Signed by Force, Bound by Ice

Katriel’s heart thudded against her chest as the elevator doors opened on the top floor of Qin Enterprises. The icy air inside the CEO's office matched the man sitting behind the glass desk Zayn Qin, the most feared billionaire in the city… and the man she was about to marry. "You're late," he said, not looking up from his tablet. Katriel swallowed hard. "I came as fast as I could." "You had 24 hours to decide. Do you accept the deal or not?" Zayn finally raised his eyes sharp, cold, and unreadable. His black suit clung to him perfectly, like it was tailored by the gods themselves. But his gaze? Frozen. Unbothered. Dangerous. Katriel reached into her bag and pulled out the contract. “You want a wife. I need the money. Let’s not pretend this is love.” A smirk touched the edge of Zayn's lips. “Good. I don’t do love.” She hesitated for a moment. This was the man who had ruined her father’s company. The man is responsible for putting her family in debt. And now she was marrying him… to save them. “I’ll do it,” she whispered. “But I have conditions.” Zayn stood, walking around the desk slowly like a predator circling its prey. “You’re not in a position to make demands, Katriel.” “I won’t sleep in your bed,” she said quickly. “This is just business.” He stopped in front of her, so close she could feel his cologne sharp, cold, intoxicating. “You’ll sleep where I tell you to,” he said in a low voice. “But if you’re obedient, maybe I won’t make your life hell.” Katriel clenched her fists. “You already have.” He leaned in, so close their noses nearly touched. “Then consider this... the beginning of the rest of your punishment.” He handed her a pen. Her fingers shook as she signed the last page of the marriage contract. Just like that, her life belonged to Zayn Qin. As she slid the paper back to him, he reached into his drawer and pulled out a diamond ring. Without asking, he took her hand and slid it onto her finger possessive, cold, and final. “You’re mine now, Katriel,” he said. “And in public, you will smile. You will act like the perfect wife.” "And in private?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. His smile vanished. "In private, you will remember who owns you." Katriel stood still in Zayn’s office, the ring on her finger burning like fire. It didn’t feel like jewellery ,it felt like a shackle. Zayn said nothing else. He simply turned away, his attention already shifting back to his laptop. The dismissal stung more than any insult. “I… should go pack my things,” she said quietly. “You’ll move in tonight. My driver will be outside in an hour.” He didn’t even look up. Katriel’s eyes lingered on him for a moment. “And my job?” “You don’t work anymore.” His voice was flat. “But” He raised a hand, silencing her without turning. “Do not argue with me on the first day of our marriage, Katriel. You won’t enjoy what happens if you do.” The words chilled her. She turned and walked out, each step feeling heavier than the last. --- One hour later... A black Mercedes waited for her at the gate of her stepmother’s house. Katie Miller peeked through the curtains with a twisted smile. “So he really married you,” she said as Katriel climbed the stairs with her suitcase. “Well, at least now you’re good for something.” Katriel ignored the jab. Gassy, her stepsister, leaned against the wall, chewing gum loudly. “Don’t mess it up, Kat. He’s rich. And hot. If I were you, I’d be pregnant already.” Katriel closed the door to her room before they could say more. She stared at herself in the mirror red eyes, pale cheeks, and a diamond ring on her finger. You did this to save them, she reminded herself. Don’t forget that. --- Later that night... The Qin mansion looked like something out of a luxury magazine high ceilings, crystal lights, and floors so shiny she could see her reflection. Zayn was waiting at the front door, hands in his pockets. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, showing off strong forearms. There wasn’t a single trace of warmth in his eyes. “You’re late,” he said. “I came as soon as I could.” “No excuses. From now on, when I call, you come.” Katriel clenched her jaw. “I’m not a dog.” “No. You’re my wife. Same thing.” Before she could react, he walked inside. She followed, dragging her suitcase behind her. He stopped in front of a door and opened it. “This is your room.” It was a lavish guest suite, but it still felt cold. Like a cage dressed in velvet. Katriel looked at him. “So this is how it’s going to be? Separate rooms?” Zayn leaned against the doorframe. “Did you expect cuddles and kisses?” “No. But maybe some basic respect.” He smirked. “Earn it.” Katriel stepped inside, heart pounding with unspoken anger. “You really enjoy controlling people, don’t you?” Zayn’s eyes darkened. “People disappoint. Control doesn’t.” He turned and walked away, leaving her alone in the silence of her golden prison. --- Midnight... She couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, the pillow feeling like a stone under her head. A knock startled her. She opened the door slowly. Zayn stood there in black silk pyjamas, holding a glass of water. “I forgot to mention,” he said, voice low, “starting tomorrow, you’ll attend all my business dinners as Mrs. Qin.” “I don’t belong in your world.” He handed her the glass. “You do now. Wear something elegant. Don’t embarrass me.” She took the glass. Their fingers touched briefly, and she froze. His skin was warm, despite the ice in his tone. “Why me?” she whispered. “Why not someone who actually wants this?” Zayn’s expression didn’t change. “Because you’re easy to keep in line.” Tears stung the back of her eyes. “You don’t even know me.” “I don’t need to,” he said. “I own you now. That’s all that matters.” He left without another word. --- Alone again, Katriel set the glass down and stared at her reflection in the window. Married. Owned. Caged. But as she touched the ring again, her eyes hardened. You may own my name, Zayn Qin… but you’ll never own my heart.