Chapter 50: In The Face Of Rumors
Veronica’s smile faltered as she glanced at Mira. She hadn’t expected Zamian to arrive with a partner, especially given her recent boastful claims to her friends about her imminent relationship with him.
The sight of Zamian standing beside Mira felt like a brutal blow to her ego. Years ago, when her father had introduced her to Zamian , he had merely given her a quick, indifferent glance.
That fleeting interaction had led Veronica to entertain the notion of a possible future together. This assumption was further fueled by the speculation among her fellow celebrities, who had also hinted that she and Zamian might eventually end up as a couple. The stark reality of seeing Zamian with Mira now felt like a painful slap, magnified by public expectations and her own misguided hopes.
Forcing a tight smile, Veronica managed to say, "Really sorry about that." Her voice betrayed her discomfort, coming out more strained than she had intended. She struggled to mask her dismay, trying to maintain a veneer of graciousness in front of the people who had witnessed her earlier confidence.
Zamian’s attention shifted from the old man to Mira. His expression softened with a rare, genuine smile of pride. It was a look that suggested he was a proud father witnessing his child achieve something significant. Mira met his gaze with a gentle smile of her own, but the exchange was not lost on Veronica. The sight of Zamian’s affectionate regard for Mira felt like a personal defeat, intensifying her feelings of inadequacy and jealousy.
Sensing the growing tension, Veronica’s father stepped in. "I can see you’re about to leave. We’ll let you go."
Zamian nodded, his demeanor unchanging. "My wife needs some rest."
The reaction to Zamian’s statement was immediate and palpable. His reputation for being stoic and reserved at public events made his protective display all the more striking. Zamian was known for rarely attending such events, despite receiving numerous invitations to auctions, galas, and other high-profile gatherings. When he did attend, he typically remained silent throughout, his presence more felt than acknowledged. The unexpected show of devotion towards Mira was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor, leaving many in the crowd stunned. Some people had even speculated that Zamian might remain single forever, adding to the shock and awe of seeing him so openly devoted to Mira.
As they began to make their exit, the crowd subtly parted to make way for them, Zamian’s commanding presence continuing to exert an intimidating influence. Outside the venue, a few cameras and journalists were stationed, eagerly waiting to capture any last moments of the evening.
"Mrs. Mira and Mr. Zamian, can you give us a short statement?" one journalist called out, trying to get their attention.