Forbiddenly Bound To You-Chapter 50: In The Face Of Rumors

Veronica’s smile faltered as she glanced at Mira. She hadn’t expected Zamian to arrive with a partner, especially given her recent boastful claims to her friends about her imminent relationship with him.

The sight of Zamian standing beside Mira felt like a brutal blow to her ego. Years ago, when her father had introduced her to Zamian , he had merely given her a quick, indifferent glance.

That fleeting interaction had led Veronica to entertain the notion of a possible future together. This assumption was further fueled by the speculation among her fellow celebrities, who had also hinted that she and Zamian might eventually end up as a couple. The stark reality of seeing Zamian with Mira now felt like a painful slap, magnified by public expectations and her own misguided hopes.

Forcing a tight smile, Veronica managed to say, "Really sorry about that." Her voice betrayed her discomfort, coming out more strained than she had intended. She struggled to mask her dismay, trying to maintain a veneer of graciousness in front of the people who had witnessed her earlier confidence.

Zamian’s attention shifted from the old man to Mira. His expression softened with a rare, genuine smile of pride. It was a look that suggested he was a proud father witnessing his child achieve something significant. Mira met his gaze with a gentle smile of her own, but the exchange was not lost on Veronica. The sight of Zamian’s affectionate regard for Mira felt like a personal defeat, intensifying her feelings of inadequacy and jealousy.

Sensing the growing tension, Veronica’s father stepped in. "I can see you’re about to leave. We’ll let you go."

Zamian nodded, his demeanor unchanging. "My wife needs some rest."

The reaction to Zamian’s statement was immediate and palpable. His reputation for being stoic and reserved at public events made his protective display all the more striking. Zamian was known for rarely attending such events, despite receiving numerous invitations to auctions, galas, and other high-profile gatherings. When he did attend, he typically remained silent throughout, his presence more felt than acknowledged. The unexpected show of devotion towards Mira was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor, leaving many in the crowd stunned. Some people had even speculated that Zamian might remain single forever, adding to the shock and awe of seeing him so openly devoted to Mira.

As they began to make their exit, the crowd subtly parted to make way for them, Zamian’s commanding presence continuing to exert an intimidating influence. Outside the venue, a few cameras and journalists were stationed, eagerly waiting to capture any last moments of the evening.

"Mrs. Mira and Mr. Zamian, can you give us a short statement?" one journalist called out, trying to get their attention.

Zamian did not acknowledge them, and they continued walking past the waiting reporters. The questions grew louder and more insistent as the journalists vied for a response. The noise of the reporters shouting over one another added to the tension of the moment, each one trying to capture the perfect soundbite. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Then, a particular question made Mira halt abruptly. "How sure are we that this isn’t just a stunt to clear up rumors?"

Mira’s heart raced as she processed the question. The insinuation that their relationship might be nothing more than a publicity stunt struck a nerve. The implication that their connection was purely strategic rather than genuine was deeply troubling. She turned to Zamian, who had also stopped and was now looking at her with an unreadable expression. The flash of cameras created a strobe-like effect, capturing every second of the tense interaction.

Without a word, Mira raised her hand to show the ring on her finger. The gesture was met with an immediate response from the assembled photographers. Cameras flashed wildly as the journalists pushed forward, trying to get a better shot of the ring and the couple’s reaction. The intense scrutiny and flashing lights only added to the chaotic atmosphere.

Zamian , a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips, opened the car door for Mira. They both got in, and the vehicle sped away, leaving behind a frenzied crowd of photographers and reporters. The car’s departure was marked by the cacophony of camera shutters and shouting reporters, a stark contrast to the serene environment within the vehicle.

Inside the car, Zamian remained silent, his stoic expression betraying nothing of his thoughts. The primary reason for their early departure was Mira’s well-being. He had observed her discomfort throughout the event—her first experience in such a high-profile setting—and he didn’t want her to feel overwhelmed or uneasy. His decision to leave early was a calculated one, aimed at protecting her from further discomfort. Zamian’s actions were guided by his usual meticulous nature, ensuring that she was not subjected to more of the uncomfortable spotlight.

Mira, however, was lost in her own thoughts. The reporter’s comment replayed in her mind, and she found herself troubled by the public perception of their relationship. It wasn’t just the rumor itself that bothered her but the suggestion that their relationship might be perceived as a mere strategic maneuver. Although their relationship was indeed based on a contract, she didn’t want it to be seen as nothing more than a calculated arrangement. The weight of public perception was taking its toll on her, causing her to question the authenticity of their bond in the eyes of others.

She turned to Zamian, her voice low and gentle as she attempted to broach a sensitive topic. Her words were tinged with a sense of vulnerability, reflecting her deep concern about how their relationship was being perceived.

"Let’s have a wedding," she said softly.

Before Zamian could respond, Mira continued, "To silence the rumors, let’s have a wedding. It doesn’t have to be grand—just a simple ceremony." Her voice was tentative, and she worried that suggesting such a thing might be unwanted, especially considering Zamian’s typically reserved nature. She braced herself for his reaction, her mind racing with the possibility that he might reject her proposal.

To her surprise, Zamian responded with calm curiosity.

"When would you like to have the wedding?"