Reclaimed By My Ex-husband

Nathaniel opened his mouth, then closed it, words failing him. When he saw her walking away, he stepped closer, wrapping her in a desperate embrace. "I'm sorry… I really am."

Zara twisted in his hold, breaking free, and took a step back. "Every time you do this - hurt me first and apologize later. I'm tired." Her hurtful gaze cut deeper than any words could.

"No, don't say that…" He stepped toward her, his hands reaching out to her.

She lifted her hand to stop him. "Stop. This time, I am not forgiving you."

Nathaniel froze. It was only a few steps, just a small distance, yet it felt like a canyon had opened between them. Standing there, facing her pained expression, he realized how far apart they had drifted.

For the first time in five years, he had been serious—serious about her, about their marriage. He had wanted to mend what was broken, to bring her happiness. Yet, somehow, he ended up hurting her instead.

Regret pressed down on him like a stone.

"Okay, don't forgive me. But I'm truly sorry. I just… lost my temper."

He didn't try to justify himself. He didn't offer excuses. "I accept I was wrong. I shouldn't have doubted you."

Zara turned her face away, angry and disappointed.

"You can yell at me too," Nathaniel added, "if it makes you feel better."

Her head snapped to him, disbelief and fury mingling in her expression. "You think that's what I want? To yell at you? Is that a solution? You yell at me, and I yell at you?" She shook her head, exasperated. "You know what? I'm done talking to you."

She stormed out of the room.

He moved quickly, following her. "Zara…"

"Don't come after me," she snapped without slowing her pace.

He continued anyway, desperate to close the distance between them. Just as he stretched his hand toward her, she wheeled around, her sharp glare cutting through him like a blade.

"Stop, Nathaniel."

He froze, unable to take another step; his hand remained suspended in the air.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm going to sleep now. Can you not follow me?"

He opened his mouth to speak, but she raised a finger, silencing him before a word could escape.

"No… I don't want to hear any explanation. And please, keep your sorry to yourself. I am too overwhelmed with your apologies."

"I…" Nathaniel began, but she cut him off with a sharp "Shh…"

"Zara…" he scowled, his patience fraying.

"No, Nathaniel… stay away." She pivoted sharply before storming into the bedroom.

"Wait…" Nathaniel quickened his steps.

Just as Zara was about to slam the door shut, he caught it with his hand, pressing firmly against the frame to stop it from closing on his face.

"Nathaniel, go away," she hissed, gritting her teeth. She shoved with all her strength, but his counterforce was too strong. The door barely moved, and finally, defeated, she released her grip. A heavy sigh escaped her as she glared at him.

"Leave. I want a peaceful sleep," she muttered, cold and unyielding.

"This is my bedroom. Where am I supposed to go?" he countered.

"Go anywhere—but you are not allowed in here," she said, meeting his gaze with fierce defiance.

"I am your husband, and you are chasing me out of my own room," he frowned, incredulity rising in his voice.

"Yes," she replied without hesitation, "because I am not in the mood to act like your wife right now. Get lost." She shoved him out forcefully and then closed the door.

Nathaniel twisted the doorknob, but it didn't budge. She had literally shut him out, barring him from his own room. He laughed in disbelief, his hands landing on his hips.

"This is really happening," he muttered, a mix of fury and incredulity twisting his features.

"Zara…" He pounded his fist on the door, rage flaring. "Open it. Or I'll break it down."

"Do it. I'll never forgive you," came her cold, unyielding reply from the other side.

Nathaniel's anger drained at her words, replaced by a creeping chill of dread. "How cruel are you?" His tone shifted. "It's cold here. And you have the heart to forbid me from entering my own room? Have some mercy on your poor husband."

"Poor husband," Zara muttered under her breath, her anger smoldering. "Acting all pitiful after hurting me… You will have to pay the price."

"Zara…" he called with a mix of desperation and pleading.

Bang… Bang… Bang…

His fists struck the door with growing urgency. "Let me in. I'm tired. I haven't eaten anything. Don't you feel even a little sympathy for me? I've been out all day—it's exhausting. And now you are fighting with me."

He tried every tone, every angle, every pleading inflection to soften her, to coax her sympathy. But from the other side, Zara remained resolutely unyielding.

"If you are hungry, go eat something. Don't bother me," came her clipped, calloused reply.

"But I want you to serve me," he said like a whining child.

"For that, Mrs. Jules is there. Call her."

He had already sent her to sleep. There was no way he would call her.

"It's late," he protested. "She must be asleep. It wouldn't look right to wake her at this hour."

Silence followed. Hope flickered in his eyes; maybe she was reconsidering.

"I know how caring you are," he continued with a soft tone as if coaxing her. "You always make sure I don't go to bed hungry. Open the door, will you? I promise I'll do anything you ask."

Still silence.

His hope dimmed, frustration creeping in. 'Is she even listening?' Another thought struck him sharply, tightening his chest in worry. 'Is she okay?'

"Zara, open it," he shouted, pounding on the door with renewed desperation. "Enough is enough. I'm losing my patience."

"Nathaniel, I want to sleep. You are giving me a headache," her irritated voice came from inside.

Relief surged through him, and he leaned against the door, letting out a breath. 'Thank goodness, she is fine,' he thought.

But he refused to give up. "I'm tired too, and I want to sleep. Let me in, will you?"

"You can sleep wherever you want—in the guest room, in the study. Don't bother me," she said, shutting down his last hope.

Nathaniel's shoulders slumped, and he stared at the door in disbelief and frustration, muttering, "Heartless."