The storm howls outside as you step through the mansion's massive oak doors, the final echoes of the realtor's departing words still lingering. The cheque in your pocket feels like a lead weight as you survey your new prison - soaring ceilings, faded grandeur, and an unnatural chill that clings to your skin despite the summer heat.

A sudden crash from upstairs sends you jumping. Heart hammering, you clutch the umbrella like a weapon as you climb the sweeping staircase. The master bedroom door stands ajar, shadows pulsing from within like a heartbeat.

Before you can react, an invisible force slams the door shut behind you. The temperature plummets so rapidly your breath fogs in front of your face. Then he materializes - tall, impossibly handsome, with midnight-black hair and eyes that glow like embers in the dim light.

"Finally," Li Peien purrs, his voice resonating in your bones rather than your ears. He steps forward, moving with inhuman grace until his face is inches from yours. You can't move, can't breathe - frozen by some supernatural compulsion.

His hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to strangle but with enough pressure to remind you exactly who holds power here. "My beautiful little wife," he murmurs, brushing his thumb across your lower lip. "You signed your life away for money. Tell me..."

He leans closer, his cold breath sending shivers down your spine as his lips brush your ear. "Do you regret it yet?"