Forbiddenly Bound To You
Chapter 158: Dreamed Off

Chapter 158: Dreamed Off

After the meal, the family prepared for their long-awaited photo session. Little Zami, as energetic as ever, couldn’t stop giggling as she danced around the room, her excitement bubbling over like a fountain. Mira tried her best to keep her still, but her daughter’s joy was contagious. Mira’s efforts to calm her only seemed to fuel Zami’s happiness, and soon Mira found herself laughing too. She hadn’t realized how much she missed these moments—how rare it was to simply be together without worry, without the weight of responsibilities or fears.

Zamian stood off to the side, observing the scene with quiet affection. His dark eyes softened as he watched Mira and Zami, his two greatest treasures. Moments like these were so precious to him—fleeting and hard to come by. It wasn’t just the sound of laughter or the happiness that filled the room that struck him, but the way their love seemed to fill the very air around them. The massive castle, which often felt cold and distant, now seemed warmer, alive with their joy. For a fleeting moment, Zamian could almost believe that this was how life was always meant to be—simple, full of laughter, and filled with love.

He let the moment wash over him, appreciating the beauty of it. Mira, as elegant as ever, looked both amused and a little exasperated as she tried to reign in Zami’s energy. But her golden eyes sparkled with genuine joy, a light that reflected the purest parts of her soul. Zami, with her innocent giggles, was the embodiment of that light.

When the family was finally ready, they stepped outside into the grand courtyard of the castle. The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays that bathed everything in a warm, almost magical glow. The courtyard had been meticulously prepared for the occasion, with every detail considered. Vibrant floral arrangements lined the pathway, their bold colors adding an air of elegance to the already majestic setting. It was the perfect backdrop for a family who, despite their challenges, had found their way into each other’s hearts.

A group of photographers waited for them, each armed with high-end cameras and state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring that every shot would be perfect. They adjusted their lenses and directed their assistants, making sure that every last detail was in place before the session began. Despite the busy atmosphere, Mira felt a knot form in her stomach. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention, and the thought of so many eyes trained on her made her feel self-conscious. Her thoughts swirled as she fidgeted with the fabric of her dress, the soft, flowing material doing little to ease her anxiety.

Zamian noticed her unease and stepped closer, his large hand finding hers. His touch was gentle, a silent reassurance. His dark gaze held hers, steady and unwavering.

"You look beautiful," he whispered in a voice that was both deep and soothing. "Just be yourself, Mira. This is about us—our family. No one else matters."

Mira met his gaze, her golden eyes reflecting her gratitude. His words, though simple, carried more weight than she expected. He didn’t need to say anything else. The firmness of his grip, the sincerity in his voice, was enough to calm her. She nodded and offered him a small smile.

Little Zami, as if sensing her mother’s momentary tension, tugged at the hem of Mira’s dress, her big, bright eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Mommy, are we going to smile now?" she asked, her voice sweet and innocent, her small head tilted to the side as she looked up at Mira.

Mira chuckled softly, crouching down to her daughter’s level. "Yes, sweetheart. We’re going to smile a lot. Can you show me your biggest smile?" she asked, her voice light.

Zami beamed, her smile widening so much that her little teeth were on full display. Mira’s heart swelled at the sight. She couldn’t help but laugh, her nervousness melting away in the face of her daughter’s pure joy.

"That’s perfect," she said, brushing a stray strand of hair from Zami’s face. "Now let’s make sure we smile for the camera, okay?"

The photographers began with individual portraits, starting with Mira. She stood gracefully by the grand castle doors, her golden hair catching the sunlight, giving her an almost ethereal glow. Her pose was elegant, hands clasped gently in front of her, but her thoughts kept wandering back to her family—Zamian, standing tall, so composed, and Zami, with her infectious laugh and energy.

The photographers directed Mira to adjust her posture slightly, aiming for a classic, timeless shot. As she did, her thoughts flitted to how she used to dread moments like these. Being in the spotlight had never been her favorite thing, but now, with her family surrounding her, it didn’t feel so daunting. It felt... right. Her love for them was a warmth that seemed to wrap around her, even in this moment of attention.

