Forbiddenly Bound To You
Chapter 107: Her Birthday Wish

Chapter 107: Her Birthday Wish

Zamian approached with a dark, intense expression, his gaze fixed solely on Mark. The man holding little Zami felt a chill run down his spine, sensing the silent warning emanating from Zamian. Little Zami, however, remained blissfully unaware, her smile unwavering as she hugged her "uncle." But before she could fully understand the weight of the moment, she felt Zamian gently pull her from Mark’s arms, his grip firm yet careful, as if he were protecting her from something unseen.

Mark had grown fond of the title "Uncle" over the past few months, even though it felt like a facade. The formality of "Mr." had always felt distant and cold, so he encouraged Zami to call him "Uncle," finding that the name was warmer and more fitting for the bond they had created. Yet, in this moment, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being an intruder in a space that belonged to someone else.

Before Zamian could utter a word, Mira’s grandfather intervened. "Okay, Zami, come along. Let’s get you changed into your birthday dress."

Excited for her big day, Zami squealed, "Yay!" She ran to her grandpa, who scooped her up and took her inside the apartment, ensuring she wouldn’t witness the tension brewing between Mark and Zamian.

As the door closed behind them, an uneasy silence settled between the two men, each acutely aware of the confrontation that was about to unfold. Zamian’s expression was unmistakable as he looked at Mark.

Mark felt chills race down his spine, his heart pounding against his ribcage. He tried to steady himself, acutely aware that Mira was watching them with wide, concerned eyes. She stood at a distance, uncertain of what to do, her silence amplifying the tension. Zamian remained stoic, his presence alone a stark reminder of the power he held over someone like Mark.

With a deep breath, Mark stretched out his hand for a handshake, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "It seems we have a visitor for little Zami’s birthday," he said, trying to maintain a lighthearted tone.

Barely had the words left his mouth when Zamian broke into a dry laugh. The sound was so cold that it sent a shiver down Mark’s spine. What was this feeling? He had never reacted this way before. How could a mere laugh make him feel so small and insignificant?

Without a word, Mark understood—Zamian possessed an undeniable, almost otherworldly aura, one that could bring anyone to their knees with just a glance. The question echoed in Mark’s mind: Who was he? How could anyone wield such power?

Mark had never felt this scared; in fact, he couldn’t even remember the last time he had been afraid, let alone shaken to his core. His outstretched hand slowly retreated as he scratched the back of his head in nervousness. Sensing his discomfort, Mira silently intervened; she didn’t want little Zami to see them in this situation.

"The birthday party will be starting soon," Mira said, holding Zamian’s hand and guiding him toward the door. He followed her, and the once-intense aura around him softened, allowing Mark to breathe a sigh of relief. However, as Zamian turned back to Mark, his smile widened in a way that made Mark’s stomach twist. How could someone so intimidating transform so completely, just from holding her hand?

After a moment lost in thought, Mark finally moved, heading to the door in silence, each step heavier than the last.

Inside the apartment, Zamian sat on the sofa, clearly troubled. How could he be living in a grand mansion while his wife and little daughter stayed in a place like this? Though the apartment had a cozy warmth thanks to Mira’s touch, he couldn’t shake the feeling of longing. He missed having her close, missed the simple pleasure of holding her and sharing those small, intimate moments that only they knew. The little things—a shared glance, a gentle touch, the soft sound of her laughter—had become luxuries he no longer enjoyed.

The room was decorated simply, with just a few cheerful touches that reflected the joy of a child’s birthday party. A cake sat proudly in the center of the table, surrounded by colorful balloons and streamers. Little Zami sat quietly, her eyes sparkling with excitement for the celebration. Mark, trying to break the ice, pulled out a wrapped gift—a colorful gift bag that was decorated with cartoon characters. Zami’s face lit up with pure joy as she clapped her hands in delight.

