Forbiddenly Bound To You
Chapter 79: Tender and Laughters

Chapter 79: Tender and Laughters

James finally smiled; at least John was quiet, though it didn’t last long before he spoke again.

"That’s because I didn’t move to Country Nik with you and Boss," John said, his tone slightly defensive. James knew John always had something to say, a trait that was both endearing and irritating.

"You’re here now," James replied, holding Lily’s hand with a protective smile. He appreciated her calm presence.

"Let’s go," Lily said, nodding as she turned to John, her voice firm yet friendly. "Nice meeting you, Big Bro." With that, she turned, and she and James left, leaving John standing there alone, a faint trace of disappointment crossing his face.

"At least she was considerate," John muttered, the words barely audible as he watched them walk away.

***

Zamian stared at Mira’s peaceful sleeping figure as she lay on the bed, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow over her, making her look almost ethereal. Just then, another knock interrupted him—a softer knock, as the person at the door knew better than to knock loudly, understanding the delicate balance of waking someone from a restful slumber.

A lady opened the door, giving Zamian a respectful nod before speaking. "Good afternoon, Mr. Zamian. About your wife—she fainted due to stress, as the other doctor informed you earlier. It seems she’s been overthinking things." Her voice was calm and professional, yet there was a hint of concern in her eyes.

Zamian felt a twinge of guilt. He had been so preoccupied with work and his responsibilities that he hadn’t realized how much pressure Mira was under. "What do you recommend?" he asked, leaning forward slightly, his gaze unwavering.

The doctor paused, glancing at Mira with genuine concern. "It’s important for her to have a calm environment. I would recommend that you make things easier for her over the next month. She may experience some new effects due to the pregnancy, such as mood swings and fatigue." Her words weighed heavily on him, a reminder of the responsibility he carried as her husband and soon-to-be father.

Zamian listened carefully, nodding as the doctor finished speaking. "Try to reduce any stressors and support her emotionally. She might need extra rest, and small gestures of care can help her feel more secure during this time."

Just as she was about to leave, she seemed to remember something important. "Mrs. Mira will need to come back to the hospital for a follow-up check-up in two weeks. It’s crucial to monitor her progress and ensure everything is on track."

Zamian appreciated the information, feeling a sense of urgency to care for Mira during this crucial time. He had to ensure she felt cared for and supported, especially now.

Mira woke up, her eyes groggily opening to the delicious scent of food wafting through the air. She turned to see Zamian, who was focused on arranging the meal. His back was turned to her, and she admired the strong, broad shoulders that defined his figure. When he noticed her stirring, he turned to her with a soothingly calm voice, a comforting presence.

"Your awake," he said, a smile spreading across his face.

The aroma of the food provided her with a sense of calmness, even though the dishes looked a bit foreign. It wouldn’t hurt to try something new, right? Slowly, she sat up as Zamian pushed the rolling table to her side and sat beside her, his presence radiating warmth and security.

"This will help you," he said, removing the cloth that covered the cutlery and handing it to her, his fingers brushing against hers, sending a tiny jolt of electricity through her.

Mira turned to him, her heart warming. "Thanks," she replied, surprised that he was still there when she woke up. A small, unknowing smile tugged at her lips before she began to eat, savoring the flavors that danced on her tongue.

As she ate, Zamian gently dabbed her lips and chin to clear the stains, making her cheeks flush at his tender gestures. His care was both sweet and unexpected, and she couldn’t help but feel cherished. After she finished eating, Zamian spoke, his voice low and reassuring.

"Let’s go," he said, his tone shifting slightly, as if he was preparing her for something.

Mira’s face fell a little; he was going to leave, and she would be alone again. She wished he could stay a little longer, but she didn’t want to be selfish. She had to remember he wasn’t just a CEO; he was a king with many duties. She sighed, feeling the weight of her loneliness settle in her chest.

