Reclaimed By My Ex-husband
Chapter 84: A silent challenge

Chapter 84: A silent challenge

Zara walked back, lost in thought, her steps heavy, her expression blank as a storm of doubts swirled in her mind. The conversation in the restroom kept echoing in her mind.

’Never trust a man completely... you’ll only end up hurt.’

’Be careful. Or else, you will be the one who will be left wounded.’

’If you suspect something, don’t confront—observe. Or better, hire a private detective to keep an eye on him.’

Each warning played on repeat, feeding the unease creeping into her chest. Even though suspicion had started to creep in, the rational side of her still wondered if Nathaniel was truly capable of betraying her.

Could Nathaniel really be unfaithful?

For five long years since Nora’s death, he had been emotionally distant. His devotion to her remained the same. Even after marrying Zara, his heart had remained sealed. He hadn’t allowed a single woman to cross the boundary he had set around himself. That impenetrable wall of restraint was still there.

It made her doubt whether Nathaniel was even capable of having an affair outside their marriage.

’No,’ she told herself. ’He may not love me, but he wouldn’t betray me either. He is not that kind of man.’

Zara tried to shake off the unsettling thoughts swirling in her mind as she made her way back to the table. But her footsteps faltered when she saw the scene in front of her.

There stood Riya close to Nathaniel, her hand wrapped around his, and her face glowing with a smile that could disarm even the most cautious man.

Zara’s heart clenched painfully. Her fingers curled tightly around her purse. ’Even if he doesn’t love me, I won’t let that woman get her claws into him,’ she swore silently. ’She is a murderer. In my past life, she killed me.’

She stepped forward.

Nathaniel noticed her approaching. His expression shifted instantly, panic and concern flashing across his eyes. He quickly withdrew his hand from Riya’s and took a small step away, trying to create space between them.

"Zara," he said, clearly flustered, as if scrambling to explain.

Riya turned to her with a honey-sweet tone. "Oh, you are back. I didn’t realize you were here for dinner. If I had known, I would’ve asked you to join me." _{f(r)eew(e)bnovel.(c)o(m)}

She then looped her arm around Nathaniel’s again. "I had a meeting tonight with a client. Just signed an endorsement deal for a jewelry brand. I ran into Nathaniel here and couldn’t help but share the good news."

Nathaniel looked visibly uncomfortable with her clinging to him. He pulled his arm free again and moved toward Zara. "If you are finished, we can head out."

But Zara only smiled, her eyes locking with Riya’s. "Why the rush? Your sister just landed such a big deal. We should celebrate, shouldn’t we?" She slid her hand around Nathaniel’s arm and looked up at him. "What do you think?"

Her action was deliberate, clearly sending Riya a message: ’You are out of league.’

Nathaniel looked deeply into Zara’s eyes, searching for some hint of what she was truly feeling. But her smile was calm, her expression unreadable. She had hidden her emotions with such finesse that he couldn’t decipher a single thought behind those eyes.

’Didn’t she argue with Riya this morning?’ he recalled, puzzled.

Earlier that day, Riya had stormed into his office in tears, claiming Zara had slapped her. She accused Zara of being envious of her success, her rising fame. But the woman standing before him now didn’t look jealous at all.

On the contrary, she seemed gracious, even willing to celebrate Riya’s achievement.

He was confused, unsure of what to believe.

Riya, on the other hand, seethed silently as she watched Nathaniel and Zara hold each other’s gaze so intently. It was as if they couldn’t stop staring at each other, as if the world had faded into a blur and only the two of them existed.

Nathaniel finally spoke. "If you insist, but not tonight. Look at your son." He tilted his head toward the corner, where Zane had dozed off on the sofa.

Zara nodded with a soft hum. "You are right. We should leave now." She turned to Riya. "Sorry, Riya. We’ll have to skip the celebration for now."

Then she leaned into Nathaniel’s arm, deliberately nestling close to him. "And congratulations on your deal," she added sweetly. "I hope your career continues to flourish."

Nathaniel felt a wave of relief. Hearing her speak with such genuine poise reassured him that Zara held no jealousy toward Riya.

Riya smiled tightly. "Thanks," she replied through gritted teeth.

"We are family," Zara said. "No need for formalities. Your success is something we all take pride in. I’m truly happy for you, and I can’t wait to see you as the showstopper on the ramp."

Riya’s lips parted in shock. ’She is coming to the event?’

That wasn’t what she had expected. She had assumed Zara wouldn’t show up at the event, considering the emotional and physical turmoil she had recently endured. She believed she’d have the perfect opportunity to spend time with Nathaniel, but Zara’s unexpected declaration shattered all her carefully laid plans.

"You are attending the event?" Riya asked with disbelief.

"Of course," Zara said sweetly. "You invited me, didn’t you? How could I not? After all, I am your sister-in-law."

Riya ground her teeth, her frustration threatening to bubble over. She wanted to snap, but with Nathaniel around, she had to swallow her anger. She couldn’t afford to lose her temper yet.

"Alright, let’s get going," Nathaniel said, already moving toward Zane.

"Nathaniel, could you drop me home first?" Riya asked quickly, almost desperately.

He paused and turned to her, his brows furrowing with questions. "Didn’t you bring your car?"

She stepped closer, giving him a coy smile. "Actually, I sent the driver to drop off my manager when I saw you here. I thought I could ask you for a ride."

She reached out and tugged at the corners of his sleeve. "Can you please take me home first?" she asked, her tone persuasive.

She wanted to show Zara that Nathaniel cared about her more than anything else, that no matter what, he would give in and fulfill her demands, even if it meant abandoning his wife and child.

Nathaniel glanced at Zara and found her staring at him. The intensity in her gaze struck a nerve within him. A flutter of nervous energy rippled through his chest.

"That won’t be possible," he turned Riya down straight away. "Zane is fast asleep. We need to get home. You take my car. I’ll call a cab."

As he reached into his pocket for the keys, Zara caught his hand, stopping him.

"Riya wouldn’t be so inconsiderate as to let us take a taxi when our son is sleeping. She can manage on her own. Isn’t that right, Riya?"

There was a challenging glint in her eyes as if she was daring Riya to counter her.

Riya could barely hold herself back from lashing out, her frustration visible in the tension around her eyes. But she forced a brittle smile.

"Of course. I can manage on my own," she said stiffly.

Zara turned back to Nathaniel with a smile. "Told you—Riya is understanding."

Nathaniel gave a small nod, seemingly reassured. He lifted Zane into his arms and exited the restaurant with Zara walking beside him.