Reclaimed By My Ex-husband
Chapter 90: You weren’t there with us.

Chapter 90: You weren’t there with us.

Zara and Nathaniel sat up quickly, exchanging a look of surprise. Zane was already dressed, his little shirt tucked in neatly, hair combed, shoes polished, ready to go to school.

"When did you wake up?" Zara asked, stunned. "Why didn’t you call me?"

"When I woke up, I saw you were sleeping next to me," Zane replied. "I was so happy. Mommy and Daddy were with me last night. I didn’t want to wake you up. So I got ready all by myself."

Zara’s heart melted instantly. "Oh, my sweetheart, come here," she said, spreading her arms.

Zane dashed to her and hugged her tightly. She held him close. "You have grown up so fast," she mumbled. "You got ready on your own..."

She pulled back slightly and asked, "Did you eat anything?"

Zane nodded. "Mrs. Jules gave me toast and scrambled eggs."

"Mmm, your favorite," Zara said, rubbing her nose gently against his, making him giggle.

"But I like the chocolate cupcake you bake the most," he added.

Zara chuckled. "Alright then. I’ll make them for you. When you come back from school, they’ll be waiting."

"Looks like everyone has forgotten about me," Nathaniel said with mock disappointment. "No one seems to care about me at all."

Both Zara and Zane turned toward him, catching the pout on his face.

Zara arched a brow. ’What a dramatic little act,’ she mused, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. But bittersweet emotions swirled in her chest.

Nathaniel had never been around during mornings like this. He used to be all business—an early breakfast and off to work. Zara had always been the one getting Zane ready, packing his bag, fixing his uniform, and sending him to school. It had been her daily routine.

But this morning was different. Nathaniel was here. It almost felt surreal.

A spark of mischief flared in her. ’You want to spend time with us. Fine. But I won’t let you forget what you missed.’

Lifting her chin slightly, she met his eyes. "It’s only natural we forgot about you. All those years, you weren’t there with us."

She slid off the bed and reached for Zane’s hand. "Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get your bag ready."

Zane followed her and walked to the other side of the room, leaving Nathaniel sitting on the bed alone, momentarily speechless.

Nathaniel silently watched as Zara knelt to carefully place Zane’s books into his schoolbag.

A wave of guilt washed over him.

He realized how many precious moments he had missed over the years—Zane’s laughter, his tears, the simple joy of watching him grow.

While Zara had spent sleepless nights caring for Zane, he had been tied up in late-night conference calls. When Zane had school events or parent-teacher meetings, he had been caught up in work. Every time they needed him, he had been away—on business trips, at meetings, chasing business deals.

He had never joined them on shopping trips, never played with them at the park, never shared casual dinners as a family.

’You weren’t there with us...’ Zara’s words pierced him like a sharp blade.

Remorse flooded his chest. He regretted every missed opportunity to be present with his son and the woman who had raised him alone.

’I’m sorry,’ he thought. ’I’ll fix this. I’ll make up to you.’

The moment Zara and Zane began to head toward the door, Nathaniel jolted into motion. He sprang from the bed and crossed the room in a heartbeat.

"Wait." He stepped in front of them, blocking their path. "I’ll drop him off at school."

Zara raised a brow. Zane blinked in surprise. They looked at each other, puzzled.

Nathaniel offered a smile. "I just need to change. Give me a minute." He spun on his heel.

"There is no need," Zara called calmly behind him. "The driver is ready. He’ll take Zane to school. You’ll be late for work. Go get ready. I’ll ask Mrs. Jules to bring your breakfast."

Nathaniel stopped mid-step and turned back. "I’m the boss. If I’m late, no one dares question me." He smiled down at Zane. "Just wait for Daddy, okay?"

With that, Nathaniel hurried out of the room, vanishing into the master bedroom.

Zane stood frozen, staring wide-eyed at the door Nathaniel had just disappeared through. "Mommy," he said with confusion, "don’t you think Daddy is acting... strange?"

Zara chuckled softly, nodding. "Yes, he is. But it’s a good kind of strange, don’t you think? He is trying to change."

"I like this new Daddy," Zane beamed.

Her heart warmed as she caressed his hair gently. Turning her gaze toward the closed master bedroom door, Zara exhaled a soft sigh. She could see Nathaniel’s efforts to be present for them. And that mattered. Yet, deep down, a shadow of doubt lingered.

’Will you still have time for us when work starts pulling you away again?’ she wondered silently.

A few minutes later, the door opened, and Nathaniel stepped out, dressed and ready. "Shall we go?"

"Yes," Zane replied excitedly.

"Then let’s go." Nathaniel scooped his son up into his arms and carried him out.

Zara followed behind, stopping at the doorstep. She watched them get into the car. She raised her hand and waved, a smile lingering on her lips.

Later that day...

The fashion show was in full swing at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The spotlights danced across the grand ballroom. The runway gleamed under the lights, framed by rows of plush, velvet-covered chairs on either side. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and chatter—journalists, fashion bloggers, and high-society guests filled the space, their designer outfits as dazzling as the event itself.

Zara arrived at the venue with Nathaniel. When they stepped into the hall, Bree came bounding over, vibrating with excitement.

"Oh my God, Zara," she exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. "I’m so excited I can barely breathe."

Zara laughed as she hugged her back. "Bree, breathe. You’ll faint before the show starts."

Bree exhaled dramatically, placing a hand over her racing heart. "The models are prepped and waiting. Are you heading to the green room?"

"Absolutely," Zara replied with a nod. She turned to Nathaniel, about to speak, but he gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Correct content is on

"Go ahead. I’ll be in the audience."

Zara nodded and followed Bree backstage. View the correct content at NovelFire

Across the room, Riya stood near a tall floral display, her eyes locked onto Zara and Nathaniel, fury simmering within her. Watching them together now felt like rubbing salt into a raw wound.

’Zara,’ she seethed internally. ’Because of you, I’ve ended up in this humiliating situation, forced to be with someone I don’t like. And the man I wanted, you took him away from me.’

Her lips twisted into a silent snarl. ’I won’t let you enjoy this night. Tonight, I’ll make sure you fall. I’ll ruin you.’