Reclaimed By My Ex-husband-Chapter 75: An unexpected visitor

’Wait... what?’ Zara’s heart skipped a beat. ’Did I hear that right?’ Her whole body tensed.

Nathaniel, the man who practically breathed work, just offered to skip the office to stay with her?

It didn’t compute.

This was the same man she used to fantasize about spending a simple day with. She had dreamed of him walking beside her through crowded malls, sharing quiet dinners, and stargazing with fingers intertwined on a quiet night. But for the past five years, that dream had lived only in her head. Reality had been a cold office, endless meetings, and his distant, unreachable presence.

Now, here he was, wanting to spend the whole day with her.

And she didn’t know how to respond.

’What would be the point?’ a cynical voice inside her whispered. ’Even if he stays, he’ll just turn the bedroom into another office like he did at the hospital.’

The warmth that had started to rise in her chest flickered out. Her shoulders slumped slightly, and her eyes dropped.

"No need," she murmured. "You should focus on your work."

She tried to shift away, to create space, but Nathaniel moved quicker.

He slid a hand behind her head, pulling her close until their faces were nearly touching.

Zara froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened.

"You want me to focus on work?" he murmured in a serious tone, but his eyes flickered with something akin to playfulness. "How am I supposed to do that when you keep staring at me like that?"

Her cheeks lit up like fire. ’He noticed,’ she thought, suddenly very aware of every glance she had stolen earlier.

She bit her lower lip, unable to hide her flustered expression.

Nathaniel smiled slightly, clearly enjoying her reaction. He leaned in even closer. "Just say it," he whispered in her ear. "Say the word... and I won’t go anywhere."

Zara’s fingers instinctively gripped the bedsheet beneath her. His nearness, the warmth of his breath against her skin, the low rasp of his voice—all of it made her stomach twist in nervous flutters. Her mind went blank under the weight of his presence. His scent wrapped around her senses, making it hard to focus on anything else.

Nathaniel took her silence as consent. He tilted his head and brushed his lips over hers, testing, waiting, searching her eyes for a sign.

Zara didn’t move. She stayed still, heat rising through her body like wildfire. When she didn’t pull away, he parted his lips, ready to kiss her.

But his phone blared, slicing the moment in half.

Startled, Zara jerked back and quickly scooted away, her cheeks blazing red. Nathaniel froze, thrown off by the interruption. His jaw clenched as irritation crept into his expression.

’Who the hell is calling me now?’ he cursed internally.

He yanked the phone from his pocket and scowled when he saw the name. Roberto.

"Hello?" he answered, his voice edged with a dangerous calm.

"Sir, we have got a problem," Roberto said grimly. "There is a situation at the construction site. Some goons attacked our workers. A few of them are injured. It’s the same gang that held Madam captive. They are retaliating because we sent their leader to prison. The crew refuses to continue until it’s resolved. You are needed at the office."

Nathaniel’s expression shifted instantly. The playful spark in his eyes vanished. His back straightened.

"I’m on my way," he said sharply and ended the call.

Without sparing another word, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room.

Zara remained still, her eyes fixed on the door Nathaniel had just walked through. Her heart thudded in her chest, his scent still clinging to her like a ghost of the moment that had nearly happened.

Just minutes ago, he had told her he wanted to spend the entire day by her side. And yet, one call had been enough to pull him away.

She let out a tired sigh. "Forget it. Everything might change... but not his obsession with work."

She was about to lie down when a gentle knock came at the door. It creaked open, and Mrs. Jules stepped in, a warm smile on her face.

"Madam, you are back," the housekeeper said kindly, walking toward the bed. But as her eyes landed on the faint bruises still marring Zara’s face, the smile quickly faded. Her heart sank at the sight.

"How are you feeling now?" she asked gently, her brows furrowing.

"Better," Zara replied, offering a comforting smile.

"But these marks..." Mrs. Jules’ expression was filled with concern.

Zara reached up and touched her cheek lightly. "Don’t worry. They’ll fade soon."

Then, as if trying to shift the focus, she added with a flicker of warmth, "Zane will be home soon. Can you make something he likes for lunch?" freewebnoveℓ.com

At that, Mrs. Jules’ eyes lit up. "Of course. I already know just what to prepare. I’ll get started right away."

Ding-Dong...

The sharp chime of the doorbell echoed through the quiet villa.

"I’ll get it," Mrs. Jules said as she made her way toward the entrance.

When she opened the door, she was met by the sight of Riya standing there, dressed impeccably and wearing her usual smug expression.

"Miss, you are here," the housekeeper greeted, stepping aside with a respectful bow and hands clasped in front of her.

Riya didn’t acknowledge the gesture. With her chin slightly raised, she gave the place a quick once-over. "I heard Zara is back," she said coolly. "I came to check on her."

"She is in her room, resting," Mrs. Jules replied politely.

Without sparing a glance at her, Riya made a beeline for the master bedroom.

Inside, Zara was propped against the headboard, lazily scrolling through her phone. Her eyes flicked up when she sensed someone entering and immediately stilled when she saw who it was.

"What are you doing here?" Zara asked, seemingly irritated.

Riya smirked. "This is Nathaniel’s house. I can come here whenever I please. Don’t forget I am his family."

Zara let out a short, bitter laugh.

But Riya smiled even wider as if Zara’s reaction didn’t affect her. "I’m in a good mood today," she said lightly. "I’m not here to argue with you."

She walked closer to the bed. From her handbag, she pulled out a glossy red invitation card and held it up between her fingers.

"I actually came to deliver this," she said sweetly. "Tomorrow is a special day for me. I’m going to be the showstopper at the biggest fashion event in the city."

She extended the card toward Zara, her smile gleaming with a hint of condescension. "I’d love for you and Nathaniel to attend."

The challenge in her voice was subtle, but clear.

Zara’s gaze dropped to the invitation card in Riya’s hand, and her heart skipped a beat. It was the very same event she was participating in.

’She is the showstopper?’

The realization hit her like a wave, leaving her momentarily dazed. Slowly, she reached out to take the card. But just before her fingers touched it, Riya pulled it back with a smug smile.

"Oh, but you are still recovering," she said in a falsely sweet tone. "And with those bruises... I doubt you’ll be able to attend."

Zara’s hand froze midair.

Riya’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Nathaniel said he is coming. He promised me he’ll be there to watch the show."

The pride in her voice was unmistakable, her expression dripping with self-importance, as if she had already claimed the spotlight and Nathaniel’s attention.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