Zamian, however, didn’t share the same enthusiasm. He quietly took out his phone and quickly sent a message, his brow furrowed in concentration. By the time he set it down, little Zami had already torn open the bag, revealing a cute bunny backpack with floppy ears.

"Oh mwy!" she giggled, her eyes wide with delight as she held up the bag before handing it to Mira, who accepted it with a warm smile. "Look, Mummy! It’s so cute!"

And so, the birthday celebration began. It was genuinely fun—they sang the birthday song, played games, and shared laughter that echoed in the small apartment. Mira and her little daughter sang together, their voices blending in perfect harmony while Zamian watched from a distance, his expression tense. He wasn’t thrilled that Mark was there, and it seemed as if Mark was vying for more of Mira’s attention than Zamian liked.

In his heart, Zamian reminded himself that this would be the last time Mark would see them. Let him enjoy it while it lasts, he thought bitterly, clenching his fists. The notion fueled a fire of determination within him.

After about an hour of festivities, it was finally time for little Zami to make her birthday wish. Mira leaned down with a warm smile, her voice soft and encouraging. "Little Zami, time to make your wish."

Zami nodded, her face serious as she closed her eyes, her little brow furrowed in concentration. She made her wish before blowing out the candle with a gentle puff of air, a moment filled with anticipation and hope.

Eager to know what her wish was, Zamian leaned forward, a mixture of excitement and anxiety coursing through him. "What was your wish?" he asked softly, unable to hide the curiosity in his voice.

Mark and Mira turned to him, surprised. Was he really asking that? Mira was about to remind him that wishes were meant to stay secret, that children were told to keep their dreams to themselves, but before she could speak, little Zami broke the silence.

"I wish to see my daddy," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mira couldn’t believe what she’d just heard from her little daughter. She hadn’t expected that wish to come from Zami’s lips—not now, not here. Of course, Zami had asked about her father before, a couple of times, but Mira hadn’t imagined her daughter would make a birthday wish for it. And yet, she knew, in her heart, that for Zami, the wish had already come true—Zamian was there, her real father, even if she didn’t yet know it.

Mira felt a mix of emotions welling up inside her. Deep down, she knew Zami yearned for the love and presence of a father. She still remembered the last time Zami had asked about her dad, three months ago, on Father’s Day. The children at her school had been told to bring their fathers to celebrate, and Zami had looked up at Mira with those hopeful eyes, asking if her daddy would come. That memory had stayed with her, lingering like a shadow, and now, hearing Zami’s wish made Mira question herself—was she partly to blame for this yearning?

Just as Mark, visibly stunned, was about to say something, Zamian stood up, a gentle smile on his face that masked the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "Your wish is already granted," he said softly, the words hanging in the air like a promise.

Just as Mira’s heart began to pound loudly, they heard the pinging of the doorbell, catching everyone’s attention. Mira walked to the door, wondering who it could be. Opening it, she met a delivery guy who greeted her with polite professionalism.

"Good evening! This package was sent to Mrs. Zamian by Mr. Zamian."

Mira’s eyes widened. Why was she still being called Mrs. Zamian? They had already divorced, meaning she was no longer his wife. Her name was no longer tied to his. But still, why would he send her a package?

The delivery guy continued, "It’s for your daughter. Could you please sign here?" He handed her a pen, and Mira signed, feeling a mix of emotions. "Thank you so much," he said with a polite smile before leaving.

Mira entered the house, where everyone was curious about what had happened outside to make her take so long.

"Zami, baby girl, this is a gift your... Mr. Zamian sent for you," she announced, her voice tinged with curiosity and a bit of surprise. Mira couldn’t help but wonder what the gift could be and hoped it wouldn’t stir up any unwanted drama.

As Mira slowly opened the package, her eyes widened in surprise to find that it was an iPad. She turned to Zami with a smile of surprise.

Zami smiled widened as she turned her face to Zamian.

"Thank wyou! I love it!"