Reclaimed By My Ex-husband

Zara and Bree stepped into the grand hall where the fashion event was about to unfold. At the entrance, a man in a sleek black suit checked their invitation and greeted them with a polite smile.

"The show will begin shortly. Please make your way to your seats," he said warmly.

With hearts brimming with excitement and anticipation, the two women entered. The runway shimmered under soft, elegant lighting, while rows of plush chairs lined either side, already filling with renowned designers, influential figures, top models, and celebrities.

Finding two vacant seats, Zara and Bree settled down. Bree leaned closer, her eyes sparkling. "This is incredible," she whispered eagerly. "I can't wait for the day when we'll be the ones hosting something like this."

Zara's gaze lingered on the runway, her eyes gleaming with the same dream that refused to leave her heart. Though she was about to organize Nicole's first wedding collection showcase, it wasn't truly hers. She was proud to be part of Nicole's head designer, but beneath that pride lived a quiet ache. She was merely a piece of someone else's vision, not the vision itself.

In her mind, she pictured a stage that belonged entirely to her, her name shining across the banners, her designs walking proudly before an admiring crowd. Not as a part of competition, but as a creator whose brand, whose journey, was woven into every thread.

The thought ignited a fierce determination within her. She didn't want to remain simply a designer working under a company's name. She longed to carve out an identity of her own legacy and establish her own brand.

The stage shimmered as vibrant lights danced along the runway, and a booming announcement jolted Zara from her thoughts. Music swelled through the hall, setting the rhythm for the models who strode out gracefully, each draped in Shay's designs.

Applause thundered, filling the room.

"Oh! That's Riya," Bree gasped when the first model appeared. "She is the showstopper again."

Zara blinked in surprise at the sight of her.

"Did she sign a contract with Shay?" Bree whispered curiously.

"Maybe… I'm not sure," Zara replied.

Riya was a rising model. Her popularity had been skyrocketing lately. Her fame was spreading all over. Of course, people want to work with her. It's great that she signed a deal with Shay Walsh.

Smiling faintly, Zara joined the audience in clapping.

As the show wrapped up, Shay's assistant came out to deliver the closing remarks.

"Why always her?" Bree muttered under her breath. "And why doesn't Shay Walsh ever appear? It's his own event. I thought we'd finally catch a glimpse of him tonight."

Zara, too, had half-expected to see the man behind the brand. But it seemed the man preferred to stay hidden, too reserved to step into the spotlight. Maybe he was shy to face the public. The notion made her let out a soft, amused chuckle.

"It's fine," she said lightly. "People are here for his creations, not for him."

The host invited everyone to join the party. "And don't miss the chance to view Shay Walsh's seasonal collection. Have a wonderful evening."

The lights of the runway had barely dimmed when the atmosphere shifted from elegance to celebration. The venue's grand hall, once echoing with the pulse of music, transformed into a glittering cocktail party.

The clinking of glasses mingled with the chatter of guests and the occasional burst of laughter.

Celebrities, editors, and influencers clustered in small circles, their expensive gowns and tailored suits shimmering under the lights. Fashion journalists hovered around, eager to have a moment with the Shay's assistant.

Shay's assistant stood in the center of it all, radiant, receiving congratulations from well-wishers. She moved gracefully from one guest to another, her smile glowing for the cameras. The buyers had already started discussing with her which designs would make their way into their stores. They leaned in toward her, asking for private appointments to view the designs again.

Zara, holding a slender glass of champagne, stood a little apart, watching the elegant guests. She admired the spectacle, the effortless glamour of it all, but her thoughts ran deeper. Around her, waiters drifted gracefully between groups, offering champagne, wine, and trays of delicate caviar, smoked salmon bites, and truffle-dusted cheeses.

Bree nudged Zara playfully. "One day, this will be us. Your name, your show, your after-party."

Zara's lips curved in a soft smile. "I hope so."

She lifted her glass to her lips and took a sip. However, she didn't notice Nathaniel had just entered the hall, his eyes scanning the crowd, searching for her.

"Zara," Bree tugged at her hand, excitement lighting up her face. "Shay's assistant is right there. Let's go congratulate her."

Without waiting for her response, she practically pulled Zara along.

"Miss Edith," Bree called, stopping the woman in her tracks. "Could we have a word with you?"

The woman turned. When her eyes fell on Zara, her face lit up with a warm smile. "Hello, Mrs. Grant. Such a pleasure to see you here." She extended her hand.

Zara blinked in surprise, not expecting such familiarity. But she quickly composed herself, smiling as she shook the offered hand. "The pleasure is mine," she replied.

"Shay has mentioned you to me," Edith said with warmth. "Forgive me, I've been tied up with the press and guests. I haven't had a chance to look around for you."

Her words startled Zara further. She hadn't imagined Shay would even bring her up in conversation. She let out a small, awkward laugh.

"That's alright. I understand—you must be busy tonight."

Before Zara could say more, Bree chimed in, "Where is Mr. Shay? Isn't he here?"

Edith tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with a smile. "He'll be arriving soon. He is currently in an important meeting with an overseas client."

"Oh, I see," Bree nodded, satisfied with the explanation.

"Why don't you come and take a look at the collections?" Edith invited.

"Yes, we'd love to," Bree said, her grin wide with excitement.

"Please follow me," Edith gestured, leading them into the room where the dresses were displayed.

Buyers from high-end boutiques wandered around, inspecting the pieces and placing orders.

Bree squeezed Zara's hand, leaning in with a whisper, "I can't believe Shay's assistant is so friendly with us. I'm telling you, Shay is definitely interested in you."

Zara shot her a sharp look. "Can you stop that?" she hissed. "I'm married and have a child."

"Come on, Zara," Bree rolled her eyes. "What are you trying to hide? I know how things are between you and Nathaniel. He is…"

"That's enough," Zara interrupted firmly. "I don't want to drag this out. Shay is like a mentor to me. I admire his work—that's all."

"I get it," Bree raised her hands in mock surrender. "I won't mention it again."

Zara still pouted, clearly displeased.

"Come on," Bree coaxed, linking her arm with Zara's. "Don't be mad…let's go see the dresses." She gently pulled Zara toward the displays.

A familiar face suddenly appeared before them. "So it's you." Riya glanced Zara up and down with disdain, clearly surprised to find her there.