Next, it was Zamian’s turn. His tall frame, commanding presence, and regal posture made him look every bit the king he was. When the photographers asked for a more relaxed pose, Zamian hesitated for a fraction of a second, but then he did something rare. He smiled—a genuine, unguarded smile that softened his typically stern features. The smile wasn’t just for the camera; it was for Mira and Zami, for the family he had always dreamed of having. It was a fleeting moment, but it spoke volumes. This was the joy he found in his family—the kind of happiness that couldn’t be captured in the strict formality of a royal portrait. It was spontaneous, real, and full of love.

Zami was the last to take her solo photo. She twirled in her little dress, her laughter ringing through the courtyard like music. Her energy was infectious, and the photographers couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. Each click of the camera captured her innocence, her joy—a reminder of everything pure and untainted in the world.

Finally, it was time for the family portraits. Mira, Zamian, and Little Zami stood together in front of the castle, their arms wrapped around each other. The connection between them was palpable—no need for words, just a shared warmth that seemed to emanate from their smiles, the way they leaned into one another. The love they shared was evident, not just in the closeness they shared, but in how they fit together so naturally. It was a love that transcended the grandeur of the castle, the formality of the photo session—it was a bond that felt timeless.

The photographers directed them to various spots around the castle, eager to capture the perfect setting. One photo was taken by the grand fountain, its cascading water shimmering in the sunlight. Another was taken near the lush rose garden, where the vibrant colors of the flowers added another layer of richness to the image. The final shot was taken in the majestic hall, where sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the floor. In each shot, the family appeared to be in perfect harmony, as though they belonged in that place together, as though the castle, the flowers, and the sunlight had been waiting for them all along.

By the end of the session, Little Zami was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Her boundless energy, which had sustained her through the first half of the session, was beginning to wane. She yawned softly, her little body growing heavy with sleep as the photographers lined up for the final shot. Mira could feel her daughter’s weight leaning against her, her tiny hands clutching her mother’s dress in an effort to stay awake.

Mira knelt beside her, brushing a lock of hair from her daughter’s face. "Just one more, sweetheart," she whispered softly, her voice tender.

Zami nodded sleepily, her head lolling a bit as she leaned into Mira’s embrace. Zamian, ever protective, stepped closer, his large arms wrapping around both of them. His presence was comforting, a steady force that made Mira feel safe and loved. The photographers took their cue, and with one final click, they captured the moment perfectly—a family wrapped in love, in warmth, in a bond that nothing could break.

As the session came to a close, Zami turned toward her parents, her tiny arms wrapping around both of them in a tight hug. Her small body was warm and soft, her little face looking up at them with a sleepy but contented smile.

"I love you, Mommy. I love you, Daddy," she said, her voice full of innocence and sincerity. Her words were simple, but they carried so much weight.

Mira felt her heart swell, the corners of her eyes prickling with tears. She looked at Zamian, who was smiling down at their daughter. His expression was softer than she had ever seen it, filled with love that was as unspoken as it was undeniable.

"We love you too, sweetheart," Mira said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Yes," Zamian added, his deep voice steady, but with a tenderness that was unmistakable. "We love you more than anything."

The three of them stood there, wrapped in a quiet moment. The world around them seemed to fade into the background as they held each other close. It wasn’t the grandeur of the castle or the perfection of the photos that mattered in that moment—it was the bond they shared, the love that held them together.

And in that moment, Mira realized she had everything she had ever dreamed of. As she stood there, wrapped in the warmth of her family, Zamian leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice low and filled with emotion.

Mira’s heart fluttered, and with a playful giggle, she whispered back, "I love you more."

Zamian’s lips curved into a smile, his eyes softening as he replied, "I love you most."

And in that moment, the world seemed to pause. Their laughter rang out, light and free, echoing through the courtyard as they shared this tender, unspoken bond.

THE END