Reclaimed By My Ex-husband
Chapter 87: Have you forgotten something?

Chapter 87: Have you forgotten something?

Nathaniel stepped back into the bedroom after settling Zane in for the night. Zara was sitting quietly at the vanity, slowly running a brush through her hair.

There was nothing unusual. Her actions were routine—combing her hair after changing into her nightdress, just like always. But it was the vacant look in her eyes as she gazed at her reflection that made Nathaniel’s chest tighten.

He had noticed her change soon after they left the restaurant. In front of Riya, she had been composed, gracious. But the moment they got into the car, something in her had shut down. She hadn’t said a word since. Just silence. But he had sensed something was off about her, the way she stared out the window blankly. The same vacant look was still there in her face

He loosened his tie and slipped off his jacket, his eyes never leaving her. He wondered what was keeping her so occupied.

"Are you okay?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Zara didn’t answer right away. She blinked slowly, her eyes meeting his in the mirror, as though pulling herself back from somewhere far away.

"You have been quiet ever since dinner," he said when he didn’t get an answer from her. "If something is bothering you, talk to me. Maybe I can help."

Still, no response.

She just looked at him with no expression on her face. But inside, her mind spun with questions and doubts. The words of those two women still echoed in her mind, impossible to shake. Reason told her that all men were not the same. It was unfair to judge Nathaniel based on someone else’s bitter experience. Still, the doubts clung to her, refusing to fade.

"Is this about Riya?" he pressed further. "Are you upset with her?"

A flicker of irritation crossed her face at the mention of Riya. She hadn’t been thinking about that woman. She had already done what needed to be done, shutting down whatever fantasy Riya had been entertaining about Nathaniel. Once Zara had walked away from her, she had kicked Riya out of her mind.

So why was he bringing her up?

"Why would I be upset with her?" she asked, her tone clipped. "Why would you even ask that?"

Nathaniel hesitated, caught off guard. "I just... I thought something was bothering you. I assumed it might be Riya."

"You thought?" Zara’s expression hardened.

She suddenly remembered the strange tension in his demeanor she had walked into at the restaurant, how he had pulled his hands away from Riya’s grip and looked at her awkwardly, as if he had been caught while stealing.

A sharp suspicion crept in.

"Why would you think that?" she asked, her voice growing sharper.

Nathaniel didn’t want to lie. "She came to the office today," he said honestly. "Said you slapped her. Accused you of being jealous."

Zara slammed the comb down onto the vanity and rose to her feet, turning to him with fire in her eyes.

"Jealous?" she snapped. "She is delusional. Why would I be jealous of her?"

Nathaniel reached out and clasped her shoulders, trying to calm her. "Okay, okay—just stay calm."

But Zara shoved his hands away, fury bubbling over. "Yes, I slapped her. And she earned it. Do you even know the disgusting things she said to me?" Her voice shook. She nearly revealed Riya’s sick obsession for him.

But before she could say more, Nathaniel pulled her into a firm embrace.

"I understand," he whispered, holding her close. "It’s okay. I get it."

Zara remained stiff in his arms, her thoughts still churning. His sudden embrace caught her off guard, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to react. But his steady voice grounded her, slowly dispelling the tension inside her.

"You are older than her," Nathaniel said gently. "If she said or did something out of line, you have every right to correct her. I’m not questioning you."

Zara’s anger and frustration began to dissolve at his words. She looked up at him, a mix of surprise and disbelief in her eyes.

"You are not going to ask why I slapped her?" she asked with curiosity. "You are not angry?"

"No." Nathaniel shook his head. "Because I trust you. I know you wouldn’t act that way without a reason. You are her sister-in-law. You have earned the right to school her when she is wrong."

He gently took her hands in his. "And as for the slap... well, Riya has been spoiled all her life. She doesn’t always think before she speaks. I know she can be frustrating, but try not to lose your temper. Don’t always go for a slap."

Zara curled her lips slightly, half smirk, half sneer. She wondered what he would say if he ever found out the truth about Riya’s twisted desire for him, her obsession. But she kept it to herself. She wouldn’t reveal it yet.

Zara wasn’t done with her. She wanted to teach her a good lesson before exposing her to everyone.

"I’ll remember that," she said evenly, slipping out of his arms and turning away.

But before she could take a single step, he caught her by the wrist, tugging her back.

She paused, glancing over her shoulder at him.

"Have you forgotten something?" he asked, a sly gleam in his eyes.

Zara’s brows drew together slightly, unsure of what he meant. Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Nathaniel knew she had no idea what he was hinting at. He turned her toward him, lifting her chin between his fingers.

"Don’t tell me you have forgotten already," he murmured, leaning in, deliberately brushing his lips against her ear. "Should we pick up where we left off?"

In an instant, the memories came rushing back. His touch, his lips pressed against hers, the closeness they had shared – everything flashed in the back of her mind. Heat rushed to Zara’s cheeks, but she kept her expression neutral and played it cool, feigning ignorance.

"I don’t know what you are talking about," she said, trying to slip away.

But he held her in her place, pulling her close until her body was flush against his.

"I’m going to freshen up," he whispered. "Wait for me in bed."

Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. "I won’t wait." With that, she slipped from his arms and quickly left the closet, a timid smile dancing on her lips.

Nathaniel watched her go, a smug grin tugging at his lips.

’You are not getting away from me tonight,’ he thought as he went into the bathroom.