Noticing her expression, Zamian quickly reassured her. "I’m not leaving, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’ll be right next to you, even if it means being a clingy husband," he whispered, his face so close to hers that it made Mira’s cheeks warm with embarrassment and affection.

"And I’ll also be your faithful bodyguard," he added with a grin, making her heart flutter. She didn’t mind him being clingy at all; it was comforting.

As they left the hospital, Mira and Zamian entered the luxurious car, the interior lavishly appointed with leather and sleek finishes. John greeted them with a smile, his demeanor friendly. "Hello, Miss Mira." His smile faltered slightly as Zamian’s gaze darkened, a silent warning lingering in the air.

John scratched the back of his head, speaking nervously. "I mean, Mrs. Mira." His eyes darted between Zamian and Mira, trying to gauge the tension.

"Hello, nice to meet you!" Mira waved, oblivious to Zamian’s piercing stare directed at John. "By any chance, are you related to Mr. James?"

John nodded, a smile returning to his face, eager to divert the attention. "Yes, we’re cousins."

Mira laughed lightly. "I see! I was wondering. The only difference is that Mr. James acts more mature."

John’s eyes widened in mock horror. "Mrs. Mira, you just insulted me! I’m hurt," he said dramatically, though his tone softened as he spoke, clearly enjoying the banter.

Mira giggled at his theatrical reaction. Zamian’s body stiffened at the sound of her laughter; it was soft and melodic, a sound he had grown to adore. She was laughing because John said he was hurt, but to Zamian, it wasn’t funny. Wasn’t John supposed to be talking to him instead?

"I will be s...starting the car now," John stammered, feeling the weight of Zamian’s stare.

Zamian turned to Mira, who was already looking at him in surprise, her eyes sparkling with amusement. His jaw clenched as he moved closer to her, gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze.

"You don’t laugh at any man’s joke except mine," he declared, his voice low and serious, a hint of possessiveness creeping into his tone.

John almost choked on his saliva. What had his boss just said?

"You’ve never made a joke," Mira pointed out, stunned by his words, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"Then I will do that now," Zamian replied, his tone serious as he searched his mind for something funny but came up empty. The pressure to make her laugh weighed on him more than he expected.

John, knowing his boss well enough, interjected, "Mrs. Mira, you could browse for a joke and let him read it to you." His suggestion was light-hearted, trying to ease the growing tension in the air.

Mira nodded, quickly pulling out her phone. John sighed in relief, grateful to have avoided a late-night call from his boss filled with questions about his lack of humor.

Mira handed the phone to Zamian, who held it out, trying to look composed despite his earlier possessiveness. She signaled him to tap on the joke, her excitement palpable. "Now read the joke," she urged, biting her lip in anticipation.

Zamian took on a serious expression, focusing intently as he spoke in a deadpan tone. "Why did the gym close down?" He didn’t even let Mira ask why, as if he were reading from a business report. "Because it didn’t work out."

The car fell silent for a moment before Mira burst into laughter, her joy filling the vehicle. Zamian’s clueless expression made it clear he didn’t understand the joke, but he felt a rush of happiness at her laughter.

"Why so serious?" Mira managed between giggles, her laughter infectious. Soon, John joined in, chuckling at the scene unfolding through the review mirror.

Zamian, however, didn’t care about anything else; what mattered most was that Mira was laughing, and it was because of his joke. Little did he know that part of her laughter stemmed from his serious and clueless expression. Regardless of the reason, Zamian felt a swell of pride at seeing her laughter, more genuine than before.

As Mira finally caught her breath, tears shimmered in her eyes from all the laughter. "You still don’t get it," she said, her giggles resuming, the sound a melody he wanted to hear forever.

Mira finally caught her breath and asked, "Should I tell you a joke?"

Zamian raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"It’ll make you happy," she said, trying to convince him, her enthusiasm radiating.

A smile tugged at the corners of Zamian’s lips as he replied,

"I don’t need a joke. With you by my side, I’m always happy."