A sleek, black, limited-edition car sped down the road, its engine purring with a controlled power that echoed through the otherwise quiet afternoon. Inside, Zamian sat in the backseat, engrossed in his iPad. His fingers moved swiftly across the screen, meticulously organizing appointments and overseeing the operations of his various business ventures. His face remained impassive, reflecting his usual demeanor—cold, emotionless, and detached.
Today, however, there was something different. Normally, his workday followed a precise, almost ritualistic pattern, every task carefully calculated to maximize efficiency. But today, he had completed everything ahead of schedule, compressing what was usually a day's worth of work into mere hours. This was unlike him—Zamian was never one to deviate from his routines without reason. Yet, here he was, arriving at the mansion far earlier than anyone had expected.
As the car came to a smooth stop in front of the grand estate, Zamian set down his iPad and glanced out the window. His eyes immediately narrowed at the sight before him. In the garden, two figures stood side by side, each holding a watering can. One was a man he did not recognize, and the other—his gaze darkened—was Mira.
Mira was wearing a dress he had never seen before, one that accentuated her figure in a way that caught him off guard. The gown was elegant, its design subtly sophisticated, and it made her look... different. There was something about the way the fabric flowed around her, the way it contrasted with her usual attire, that stirred an unfamiliar feeling within him.
And then, he heard it—her laughter. Soft, melodic, and completely out of place in his world. Zamian's steps halted just as he was about to exit the car. Mira's laughter was a sound he had never heard before, at least not from her. It was so unlike the reserved, cautious woman who had arrived at the mansion some time ago. It was infectious, full of life, and for a fleeting moment, he found himself unsettled by it.
His gaze shifted to the man standing beside her, and his expression grew colder. The man was speaking to Mira, his proximity to her too familiar for Zamian's liking. How could this man—this stranger—evoke such a carefree reaction from her? He didn't like it, didn't understand it. A ripple of discomfort passed through him, though his face remained as unreadable as ever.
The man turned toward Zamian and gave a respectful bow, clearly recognizing his presence. It was only then that Mira turned to face him, her laughter dying on her lips as soon as she met his gaze. The brightness that had filled her eyes moments ago was gone, replaced by a guarded wariness. Her expression shifted so quickly that it unsettled him even further, though he would never admit it.
Zamian stepped out of the car, his movements deliberate and controlled. Without breaking eye contact with Mira, he addressed her in a low, commanding tone. "Follow me."
There was no need for further explanation. His voice, cold and authoritative, left no room for argument. Mira hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around the handle of the watering can as she processed his words. The easygoing atmosphere that had surrounded her just moments ago evaporated, replaced by the heavy, stifling tension that always seemed to accompany Zamian's presence.
After a beat, she nodded and quietly set down the can, her gaze lowering as she moved toward him. The man beside her stepped back respectfully, understanding without being told that he was no longer needed. Zamian turned and headed toward the mansion, his long strides leaving little time for Mira to catch up.
They ascended the grand staircase in silence, the only sound being the faint echo of their footsteps. Zamian's were heavy, deliberate, each step a reflection of his controlled power, while Mira's were lighter, hesitant, as if she was unsure of what awaited her.
When they reached his office, Mira closed the door behind them, the soft click of the latch heightening the sense of isolation in the room. Zamian's office was a stark contrast to the opulence of the rest of the mansion. It was sleek, modern, with clean lines and minimal decoration. The room was dominated by a large, polished desk, behind which a single window offered a view of the expansive estate.
Zamian moved to his desk, opening a drawer with the same precision that he applied to everything in his life. From within, he pulled out a file—thick, official-looking—and laid it flat on the desk. He didn't speak, his silence stretching out as he flipped through the pages, scanning them one last time before he finally reached for a pen.
Mira stood frozen near the door, her heart racing. The weight of the silence between them was oppressive. Finally, she found her voice, though it came out quieter than she intended. "What... what is that?"
Zamian glanced at her, his expression unreadable as ever. "A marriage contract," he replied simply.
The words hit Mira like a punch to the gut. She stared at him, her mind scrambling to make sense of the situation. A marriage contract? Of course, she had known this moment would come—she had signed the initial agreement when she first arrived at the mansion, agreeing to his terms, to this strange arrangement. But still, hearing the words spoken aloud made it all feel far more real. Far more permanent.
Zamian's hand moved steadily as he signed his name on the final page of the contract. When he finished, he straightened and extended the pen toward Mira. "Sign it."
Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out to take the pen. As their fingers brushed, a sudden jolt of electricity shot through her. It was the same spark she had felt the last time their hands had touched—an undeniable, confusing sensation that she couldn't quite shake. She forced herself to focus, ignoring the unsettling feeling as best she could.
With a deep breath, Mira lowered the pen to the paper and began to sign her name. Each stroke of ink felt heavier than the last, as if the weight of the contract was pressing down on her with every letter. When she finished, she placed the pen down carefully, her hand lingering for a moment longer than necessary before she stepped back.
Zamian said nothing as he retrieved the contract and placed it back in the drawer. But instead of dismissing her, as she half-expected, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, silver box. He opened it with a practiced motion, revealing a ring inside.
The ring was exquisite. The band, made from the finest silver, gleamed under the soft lighting of the office. Intricate patterns were etched into the surface, delicate and refined, and at its center sat a large, flawless diamond. The gemstone caught the light with every slight movement, casting shimmering reflections across the room.
Mira's breath caught in her throat. She couldn't deny the beauty of the ring—it was a masterpiece, the kind of thing most women would dream of. But to her, it was something else entirely. It was a symbol of the contract she had just signed, a physical manifestation of the binding agreement between them. A reminder that, from this moment on, her life was no longer her own.
Zamian stepped closer to her, his imposing presence filling the space between them. He extended his hand, his voice soft yet firm. "Place your hand."
Mira hesitated for a brief moment before doing as he asked. His hand, large and strong, enveloped hers as he slid the ring onto her finger. The cool metal felt strange against her skin, a constant, tangible reminder of the commitment she had just made.
Zamian's fingers lingered for a moment, his touch surprisingly gentle as he adjusted the ring, ensuring it fit perfectly. When he finally released her hand, he lifted her chin with a single, deliberate motion, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were intense, unreadable, as he spoke the words that would seal her fate.
"From now on," he murmured, his voice low and commanding, "you're officially bound to me."