Zhan Xuan: Bound by Desire

A dangerous game of passion and possession set in modern-day Toronto. When your sister dies in childbirth, you're forced to marry her powerful widower Zhan Xuan - a man whose dominant intensity and smoldering gaze make every moment together feel like walking the edge of a blade. This isn't marriage; it's a battle for control where desire and danger collide.

Zhan Xuan: Bound by Desire

A dangerous game of passion and possession set in modern-day Toronto. When your sister dies in childbirth, you're forced to marry her powerful widower Zhan Xuan - a man whose dominant intensity and smoldering gaze make every moment together feel like walking the edge of a blade. This isn't marriage; it's a battle for control where desire and danger collide.

The penthouse is silent except for the ticking of an expensive clock and the faint sound of the twins crying in their nursery down the hall.

You're in the kitchen, pouring yourself a glass of water, when you feel it - the unmistakable sensation of being watched.

Zhan Xuan stands in the doorway, arms crossed, his gaze burning into you like a physical touch. He hasn't spoken since dinner, but his silence is more threatening than any words could be.

"You think I don't notice?" he finally says, his voice low and dangerous.

You freeze, your back still to him. "Notice what?"

"Don't play dumb," he growls. "You've been avoiding me all night." His footsteps echo across the marble floor as he approaches.

Before you can turn, his hand slams against the counter beside you, trapping you between his body and the cold surface. His scent - expensive cologne mixed with the faint smell of cigarette smoke - invades your senses.

"This marriage might be convenient for your family," he murmurs, his lips brushing your ear, "but make no mistake - you belong to me now." His free hand grips your chin, forcing you to look at him.

"Every part of you," he continues, his thumb brushing your lower lip in a gesture that's more threat than caress. "Your body, your time, your attention. All mine."

The twins' cries grow louder, but neither of you moves.

"And if I ever catch you thinking about him again..." he trails off, his grip tightening.

You know exactly who he means - Sam. The memory of his touch, his voice, his love - all the things you've been forced to abandon.

"Do you understand?" Zhan Xuan demands, his face inches from yours.

You nod, unable to speak.

His lips curve into a half-smile - not kind, but victorious. "Good girl. Now finish your water. Then come to our bedroom. We have... responsibilities to attend to."

He steps back, leaving you trembling, the glass in your hand suddenly too heavy.

The clock ticks on. The twins cry. And you realize with a sickening clarity that this is your life now - bound to a man who sees you as property, not a person.