CHAPTER 24 – Lucas’ POV When Zara insisted that there was no harm in letting her friend Nick into the house, I felt a surge of frustration. She was unyielding in her stance, despite my repeated objections to Nick's presence in our home. A sense of relief washed over me when she finally agreed. I found myself grappling with my own emotions. Why did the mere thought of that fool stepping into my house, potentially taking something from me, make my skin crawl? It was an unsettling feeling, and I couldn't fathom why I was reacting more intensely than usual. “About last night... I just want to apologize. I was drunk at the time,” I began, only to be interrupted by Zara. “Let's forget about it, Lucas,” she suggested. She continued washing the dishes, seemingly unfazed, while I was consumed by irritation. How could she dismiss it so easily? Her kiss had left me perplexed. Nothing had changed! She was still the Zara I knew. Yes, she seemed to have moved on. That's why I couldn't underst
CHAPTER 25 – Zara’s POV I was overwhelmed with emotions, ranging from annoyance to indescribable happiness. After all, I was finally having a genuine conversation with the guy I had secretly admired for so long. In the past, our interactions were always filled with arguments and heated exchanges, so this normal conversation felt like a major achievement. However, my joy was short-lived when the topic of discussion shifted to Lucas and his relationship with Giselle. Bitterness replaced my momentary happiness, and I had to remind myself not to dwell on something that was no longer mine. It took all my strength to discuss our breakup as if it hadn't hurt me, when in reality, I was in a tremendous amount of pain. After our meal, Lucas left for the gym, leaving me with a pounding headache. I took a quick nap but woke up before three, eager to pick up my son from school. Arriving at the school, I noticed the familiar faces of nannies waiting for their young charges. This was a high-class
CHAPTER 26 – Zara’s POV And to add to it, he addressed me by my married last name. What was wrong with him? I played it cool and responded, “What about him?” I wanted to see where this was going. He sat down on the couch and stared at me intensely. I couldn't decipher his mood. He was so difficult to read, even more enigmatic than my grandfather's eyes. “Stop pretending like you don't know. I told you to never go near him again, didn't I? But you defied me, Zara! Don't you understand? I said stay away from him!” he shouted, his anger catching me off guard. He was infuriated, but I couldn't fathom why. What was wrong with meeting Nick? There was no ill intent on my part. Yet, here he was, even angrier than before. It made no sense. I genuinely hoped he was okay, but it was a fleeting thought. “What are you so angry about? You made it clear that he's not allowed in your house, and I agreed! This is your house, after all. I didn't agree to never see Nick. Let's get that straight. We
CHAPTER 27 – Zara’s POV Two days had passed since Antoinette gave birth, and we were excited to finally visit her at home. She had been discharged from the hospital and was now resting with her adorable baby boys. As we entered the room, Antoinette greeted us with her usual wit and humor. “Thank you for the fruit and the gift. But I hope it's cash! Haha,” Antoinette joked, making us all laugh. “Your sons are incredibly handsome, Antoinette. They must have inherited their good looks from their godfather, Nick,” I remarked, teasing Nick playfully. Antoinette immediately retaliated, defending her children. “Hey, my children don't look like assholes. And if they inherit anything from you, they might be as smart as you. I just don't know,” she joked, leaving us all amused. “Antoinette!” Nick blushed, scolding our friend for her comment. The personal nurses had already put the babies to sleep, allowing us to engage in lighthearted conversation. However, our pleasant moment was interrup
CHAPTER 28 – Lucas’ POV I was taken aback to discover that Giselle had returned to the country, reaching out to spend my birthday with me. Caught up in a whirlwind of office tasks, her request left me torn. After all, I had promised my son that this day would be dedicated solely to him. Disappointing him was the last thing I wanted. “Please, just a brief moment, babe,” Giselle pleaded on the phone. “I want to congratulate you and mend things, Lucas. I'll be back. If you're too busy, I understand, but it's truly just for a moment.” Sighing, I reluctantly agreed, “Alright, but only after an hour. I'm swamped with work.” Her voice brimming with joy, she exclaimed, “Thank you, babe! I love you.” As I hung up, an unfamiliar lump formed in my throat. It used to come effortlessly, reciprocating her “I love you,” but now, it felt awkward and unsettling. For some reason, the word “love” stirred thoughts of Zara within me. Shaking off the unease, I tried to refocus on my tasks. This meetin
CHAPTER 29 – Zara’s POV I entered our room, where my son peacefully slept, his tear-stained face still visible. Forgiving Lucas for what he's done feels like an impossible task. The realization sinks in—it's too late now. Maybe there's some truth to the saying that when there's nothing left, our hearts simply give up. Tomorrow, I will start packing my belongings. I'm sorry, Lucas, but I can't bear to continue this anymore. I just want us to let go of each other. Guess who unexpectedly knocked on the door? Antoinette, wearing a wide grin that stretched from ear to ear. She held a paper bag, brimming with excitement as if she had just won the lottery or come up with a wild plan. Her trademark enthusiasm reminded me of all the crazy adventures we had during our college years. Thinking back to those moments when we experimented with alcohol, went to bars and parties, or took unconventional classes brings a smile to my face. It's nice to reminisce about the carefree days of our youth. N
CHAPTER 30 – Lucas’ POV The next day, as I returned home after my birthday, I walked into the kitchen and found Zara standing there, wearing an expressionless face that sent shivers down my spine. It was a terrifying sight, to say the least. “H-Hi,” I stammered, immediately regretting the lameness of my greeting. But she remained silent, treating me like an invisible entity, as if I were nothing more than air. It hurt deeply, leaving me with a lingering sense of guilt. Why did I still feel responsible for everything? Weren't they happier without me yesterday? Why did Zara make me feel like the villain once again? I desperately wanted to understand her, to decode the meaning behind her blank facade. “Divorce papers?” I turned to her, my voice devoid of emotion. There was a time when I was the one excited about the prospect of breaking free from our marriage. I longed to be liberated, but in that moment, I was afraid that she would mention the dreaded words of breaking up with me.
