Reclaimed By My Ex-husband

Riya sat frozen. Her plans had not only failed, but they had also backfired spectacularly. Nathaniel had just praised Zara and proven to everyone that her success had nothing to do with him, and everything to do with her.

Zara's heart gave a leap. Even though Nicole had already shared her reasons for offering the position, a part of Zara still believed that Nathaniel might have influenced her decision. She had accepted it silently for the sake of their relationship. But hearing him declare that it was purely her own merit, that he hadn't interfered, left her deeply moved.

His words gave her a newfound sense of pride and confidence.

"That's wonderful," Vincent said. "Working with someone like Nicole can change the course of your career. But remember, it comes with weight. You'll need to give it your all to live up to her expectations."

He didn't forget to caution her about the responsibilities that would come her way.

Zara nodded with gratitude. "Thank you, Dad. I'll remember that."

"I had no idea you had received an award," Paulina beamed with joy, "and now you are going to work with someone as big as Nicole? My goodness, we really underestimated you." With a loving smile, she gently patted Zara's head. "May your success grow tenfold, dear. I'm so proud of you."

Zara's lips stretched from ear to ear, the earlier heaviness in her heart beginning to lift. "Thank you, Grandma."

Zane jumped off Vincent's lap, his small face glowing with excitement. "Mommy is the best," he yelled, running straight to her. He wrapped his tiny arms around her neck, and Zara pulled him close.

Gracie remained quiet, not uttering a single word of appreciation, but the pride in her eyes was unmistakable. She had never known that Zara possessed such impressive talent. Never had she imagined that the same Zara would catch the eye of an internationally acclaimed designer like Nicole.

Until now, she had always underestimated Zara, assuming her job at that modest company was a dead end. But her previous judgments shattered that belief had been completely overturned.

Gracie now saw Zara in a new light. With her sheer talent, Zara might actually have a shining future in fashion.

Everyone seemed genuinely happy for Zara, but Riya simmered with quiet rage. She had intended to diminish Zara's image, but instead, she had unwittingly elevated it. She hadn't anticipated her scheme to turn against her like this.

Watching Zara glow under the family's praise, Riya's stomach twisted with envy. That admiration, that spotlight—it was supposed to be hers.

She clenched her fists tightly in her lap, seething. 'This isn't over,' she told herself bitterly. 'Let them praise you now, Zara. But soon, they will turn against you. Just wait.'

Just as the atmosphere began to settle, the housekeeper appeared with a polite nod. "Dinner is ready. Shall I serve it now?"

"Yes," Paulina said, giving her a nod of approval.

The housekeeper disappeared and served the food soon. Everyone began to gather around the table.

Riya quickly made her way to the seat beside Nathaniel and settled down deliberately. She shot a challenging glance at Zara before turning her attention to Zane.

"Come sit with me," she said sweetly, pulling out the chair next to hers.

Zane plopped into the seat, his face lighting up at the sight of the delicious spread. "These meatballs look so yummy." He practically bounced in his chair, eyes sparkling.

"Have as many as you want," Riya said, placing several meatballs onto his plate. "Do you want more?"

Zane nodded eagerly, unable to hide his excitement.

"Then here, take more." She added a few more to his plate, then glanced up at Zara, who stood a little away from them, her face void of any emotion.

Riya flashed a smug, taunting smile, as though daring Zara to react.

Zara kept her composure and quietly sat across from Zane. "Don't just fill up on meatballs," she said, placing some stir-fried vegetables onto his plate. "You need to eat your veggies too."

"These came straight from the farm," Vincent chimed in proudly. "Freshly picked. And you should try the carrot soup—it's excellent." He slid a bowl of it toward Zane.

"Grandpa, can we go to the farmhouse?" Zane asked, beaming. "I want to see the vegetable garden. And the animals, too."

"I'll take you this weekend," Vincent promised.

Gracie's sharp voice cut in, "You've just returned, and you are already thinking of running off to the countryside again." Her displeasure was clear in her raised voice and furrowed brows. "We are trying to plan Riya's wedding here, and all you can think about are farms."

Riya nearly choked on her breath, stunned by what she had just heard.

Marriage?

Panic gripped her chest. She wasn't for the marriage. Her life was already entangled in a dangerous web with Zachary. How could she possibly marry someone else?

He had made himself clear—she belonged to him. If he even heard of another man in her life, there was no doubt in her mind he would react with violence. He might even kill her.

"Mom," she blurted, "I'm not ready to get married. My career is just starting to move forward—I can't think about settling down right now."

Gracie, however, remained composed. "You can still pursue your career after marriage. This isn't just about a wedding—it's a strategic alliance. A bond between two powerful families will open more doors for you. You will get more connections, contracts, and influence. This marriage will only push your career ahead."

Paulina nodded in agreement. "The Lawsons are one of the most powerful families in the city. And Liam, their only son, is a close friend of Nathaniel's. Our families already have a longstanding relationship. This marriage would only make it stronger."

She smiled as she added, "Besides, you've known Liam since you were young. He has returned from abroad and has recently joined his father's business. Meet him and talk. Get to know each other."

Riya's stomach sank. She had no idea what Zachary would do to her if he found out about it.

"Liam?" Nathaniel interjected, disbelief coloring his voice. "You are thinking of marrying Riya off to him? That guy is a playboy. He is not serious about any relationship."

A heavy silence settled in the room. Everyone turned to Nathaniel, stunned by his unexpected resistance. Of all people, they had assumed he would be happy and agree to this proposal. After all, Liam was Nathaniel's long-time friend.

But Nathaniel knew Liam better than anyone else. He had witnessed his countless flings with different women since their high school days and had heard the endless string of women Liam had cycled through overseas.

To Liam, women were nothing more than fleeting entertainment. He didn't commit. He didn't show loyalty.

Nathaniel couldn't allow Riya to get involved with someone like that. He refused to let her be entangled with a man who treated relationships so carelessly.

"I don't approve of this marriage," Nathaniel said resolutely, leaving everyone speechless.