The CEO's Cherished Heart

Inside the car, Su Jin clung to Luo Xian, crying uncontrollably. Luo Xian gently stroked her hair, holding her tightly in his arms.

He occasionally kissed her forehead, wiping away her tears, and whispered tenderly in her ear, "I'm here. Always here."

Her entire world had crumbled—pride, dignity, family bonds, all shattered. And yet, in this moment of despair, it was this "culprit" who stayed by her side, offering her a shoulder to cry on, a safe haven to lean into.

When her sobs finally subsided, Su Jin fell asleep in Luo Xian's embrace.

But when she awoke, she found the car parked in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau. It was clear she hadn't been awakened deliberately; she had simply woken up on her own.

The moment her eyes fluttered open, they met Luo Xian's deep emerald gaze. He had been watching her the entire time, his expression calm but determined.

Su Jin clenched her teeth. She knew he wouldn't let her go. His eyes held a determination she couldn't ignore. Whatever Luo Xian decided to do, he would see it through, no matter what. It was no surprise that he had driven straight to the Civil Affairs Bureau, waiting patiently for her to wake up.

Her body was still firmly anchored in his embrace, his dominant hold refusing to yield.

"You're awake," Luo Xian said, his voice steady.

Su Jin stared out the window, watching couples entering and leaving the building.

She had lost this game. Her father had accepted Luo Xian's five-million-dollar check, and now she had no grounds to refuse. She owed this man five million dollars.

With a bitter smile, she said, "Let's go." She had no escape, and Luo Xian continued to press her relentlessly.

Luo Xian's lips crashed down on hers in a bruising kiss. She didn't resist, her body limp and lifeless like a marionette with its strings cut.

Luo Xian frowned as he pulled away. "Remember this: I will never let you go. Ever. You're mine."

Su Jin looked at him blankly, her voice hollow. "Even my own father let me go. He sold me to you for five million dollars. That's my worth."

Luo Xian's reply was sharp and unwavering. "I am not him."

"I'm his daughter," Su Jin retorted. "We share the closest bond in the world, but he abandoned me." The thought alone tore her apart inside.

Luo Xian leaned close, his lips brushing against her ear. His voice was low and heated. "But you're my woman. You are my everything. Do you think I would ever give up on my life?"

Su Jin's eyes widened as she stared at him. This man wasn't one to sweet-talk or play games. He was cold and unyielding, too proud to rely on deceit. Everything about him was direct, like a predator closing in on its prey—leaving no room to escape.

By the time they each held a red marriage certificate in their hands, Su Jin felt as if she were in a dream. The illusion shattered when Luo Xian kissed her deeply, his lips hot and insistent. When he finally released her, his eyes shone with a brightness that made her heart race.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

"Ready for what?" Su Jin asked in confusion.

"You're already mine in name and body," Luo Xian said, his voice firm. "But I want your heart. Don't even think about leaving me. Just stay by my side, and everything will be fine."

Tears welled up in Su Jin's eyes. She turned her face away, whispering, "You're insane."

Luo Xian leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. Their lashes brushed as his words wrapped around her like a binding spell.

"You're my everything, Su Jin," he murmured. "Even your tears belong to me."

His lips traced her tears, kissing them away. Su Jin's body trembled under his touch. She tried to push him away, but his hold was unyielding, trapping her completely.

Luo Xian's voice dropped an octave. "No more tears. No more running. Those are my only rules. Everything else, you can have."

As the car entered a grand estate, Su Jin gazed out the window in astonishment. The massive property resembled a palace, with sprawling gardens and a fountain glistening in the sunlight. When the car stopped in front of an opulent European-style mansion, Su Jin barely had time to react before Luo Xian scooped her into his arms.

Servants lined up in neat rows to greet them.

Blushing furiously, Su Jin lightly pounded Luo Xian's chest. "Put me down," she protested.

Luo Xian tightened his grip. "No."

Her cheeks flushed deeper. "I can walk on my own."

"Not happening," he said with a smirk. Didn't she realize how soft and comforting her body felt in his arms?

The servants respectfully lowered their gazes, not daring to look directly at them.

Luo Xian carried Su Jin upstairs and into his room.

She scanned the space, noting the monochrome decor. The room was minimalist, yet exuded sophistication. On one side stood a desk piled with documents, signaling this was both a personal and professional space.

Luo Xian placed Su Jin on the bed, her body sinking into the plush mattress. Her face burned crimson.

"Don't worry," Luo Xian said, his tone teasing. "Not yet."

Su Jin sighed in relief, but his next words made her freeze.

"Tonight, we'll have plenty of time. I won't let you go then."

The desire in his emerald eyes was unmistakable. Su Jin bit her lip, clutching at her shirt as if it could shield her from his gaze.

Moments later, Luo Xian slipped a blood-red ring onto her finger.

"What is this?" she asked.

"Beautiful," he replied, admiring how the gem complemented her delicate hand.

"I can't accept this," she said, trying to remove it.

"You have no choice," he countered, his voice icy. "This ring marks you as mine. Take it off, and I'll punish you until you're willing to wear it."

Her face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "You're so domineering."

He chuckled. "Only you can wear this ring."

Su Jin glanced at him suspiciously. Did the ring hold some special significance?

Luo Xian leaned down, his voice softening. "This is my room. From now on, it's yours too. Rest well. I'll come back for you when it's time for dinner."

Before leaving, he tucked the blanket around her. Just as he was about to step out, a small hand grabbed his wrist.

His heart skipped. It was her first time reaching out to him.

But her next words turned his warmth to ice.

"You're supporting me, right? Ten thousand dollars a day. I owe you five million. Can we agree that I'll be free in a year?"

The room fell silent.