CHAPTER 31 – Lucas’ POV They continued to treat me with coldness, and I struggled to cope with it. Despite my efforts to make amends, it felt like a hopeless endeavor. My situation seemed utterly helpless. My son remained silent, unwilling to respond to me. Even Zara spoke to me in a distant and cold tone. I couldn't help but long for the way she used to care for me, and the time and effort she invested in our relationship. Regret washed over me as I realized how much I had neglected them for far too long. Fear crept in, whispering that it might be too late for me to reclaim my role in their lives. The thought of them letting me go, casting me aside, felt increasingly real. There was a growing anxiety within me, a weighty feeling that they would turn their backs on me, just as I had done to them for years. And then, at that moment, I faced my fear, confusion, and doubt head-on. I acknowledged the depth of my emotions. I was awakened, and I sensed that they were too. The impact of m
CHAPTER 75 – Zara’s POV Fifteen years have passed since Lucas and I exchanged our vows, a journey filled with ups and downs, tears and smiles. We have faced countless challenges, nearly losing hope at times, but our determination has kept us fighting. Has it been an easy road for us? No, there's no such thing as a perfect relationship. We, like any couple, have experienced moments of doubt and contemplation. But we have also found reasons to hold on tightly, to weather the storms together. We understand that true happiness and a healthy relationship require effort and commitment. They say that when you're truly happy, time flies by unnoticed. And indeed, the time has flown. It feels like just yesterday when my children were young, and now they tower over me, grown into remarkable individuals. Enrique, our eldest, was already twenty-five years old. He has blossomed into a handsome, intelligent young man, dedicated to his studies and still possessing a gentle sweetness. He would be
CHAPTER 74 – Zara’s POV The night weighed heavily upon us as we slept, carrying with it unresolved grievances. No greetings were exchanged, no apologies offered, and our stubbornness held us captive. The emotional distance between Lucas and me mirrored the separation of our children into separate rooms. The air grew cold, and doubts crept into my heart, leaving me feeling insecure and unimportant in his eyes. The warmth of our marriage seemed to wane, and tears streamed down my face throughout the night, burdened by the fear that his love for me had vanished. How had we come to this? I believed Lucas and I were destined to endure together until the very end. Yet here we were, estranged and adrift. His heart had seemingly changed with alarming swiftness, and I questioned why. Was it just me? Why had he distanced himself so abruptly? The weight of my emotions consumed me, and tears flowed ceaselessly. I cried out all the pain and anguish burdening my heart, emptying myself of the sor
CHAPTER 73 – Zara’s POV The party was a success but then I felt something weird. I didn't know if it was just me, or I was just being paranoid. A woman's intuition was really something else when it kicked in, and I wasn't wrong when I saw that shameless woman. The daughter of our local mayor, who clung to my husband as if her life depended on it, and now she even dared to kiss my husband. As I watched her and Lucas together, it felt like I was punched with anger and jealousy in my heart. I remained calm, just observing the situation, but deep inside I wondered if Lucas would ever change for the better. We just got reunited, and there’s another woman already who was vying for his attention! “What the fuck, Nadine!” my husband exclaimed angrily, wiping his lips after the woman kissed him. They hadn't noticed me watching them yet. Nadine, that was the name of this shameless woman! Damn! “Lucas, I've loved you since then! I am willing to be your mistress, just keep me close to your he
CHAPTER 72 – Zara’s POV We had been tirelessly searching for donors, hoping to find the perfect pair of eyes for Ava. As we awaited her recovery from the recent eye surgery, she remained fragile due to malnourishment. To ensure the well-being of both Ava and Enrique, we sought the assistance of our trusted pediatrician. Regular check-ups and monitoring their health became our top priority. “Thank you, Mom. I love you!” she exclaimed, planting a sweet kiss on my cheek. I offered my cheek, making it easier for her to reach. Our youngest overflowed with affection. “Mom loves you too, my dear. Alright, let's take a break from the cookies for now and have lunch later, alright?” I suggested as we moved to the table. “It's okay, Mom. These dolls are just for me to play with,” she assured me, referring to the gifts from her uncles and aunts. I anticipated that they would spoil her, especially since she was currently the youngest among her cousins. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal that Mom
