Chapter 12: Touching you
As Mira turned and saw Zamian’s penetrating stare, her heart raced uncontrollably. She couldn’t fathom what could have prompted him to stop her. The tension in the air was almost palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Zamian’s deep, commanding voice broke through the heavy silence, each word deliberate.
"As you mentioned earlier," he began, his tone steady yet firm, "the four months are being counted. So, meeting another person is also counted. Is that not right? Am I mistaken?"
Mira’s mind raced as she struggled to organize her thoughts. Was Zamian trying to use her own words against her? The subtle challenge in his question caught her off guard, making her feel exposed. She felt a wave of anxiety mixed with confusion. The sensation of their hands touching earlier had been unfamiliar, unsettling in a way she hadn’t expected.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she met his gaze. Her fingers still tingled from the brief contact, the intensity of it lingering far longer than she anticipated.
"That’s right, Mr. Zamian. I assure you that this won’t happen again," Mira said firmly, her voice quivering ever so slightly as she tried to maintain her composure. She was determined to prove that she could follow through with the agreement they had made. These four months had to go smoothly, without any incidents that could disrupt the plan.
Zamian released her hands slowly, his expression remaining unreadable, as though their exchange was nothing more than a business transaction. He spoke again, his tone calm but unyielding. "During these four months, you are considered a married woman and are not allowed to be with any other man. After these four months, you are free to do as you wish."
His words weighed heavily on Mira, and she struggled to process the gravity of the situation. The simplicity with which he laid down the rules only added to her unease. She remained silent, grappling with the implications. Then, cutting through her thoughts like a blade, his voice again: "Do you want to cheat on your husband?"
The word "husband" hung in the air, its weight pressing on her. Mira’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she immediately felt her face burn with embarrassment. The way he said it, with such cold indifference, sent a wave of shame and confusion through her. Her attempts to pull away were futile, and it was too late to hide her reaction; Zamian had already seen the effect his words had on her.
Despite her flush, Zamian continued to hold her hand, his proximity only adding to the turmoil inside her. As if sensing her discomfort, he moved closer, his tall frame looming over her. His head bent slightly to her height, and Mira’s heart hammered as she felt the warmth of his breath brush her skin. Her face deepened in color, her emotions a swirl of confusion, embarrassment, and something else she couldn’t quite place.
"Answer me," Zamian’s voice softened but maintained a quiet authority. "Am I wrong? You haven’t answered me yet."
Mira struggled to respond, her voice faltering. "No," she finally whispered, lowering her head in a futile attempt to shield her flushed face behind her hair. Her embarrassment was almost unbearable, but before she could fully retreat into herself, Zamian gently tucked her hair behind her ear and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.