Forbiddenly Bound To You
Chapter 89: Mira’s Baby Shower Plans

Chapter 89: Mira’s Baby Shower Plans

Seven Months Later

*****

Months had passed since Mira signed the divorce agreement. It wasn’t until she had finally been shown the contract, with its hidden clauses laid bare, that the weight of her choice truly hit her. So that was Zamian’s plan: to show her the other part of the contract so she would not leave.The only thing separating her from a final break with Zamian was his signature, a line on the document that had yet to be filled. In her heart, she was convinced that when Zamian returned, he would add his name, sealing their fate forever. Yet, a lingering hope clung to her—a hope that perhaps he would choose differently.

***

In a distant kingdom

Zamian sat alone in his dimly lit office, his expression cold and detached. The shadows cast by the flickering light hung on the ceiling, mirroring the turmoil within him. Over the past month, the coldness in his eyes had intensified, reflecting a deep-seated conflict he couldn’t quite comprehend. Mira’s calls came frequently, her voice warm and filled with longing, but he couldn’t ignore the shift he sensed in her tone. Each conversation felt more like an obligation than a genuine connection, leaving him with a growing sense of guilt and detachment.

As he sat at his desk, lost in thought, a soft knock echoed through the silence. Zamian didn’t bother to raise his head; he continued to focus on his work, his pen scratching against the paper in a desperate attempt to drown out the thoughts that swirled in his mind like a tempest.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing John, his loyal assistant. John entered with soft, cautious footsteps, fully aware of Zamian’s recent mood swings. He had witnessed King Zamian’s descent into a state of sadness,and the change in his demeanor left him puzzled.

"King Derek just sent a letter," John announced, attempting to gauge Zamian’s reaction. In this age of technology, letters were still a tradition when addressing a particular kingdom—a sign of respect upheld for generations.

Zamian remained motionless, the weight of John’s words lost on him as his thoughts lingered on Mira and the life they once shared.

"It’s a reconciliation letter," John added, hoping to draw Zamian’s attention. But Zamian remained calm, his features betraying nothing of the inner turmoil churning within him.

"Umm..." John cleared his throat, gathering his courage before continuing. "Mrs. Mira’s report..."

Finally, Zamian turned to John, surprising him with his sudden movement. "Speak," he commanded, the hardness in his tone softening slightly as he focused on his assistant.

"She has been taking her medication seriously. She has taken a liking to long walks two to three times a week and spends more time with her flowers. Last week, she even went for a few check-ups. She has also gotten used to staying alone and talking to the baby..."

"Wait." Zamian halted John in his tracks, confusion flashing across his face. "She talks to who?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

John raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement creeping into his expression. "The baby," he replied, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

As if realizing something profound, Zamian’s demeanor calmed. "Go on," he urged, suddenly intrigued by the thought of Mira nurturing their unborn child.

"The gender reveal is tomorrow. Once the result is out, I’ll inform you," John finished, letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

"You may go," Zamian said, waving his hand dismissively.

"B-boss, how about King Derek?" John asked hesitantly, unsure of how to proceed.

"Get out," Zamian said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As John exited the room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong with his boss. The king’s erratic behavior had become a puzzle, and John wondered if the mood swing mode had officially turned on.

Meanwhile, Mira stood in the garden, her hands gently caressing her growing belly while the other hand fiddled with her necklace, seeking comfort in the familiar gesture. The garden, once a place of joy and laughter shared with Zamian, had transformed into her sanctuary over the past seven months. Each gentle stroke of her belly was a connection to the life growing inside her, a reminder of the care that had once flourished between her and Zamian.

Zamian had not visited even once during this time, leaving a conflict brewing within her. Should she be glad if he came? His visit would likely mean he would sign the divorce contract, officially ending their marriage. Or would it be better if he stayed away? At least in his absence, they were still technically married, and that thin thread of hope kept her heart from breaking completely.

In these past months, Mira had ensured that the baby lacked nothing. She ate her fruits, slept well, and even began to work again, finding solace in her job as she tried to rebuild her life. She had also applied for meditation classes to calm her nerves whenever she felt overwhelmed by loneliness. Every time she was due for a check-up, she made sure to go to the hospital, ensuring everything was on track for their little one.

As she held her tummy, a smile spread across her face. "Tomorrow we are going to see if I’m right or if Aunt Lily is right. She keeps saying you’re a girl, but I say you’re a boy. Regardless, I still love you," Mira spoke to the baby, her lips curling into a warm smile. The thought of the gender reveal brought her a glimmer of excitement amidst the uncertainty of her situation.

Just then, James arrived, interrupting her thoughts.

"Mrs. Mira, you’ve been standing here for a while now. Please, could you go inside and rest?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"It’s fine, Mr. James. I’m not tired. After all, a pregnant woman is meant to be strong," she replied, forcing a smile. "I have to be even stronger, especially since I’m alone..." Mira’s voice cracked at the end, and she shifted her gaze from James, who noticed her distress and felt a wave of concern wash over him.

"Mrs. Mira," he said gently, "why don’t you come inside? We prepared fruit salad for you. It’s good for the baby."

Mira finally nodded, sensing the sincerity in his voice. She appreciated James’s kindness and understood that he was trying to help her cope with her emotional state. The weight of loneliness bore heavily on her, but his presence offered a small measure of comfort.

As she followed James into the mansion, her heart was a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "Baby, Mommy is going to eat now," Mira spoke softly, finding solace in talking to her baby. It felt soothing, almost as if the act of speaking was bridging the gap between her and Zamian, keeping her connected to him despite the distance.

When she sat down to eat, her thoughts drifted to Zamian. Would he ever realize what he was missing? She tried to focus on her meal, but her mind wandered. Just as Lily had suggested, she was determined to hold the baby shower regardless of whether Zamian would be there. The joy of welcoming their child was too significant to be overshadowed by his absence. She resolved to take good care of this child, no matter what happened between her and Zamian.

After finishing her meal, Mira walked to the living room. Sitting on the plush sofa, she caressed her tummy as she spoke. "Your daddy is so rude," she pouted, her voice filled with playful frustration. "He didn’t even ask about you since I called. Can you imagine what a very inconsiderate man he is?"

She took a deep breath, allowing herself to express her feelings freely. "And he hasn’t called me either. I’m always the one who calls him—so rude!"

Mira pouted again, the playful tone of her voice hiding the deeper ache in her heart. She longed for Zamian’s presence, yet she felt a sense of betrayal toward her own emotions. The conflict between love and resentment churned within her, and she felt overwhelmed by the contrast of her feelings.

Just then, Nana rushed in, holding Mira’s phone, which was ringing. Mira sighed; she had forgotten to take her phone from the dining table.

Nana handed it to her before bowing and leaving. Mira looked at the caller ID, and her jaw almost dropped. Zamian was calling! It was the first time in seven months. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, and she felt a surge of emotions flood through her.

"Oh, my baby, your dad is calling," she whispered, feeling the flutter of her heart against the confines of her chest. She hesitated for a moment, staring at the phone as if it were a foreign object, unsure of how to feel. A whirlwind of emotions engulfed her—anger, hope, and a touch of pain. Would this be a call to finally bridge the distance between them, or merely a formality?

In a surprising turn of events, the baby kicked.