw sharper, his aura heavier. It wasn’t just charisma. No — it was something deeper, something untamed, as though power clung to him and refused to be hidden. For a fleeting moment, she swore she could see it — a faint shimmer, like fire cloaked in shadows, surrounding him. Her stomach twisted. She shook the thought away and lifted her champagne glass, pretending not to notice the way her pulse quickened. Ridiculous. He was Nathan — her father’s closest ally, her guardian figure once upon a time. And yet… he had haunted her dreams far too often. Dreams she’d never dare confess. When the music died down and the guests began to leave, her butler appeared at her side. “Your father requests your presence in his office, my lady.” A frown creased her brow. At this hour? The office was warm with the scent of cigars and aged whiskey. Her father sat behind his heavy oak desk, a rare smile of pride etched across his face. Nathan stood beside him, arms folded, his tall frame exuding silent authority. “Sweetheart,” her father began, “I have wonderful news. Kelvin and I will be leaving the country. He has secured his first business deal, and it’s time he learns responsibility.” Her heart skipped. “Leaving? For how long?” “A year, maybe more,” her father said. Then his smile softened. “Which is why you’ll remain here — under Nathan’s care.” Her chest tightened. “What?!” The word escaped before she could stop it. “I’m twenty, Father. I don’t need a babysitter!” Her tone was sharp, but inside, butterflies stirred in her belly. Because deep down, she wasn’t as outraged as she pretended. A part of her thrilled at the thought. Nathan finally stepped forward. His deep voice was steady, almost soothing. “This isn’t about babysitting, Georgina. It’s about safeguarding. Until your father returns, your wellbeing is my responsibility.” He extended his hand. Reluctantly, she placed hers in his. The instant their skin touched, a spark shot through her veins. Heat crawled up her arm, stealing her breath. His expression didn’t change, but she swore something flickered in his dark eyes — something primal. Her father’s tone shifted, heavy with unspoken weight. “Nathan, guard her with your life. You know why. We don’t know when she’ll awaken, or who might come after her when she does.” The air in the office grew thick. Georgina frowned, confusion lacing her voice. “Awaken? What are you talking about?” Her father leaned back in his chair, his features suddenly lined with grief. “I cannot lose her. Not the way I lost her mother.” His voice cracked, the pain raw. Silence settled. Nathan stepped closer, his jaw tight. “You won’t lose her. Georgina is stronger than you realize. But…” His eyes darkened, voice low. “When her awakening begins, others will sense it too. Not all of them will want her for the right reasons.” Her father closed his eyes, weariness heavy on his shoulders. Georgina’s heart pounded. None of this made sense — awakenings, enemies, her mother’s death. Yet Nathan’s words, spoken with such certainty, sent chills down her spine. When she finally excused herself and stepped into the dimly lit hallway, she found Nathan waiting just outside. For a moment, neither spoke. The silence between them was heavy, almost suffocating. “Your father only wants what’s best for you,” Nathan said at last, his tone calm, measured. Her lips curved into a bitter smile. “Best for me? Or safest for his reputation? I don’t need a shadow following me around. I can take care of myself.” He tilted his head, studying her. “You’re fiery,” he said softly, almost to himself. “Just like your mother.” The words struck her, but before she could reply, he turned away, hands sliding into his pockets as if the conversation was already over. Later that night, restless, she wandered into the garden. The moon hung high, spilling silver across the flowers. She breathed in the night air, trying to steady her racing thoughts. Then it hit her — a sudden rush of heat, a pulse deep in her chest that spread like fire through her veins. She staggered, clutching the stone railing of the balcony. “Georgina?” His voice. Nathan was there in an instant, his hand gripping her arm, steadying her. The warmth of his touch mixed with the strange energy surging inside her, making her vision blur. For a heartbeat, she swore his eyes glowed faintly — a golden hue, fierce and wild. Then it was gone. He blinked, his expression unreadable. She pulled back quickly, forcing a shaky laugh. “I-I’m fine. Must be the champagne.” His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Back in her room, wrapped in silk sheets, she stared at the ceiling. Her father’s voice echoed: We don’t know when she’ll awaken. Nathan’s handprint burned into her skin. Something was happening to her. Something she couldn’t ignore. And outside, beneath the moonlight, Nathan stood alone in the garden, his gaze fixed on the sky. His voice was a whisper the night barely carried. “It’s starting…” (In Georgina's room) Georgina had not slept a wink. Her body had tossed and turned, her mind too restless to surrender to dreams. Every time she shut her eyes, Nathan’s face returned — older, sharper, and radiating that dangerous aura she couldn’t quite ignore and now it's morning With an annoyed groan, she rang the small bell on her bedside table. Within moments, her butler appeared, as punctual as ever, bowing slightly. “Your bath is ready, Miss Georgina,” he announced in his practiced tone. “Your father and Master Kelvin are nearly done preparing for the business trip.” A heavy sigh of relief escaped her lips. So it wasn’t a nightmare. They really are leaving me behind. But before she could relax fully, the butler cleared his throat and added carefully, “Sir Nathan has arrived as well. He is waiting in the dining room with your new home teacher.” Her head snapped toward him. “What?” “Yes, Miss. He insisted.” Georgina muttered a string of protests under her breath, but she forced herself into the bath anyway. By the time she dressed, every nerve in her body was taut. She stormed down to the dining room, her silk slippers clicking lightly on the marble. There they were. Nathan sat at the head of the table, posture straight, reading a document as if he had always belonged in this house. Beside him was a stern-faced man in a grey suit — the so-called “teacher.” “Late,” Nathan said without looking up. His voice was smooth, low, and carried the weight of authority that made her spine stiffen. He slid a slim book across the table toward her. She frowned, flipping it open, only to find pages titled Rules of the House: Do’s and Don’ts. “You can’t be serious,” she said, glaring at him. Nathan finally lifted his gaze, locking eyes with her. “I am very serious. This house follows order. And you, Georgina, are not above it.” “I’m not a child,” she snapped. “I don’t need a book of rules.” “Then prove it,” he countered, calm as ever. “Follow them without complaint. You have lessons, and you’re already late.” The teacher cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable at being caught in their sparring match. Georgina folded her arms across her chest, seething, but Nathan had already dismissed her. He rose from his seat, folding the document neatly. “I have business to attend to,” he said, his voice final. “Breakfast is over. Don’t waste your teacher’s time.” And just like that, he was gone, his tall figure retreating down the corridor with that unshakable calm that infuriated her ...