Forbiddenly Bound To You
Chapter 67: A Day of Uncertainty

Chapter 67: A Day of Uncertainty

Zamian finally stilled, giving Mira the opportunity to sit up and adjust her dress. Who would believe they had done such a thing inside a movie theater? The thought made her stomach twist. Oh heavens! The lights were still dim, but once the movie ended, they would have to step into broad daylight. ’H-how would she face him after... after this?’

Her heart raced. What just happened was so out of place, so unlike her, yet the rush of excitement it brought couldn’t be denied. She bit her lip as her mind circled the same question over and over: ’How could she face him now?’

Would it be better if she lied about what had just transpired? The movie was already halfway through, and yet, she hadn’t paid attention to a single scene. The characters on screen blurred together, their dialogue incomprehensible as her thoughts spun in her head. She fixed her gaze on the screen, pretending to be absorbed by it, avoiding even the possibility of meeting Zamian’s eyes. That would only make things worse.

’Why is he so quiet?’she wondered. She could feel his presence next to her, his warmth radiating in the small gap between their seats. He wasn’t speaking. ’Why wasn’t he saying anything?’His silence gnawed at her, more unsettling than if he had spoken. She was used to his boldness, his teasing, but this... this silence was unnerving.

Still, despite her curiosity, she refused to look in his direction. No, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of catching her attention, not after what had just happened between them. Her mind struggled to concentrate on the movie, her thoughts still racing even as the movie on screen concluded with a dramatic.

"The End."

The movie was over, but Mira didn’t want to move. A sense of dread crept over her, tightening her chest. ’What had she done’ She couldn’t admit it, not even to herself.

’This was just too embarrassing.’

Then she heard his voice, low and composed. "Let’s go."

His words sent a wave of nervousness through her. She forced a laugh, trying to sound casual, but the sound that escaped her lips betrayed her true feelings. "I... I want to see the cast and producers," she blurted out, grasping at anything to prolong the moment in the theater’s dim, comforting light. Here, at least, she didn’t have to face reality yet.

Zamian raised a brow, his voice neutral as he responded, "What are you going to do with that? They’re not important."

She still didn’t look at him, keeping her gaze somewhere far off. ’Yes, they are,’ she thought, though she knew that wasn’t the truth. The real reason she was stalling had nothing to do with the movie’s cast. She simply couldn’t bring herself to leave the safety of this dimly lit theater and face the blinding daylight. Here, it felt like time was suspended, but out there, reality would hit her. She wasn’t ready for it yet.

He sighed. "Look, Mira, we’re a married couple. It’s totally normal to do this."

’Normal for couples who end up divorced Mira thought to herself, though she didn’t say it out loud. Her heart pounded in her chest, the truth too raw to confront. It wasn’t as if he had forced her. In fact, that was the hardest part to accept—she had enjoyed it. She had liked it in ways she couldn’t explain, ways she didn’t want to think about right now.

"It’s not that—" she started, her voice faltering. She quickly cut herself off, unwilling to continue the conversation. She couldn’t afford to think too deeply about what had just happened between them. It was too much.

They both stood up and walked toward the exit, the tension between them palpable. Just as they reached the door, there was a soft knock from the other side. Zamian, tall and broad-shouldered, opened it, his frame blocking her view of whoever was outside. Mira could only hear muffled voices as he spoke briefly to whoever was at the door.

Before she knew it, the door was closed again, and Zamian turned back to her. Gently, he pulled her toward him, his actions tender but firm.

"N-no, we can’t do—" Her cheeks flushed a deep red as her mind raced, her heart beating even faster when she realized what he was doing. He wasn’t trying to start anything. Instead, he wrapped a scarf around her neck, carefully covering any marks that might have been left behind.

Zamian’s breath was warm against her ear as he whispered teasingly, "Guess who’s thinking dirty now?" His voice sent a shiver down her spine, and before she could respond, he opened the door again, gesturing for her to step through.

