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.
As their gazes locked, Mira felt the world around them narrow. His face was now dangerously close, his lips hovering mere inches from hers, though they never quite touched. The unspoken tension between them crackled, the closeness overwhelming. Mira's heart raced wildly, each beat loud in her ears. Zamian's eyes gleamed with a teasing glint, clearly aware of the effect he had on her.
"It seems you're having trouble answering me," he remarked, his tone still laced with a playful edge. "Maybe I should make it easier for you."
Mira's breath caught in her throat as Zamian leaned in closer, his lips still just out of reach. The intensity of the moment was unbearable, her senses overwhelmed. He seemed to relish her reaction, drawing out the tension without crossing the boundary of physical contact. Then, just as suddenly, he pulled back slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Think carefully before you speak, Mira. Your answers matter," he said, his voice returning to a more measured tone, though the teasing undercurrent still lingered.
Relief washed over Mira as Zamian finally put some distance between them. The brief but electrifying encounter had left her dazed and confused. Zamian returned to his usual stoic self, moving away and settling back onto the couch. He picked up his iPad and resumed whatever task he had been engaged in before, as though nothing significant had just occurred between them.
Mira, still reeling, sat on the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushed from the encounter. She tried to regain control of her racing thoughts. How could he act so indifferent after what had just happened? The surreal nature of the exchange left her feeling both frustrated and intrigued.
Her phone buzzed, breaking through her swirling thoughts. It was a message from Zack, asking where she was. Mira hesitated before picking up her phone. Zack was someone she could trust, but how could she explain her situation? She typed quickly, her fingers trembling slightly:
"I'm really sorry, Zack. I can't come right now, but let's talk on Monday."
Setting her phone down, Mira sighed deeply. She still hadn't fully processed what had just happened. She stood from the bed and glanced toward Zamian, who remained absorbed in his work. Summoning her courage, she walked over to him. She couldn't let this tension between them go unresolved. If these four months were to be completed successfully, she had to get used to his presence, even if it made her uncomfortable.
"Mr. Zamian," she began, her voice soft but steady, "I would like to get used to… touching you, so these four months can be completed smoothly."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Mira's face burned with embarrassment. She realized how her statement could be misinterpreted. Her heart sank, hoping Zamian wouldn't take it the wrong way. His dark eyes shifted to her, a glint of amusement dancing within them.
"Touching me?" he repeated, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.
Before she could explain, Zamian leaned forward slightly, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "Why don't we practice now?" he suggested, his voice dropping to a husky murmur.