Chapter 53: An Unexpected Visit
Mira stared at Zamian in disbelief. "A brother?" It was a revelation she hadn’t anticipated, and it left her feeling more uncertain than she cared to admit. Despite all the time she had spent with him, she realized just how little she knew about his personal life. And now, learning that he had a brother—along with all the implications that came with it—caught her completely off guard.
As she was still reeling from the news, Zamian’s voice cut through her swirling thoughts. "Let them in."
John, standing near the doorway, looked confused. "Boss, they’re already in the living room," he said cautiously, unsure if Zamian had misunderstood him.
Zamian, calm as ever, repeated himself, his tone firmer. "Let them in."
Mira, still processing the fact that they had unexpected guests, felt a pang of panic rise in her chest. She hadn’t been prepared for any visitors, much less for Zamian’s brother. It didn’t help that she was dressed far too casually, her hair hastily pulled into a messy bun with a few loose strands falling around her face. Glancing down at the bunny-print pajamas she was wearing, Mira grimaced, wishing she’d worn something more appropriate. If she had known Zamian’s brother was coming, she never would’ve suggested the matching pajamas that now felt like a glaring mistake.
Sensing her discomfort, Zamian leaned closer to her, his voice dropping to a reassuring whisper. "Just be yourself."
Mira nodded slightly, though she still felt a wave of nervousness rising within her. Being herself didn’t seem like the best option under these circumstances, especially not when she was meeting family for the first time. If there had been any way to excuse herself and avoid the encounter, she would’ve taken it, but before she could think of anything to say, they were already making their way to the dining room.
When they entered, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The scene before them was as if frozen in time, almost too polished for what should’ve been a casual family dinner. Zamian’s brother, Zander, stood at the far end of the room, looking as though he had just stepped off the red carpet at a charity gala which was true. He was slightly older than Zamian, his sophisticated brown tuxedo tailored to perfection, while the woman beside him—undoubtedly his wife—wore a stunning brown gown that matched Zander’s outfit perfectly. Her light brown hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, completing the image of elegance.
Mira’s insecurities doubled in that instant. She had already felt out of place, but now, standing in front of two people who looked like they belonged in a magazine, she felt even more self-conscious. They were polished, elegant, and composed—everything she was not in this moment.