Mira couldn’t deny the feelings coursing through her any longer. Oh, how she wished the ground would open up beneath her and swallow her whole. The thought of facing the world after what had just happened made her stomach twist in knots. She wanted to disappear, to avoid the bright light that awaited her outside.

Inside the elevator, the tension between them was palpable. The small space only magnified the weight of their silence. Neither of them spoke, and the quiet hum of the elevator only made her more aware of his presence beside her. She was painfully aware of every breath, every movement.

Zamian’s phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He glanced at it and then spoke, his tone serious and distant. "You’ll be going with James."

His words were direct, almost cold. Mira nodded, too flustered to say anything in return. The door dinged as the elevator reached the lobby. Zamian stepped out first, pausing only briefly as if he were about to say something else.

"If you need anything, James will assist you," he added without looking back.

Mira nodded again, but just as he was about to walk away, something inside her snapped. Before she could stop herself, her hand reached out, wrapping around his waist. She held him for a brief moment, her fingers curling into the fabric of his coat.

"Be safe," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. It was all she could manage.

Zamian froze, caught off guard by her sudden gesture. He didn’t say anything, didn’t even move, as if he didn’t know how to react. Before he could gather his thoughts, Mira had already pulled away, her heart racing as she turned and walked off, her pace quickening with every step. She couldn’t bear to look back at him, afraid of what she might see in his eyes.

***

Days had passed since that day at the movie theater, and Mira hadn’t seen or heard from Zamian. She had tried to brush it off, to tell herself that everything was fine, but today was her wedding day, and he was still nowhere to be found.

Where is he?

Mira sat in front of the mirror, dressed only in her robe, her heart heavy with uncertainty. The makeup artist worked quietly, expertly applying layer after layer of makeup, but Mira barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, running through every possible scenario. ’What had happened’? Zamian had always been unpredictable, but not like this.

As the makeup artist finished, the hair stylist moved in, skillfully shaping her hair into an intricate bridal design. Mira sat silently through it all, obediently following their instructions without a word. She didn’t have the energy to engage with them, not today. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Zamian, the knot in her stomach tightening with every passing minute.

Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. The woman assigned to help Mira into her wedding gown stepped inside, offering a warm smile.

"Good morning, Ms. Mira. You look so beautiful," she said kindly, her voice light and cheerful.

Mira managed a smile in return, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.

The woman gestured toward the gown hanging nearby. "Now, it’s time for your dress."

Mira nodded and stood up, letting the woman guide her as she slipped into the elegant white gown. The fabric was heavy and luxurious, the intricate lace details brushing softly against her skin. Yet, none of it felt real.

Once Mira was fully dressed, the woman took a step back, admiring the way the gown fit her. "You look stunning," she said softly, her smile warm and genuine. But Mira barely registered the compliment. Her heart was too heavy, her mind too clouded with worry.

She glanced at herself in the mirror. The bride staring back at her seemed like someone else—a perfect vision of elegance, her hair perfectly styled, her makeup flawless. Yet, beneath the beauty was the gnawing uncertainty. Where was he!?

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. Mira’s heart leaped in her chest, her pulse quickening as she turned toward the sound.

Could it be him?

But it was just Lily, her bridesmaid, who entered the room with an excited smile. She wore a light pink dress that fell just above her knees, delicate floral embroidery along the sides adding a sweet touch. She was holding the small bouquet she’d use to carry Mira’s train.

"Oh my God, Mira!" Lily exclaimed as she walked in, her eyes wide with admiration. "You look gorgeous! No, seriously, ’gorgeous’ is an understatement. You’re breathtaking."

Mira forced a smile. "Thanks, Lily," she whispered, her voice betraying her emotions. She didn’t want to dampen Lily’s excitement, but the worry gnawing at her was impossible to ignore.

Lily, ever perceptive, noticed the tension in Mira’s face. She sat beside her, lowering her voice. "Hey," she said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Mira’s shoulder. "Don’t worry, okay? I’m sure Mr Zamian will show up. He wouldn’t miss this for the world."

Mira’s lips trembled slightly as she looked ahead, her heart heavy with uncertainty. What if—just what if—he had forgotten his own wedding day?