CHAPTER 71 – Zara’s POV That very day, we joyfully brought our daughter out of the orphanage, relieved to discover that she harbored no resentment. She expressed his happiness at having her wish fulfilled and being reunited with us. The overwhelming joy I felt was impossible to contain. Lucas, Enrique, and I had a delightful time together, showering our daughter with love and affection. Enrique, being the older brother, embraced him warmly, forming an instant bond. As we sat in the van, she curiously asked, “Where are we going?” It was late, and darkness had enveloped the surroundings. But we were nearing our grand mansion. The anticipation among everyone to meet our son, the long-lost member of the Blackwood family, was palpable. Gratitude filled the hearts of our relatives, thankful that we had finally found our daughter, our missing piece. It was as if a void in my heart had been miraculously filled. Lucas and I couldn't help but smile, radiating pure joy. “We're going home, sw
CHAPTER 70 – Zara’s POV When Nick dropped that bombshell, it felt like the world turned icy. In an instant, a chill ran through my body, leaving me speechless and teary-eyed. The weight of his words pressed down on me, making it difficult to face him any longer. I feared that my emotions would betray me, causing me to say something I'd regret later. Leaving the precinct, I could feel my strength draining away. My knees wobbled, threatening to give out beneath me. I felt utterly weak, vulnerable in the face of such overwhelming news. The news of my daughter’s survival brought a mix of joy and guilt as a mother. I couldn't shake the feeling of remorse knowing that while I slept soundly in a comfortable bed and had three meals a day, my child was living in an orphanage, possibly feeling unloved and abandoned. “Let's go to Lucas, our child! Please!” I pleaded, my heart constricting, making it hard to catch my breath. “Honey, please, try to calm down. We'll be reunited with our son soo
CHAPTER 69 – Zara’s POV We headed straight to Dr. Brown's clinic. Once we parked the car in the parking lot, we got out. The clinic was a three-story building. As soon as we entered, my husband immediately caught everyone's attention. Ever since I had known him, Lucas had always been like that. He effortlessly captured anyone's attention. His presence was enough to command respect and admiration at the same time. He was tall, with a perfect face, and he epitomized the idea of a handsome man. I felt so lucky among all the women in the world that he chose me. There was nothing particularly special about me, but he still chose me, even though I had disappeared for three years like a bubble. I wasn't a girl with self-confidence. I could barely stand up for myself. I didn't know how to be the best, and yet I was lucky to have someone like him. He had fallen in love with me deeply. It was back in college when we had met. He had been like a star I couldn't reach. He had been like the mo
CHAPTER 68 – Zara’s POV All the nervousness from that night had vanished, especially after embracing my son and rescuing him from that horrific place. The scene was so distressing that I felt like I could faint at any moment. Now, Nick was in trouble. They had forcibly removed him from jail, but we would ensure that he wouldn't escape the consequences of his actions. He needed to spend a significant amount of time behind bars to reflect on what he had done. When we arrived home at the mansion, all of my husband's brothers and their wives were waiting for us. They were concerned about our well-being, and even though we reassured them that everything was fine, anger was brewing over Nick's behavior. Stephanie embraced me, and I felt a longing for that sibling connection. You see, I never had a sibling since I was the result of an unplanned pregnancy, and my biological father wasn't involved in my life, while my mother never sought a life partner. So having a sister like Stephanie, my
CHAPTER 67 – Zara’s POV It seemed like the glass I was holding slipped from my hand, and it shattered, cutting me in the process. The pain stung, a physical representation of the emotional turmoil I was going through. I was in the kitchen, cooking breakfast while Lucas and our son haven't come down yet. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by an inexplicable nervousness, and that's why I dropped the glass and got injured. Lucas quickly approached me, seeing my bleeding hands, and scolded me, “You need to be more careful, my dear!” “I don't know, I just suddenly got really nervous! That's why I dropped the glass. I'm sorry! Please don't be angry,” I said, feeling overwhelmed. He sighed with defeat in his voice, “Alright, just be careful next time, okay? Don't make me worry!” Then we decided to call Enrique, but the maid informed us that he was not in his room. Panic started to set in, and my phone rang from an anonymous number. Trembling, I answered the call. “Hello!” I said. “Hello, lov