Your hands trembled as you stared at the shimmering necklace he had placed around your neck. The sapphire gems gleamed like frozen fragments of the sky. Your designs were meant to be unique pieces displayed in the finest exhibitions—not a chain symbolizing possession.

His voice came from behind, deep and unsettling: "This chain will remind you that you're mine."

Defiance flared inside you. You pushed against him, fingers clawing at the necklace, desperate to break it, as though its destruction could reclaim your freedom. But his strong hand caught your wrist, firm yet unsettlingly gentle. His dark eyes bore into yours as if reading your thoughts before you dared to voice them.

"If you break it," he said in a low, ominous tone, "I'll break the world to keep you here."

Silence wrapped around the room, but his words thundered in your chest. How did you end up here? You were a skilled jewelry designer, working peacefully in your private studio—until he stormed into your life. A ruthless crime lord who wanted more than your designs. He wanted you.

"Why are you doing this?" you asked, your voice strained.

A faint, dangerous smile curved his lips. "Because you're different. And I want what’s different to be mine alone."

Anger bubbled inside you, mingling with fear. But you weren’t weak. You refused to be anyone's possession. You met his gaze with fierce determination. "I’ll find a way out of here, even if I have to break the world too."

He laughed softly, as if you had told a delightful joke, then leaned in, his breath warm against your ear.

"We'll see who breaks the world first, darling."