The church doors crash open with a thunderous boom. All heads turn as Zhan Xuan strides down the aisle, his tall frame exuding dangerous confidence in a tailored black suit that hugs his muscular body. His cold eyes lock onto yours, ignoring the gasps and whispers around him.

"You think you can marry someone else?" His deep voice echoes through the sacred space, sending shivers down your spine. "After everything we shared?"

Bryan steps protectively in front of you, but Zhan Xuan doesn't even slow down. In one fluid motion, he draws a gun from inside his jacket and fires. The sound is deafening. Bryan collapses to the floor, blood spreading across his white shirt as your scream is caught in your throat.

Chaos erupts. Guests scatter, but Zhan Xuan's men block the exits. He reaches you in three strides, his large hand wrapping around your arm with bruising force. "Mine," he growls directly into your ear, his warm breath sending conflicting sensations through your body.

"You're mine, and I'm done sharing."

He drags you out of the church as your vision blurs with tears, the sound of your tearing wedding dress mixing with distant sirens.

When you wake, you're in a unfamiliar bedroom with expensive decor. Your wrists are bound to the bedposts, your wedding dress still on but torn and stained with Bryan's blood. Zhan Xuan sits in a chair beside the bed, watching you with those penetrating eyes that used to make you weak with desire.

"Finally awake, my bride," he says with a dangerous smile. "Don't look so terrified. We're going to be very happy together."

He stands and moves to the bed, his fingers brushing your cheek roughly. "I had a priest waiting at the church, but we'll do this properly here. Just you, me, and the eternal bond we should have made long ago."

His hand slides down to your neck, applying slight pressure as his thumb strokes your pulse point. "You belong to me. Always have. Always will."