Zara Quinn

The room fell into a heavy, expectant silence. All eyes darted between each other, confusion etched into every face, before landing on Zara, who sat stunned, staring up at the man standing before her.

Nathaniel Hawke.

One of the most powerful private lawyers in the New York. Co-partner of the renowned Blackthorne and Hawke law firm, and a three-time award-winning litigator. 

Even though they were just meeting for the first time, Nathaniel seemed to know exactly whom he had come to represent as he bent down and offered her a hand. 

Zara hesitated, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. But there was no malice in Nathaniel's eyes. Only clarity and determination.

Slowly, she gave him her trembling hand. He pulled her up with surprising gentleness and helped her sit back in her wheelchair. 

Leaning close, he whispered so only she could hear, "I see it wasn't such a lovely birthday yesterday."

Her breath caught, her eyes widening. 'How does he know?'

But before she could ask, Nathaniel straightened and turned toward the others. His presence seemed to fill the room, commanding attention without even trying. He reached into his sleek leather briefcase and pulled out a stack of papers, holding them out to Ethan.

"Here's the original copy of the divorce agreement my client signed during the talk show," Nathaniel announced, his tone professional but cutting.

The silence in the room deepened. Beatrice's face turned red with fury, while Clement's brows furrowed, betraying a flicker of unease before he masked it behind his usual stoic demeanor. Ethan, however, was visibly caught off guard.

"Nathaniel Hawke?" Ethan asked, his voice cracking slightly. His eyes darted to Zara, then back to Nathaniel. "How—how do you even know my wife?"

Zara's gaze remained fixed on Nathaniel, studying him closely. His sharp amber eyes, short brown hair, and deliberate composure made him an imposing figure, but he wasn't the one she'd hoped for. Her heart sank a little as she realized this wasn't the masked man who had saved her on the bridge. The stranger's shoulders had been broader.

This only confirmed her suspicion that Zavier was behind the masked man, because he was the only one that knew where she lived. 

And she had guessed right. Nathaniel was indeed sent by Zavier since he was his company's legal counsel. 

Ethan noticed Zara was getting the upper hand and intervened again, "Are you even the real Mr. Hawke? Because there is no way Zara will know some one like—" 

"He is Nathaniel Hawke." Irene said in an audible whisper, but Nathaniel, unbothered, slipped his complimentary card from his pocket and handed it to Ethan.

"Feel free to verify it," Nathaniel said with a disarming smile.

Clement's fingers tightened around the custody papers, his jaw clenching. "You're playing a dangerous game, Mr. Hawke," he said coolly. "We'll see if these documents hold up under scrutiny."

Nathaniel's smile didn't falter. "The law is clear, Mr. Campbell. But if you'd prefer to air this dispute in court, I'd be happy to arrange it—right before the elections, of course."

"For now, we will be leaving with the children." He added, letting the words hang in the air. 

"No! Not my grandchildren! I won't let this useless girl take them away!" Beatrice screamed, charging toward Nathaniel.

Before she could reach him, Clement's hand shot out, gripping her arm with surprising force. "Behave!" he hissed, his tone sharp enough to freeze her mid-step.

Beatrice's fury was palpable, but she reluctantly backed down, her glare boring into Zara.

Zara exhaled shakily, her confidence returning now that Nathaniel was in control. Turning to Mary, the children's nanny, she gave clear instructions. "Pack their things and bring them downstairs. Tell them we are going on a vacation."

Mary nodded and hurried out of the room.

The tension in the air was suffocating as everyone waited in silence. Only Irene seemed to relish the moment, her smug smile hinting at her satisfaction. She didn't want Ethan with his children. She only wanted him—free and unburdened.

Zara caught Ethan's seething gaze and, for the first time in years, smiled brightly, almost mockingly. "Ethan, if you want your kids to remember you as a great dad, you should take your family outside and disperse the crowd."

The words landed like a slap. Ethan's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides, but Clement, sensing further humiliation, threw the papers onto the coffee table and stormed out.

Beatrice followed, her parting words laced with venom. "You'll pay for this, Zara. I promise, you'll pay dearly."

Zara didn't flinch. She had heard enough threats to last a lifetime.

Ethan, however, wasn't done. As Mary returned with the twins, Ethan's face softened into a mask of fake warmth. He crouched to their level, greeting them with a wide smile. "Papa's here, Ella, Ezra. Are you ready for your vacation?"

Zara's stomach churned as she watched him manipulate their innocence, but she wouldn't let him win.

"Papa isn't coming with us, sweetheart," Zara interjected gently, running her hand over Ella's curls. "He has important work to do with Auntie Irene."

Ella's lips curled into a pout, but she didn't question it. Ezra, however, tugged on Zara's sleeve, his small fingers curling tightly. "Mama, your eyes are puffy. Did you cry?"

Zara crouched, patting his hair. "It's nothing, sweetheart," she murmured, forcing a smile. "Mama just got caught in the rain last night."

Nathaniel stepped in, guiding Mary and the children out. "I'll take them to the car. Everything's ready."

Zara nodded, relief washing over her. But just as she was about to exit the gate, Irene's voice sliced through the air.

"Not so fast, Zara!"

Zara froze, turning slowly to face Irene, who stood with her hands on her hips, an evil smirk stretching across her face.

"Oh, Zara, don't forget Ethan's ring. It's not yours anymore. I wouldn't want you pawning it to fund your pity party."

Zara twisted the ring off her finger with a calm, almost detached motion, her eyes never leaving Irene's. "Take it. It suits you—cheap and hollow."

Irene smirked as she stepped closer, her voice low and venomous. Leaning in, she whispered, "Since you're leaving anyway, I thought you should know. He was the 'Boy Toy' in college."

Zara's grip tightened on the chair, her knuckles paling as Irene's words hit her. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Irene's grin deepened, triumphant, as she turned and walked away, leaving Zara reeling from the revelation. 

They had been hooking up—her husband and Irene—long before the marriage, back when the three of them shared an apartment in college.

But Ethan, unaware of the ladies' conversations, crossed his arms, his voice dripping with false charm. "I hope you enjoy your freedom, Zara. I gave you everything—this house, the kids' lifestyle, even your chair. I built your life. Let's see how you manage without it."

Zara stood, her legs trembling but her resolve firm. Until now, she didn't think Ethan could go so low as to demand the wheelchair. "You didn't build me, Ethan. And you'll see exactly how I manage."

"I pray you find a reason to use this soon enough," she added, pushing the chair out of her way. 

But before she could take a step, she froze. Standing just beyond the doorway was a man—a figure with a neat crew cut and piercing eyes that made Ethan visibly shrink.

Zara's breath caught. She hadn't seen him in years, and this wasn't how she wanted to reunite.

The man strode forward, his presence commanding. Without a word, he swept her into his arms, cradling her as though she weighed nothing.

Zara's arms instinctively wrapped around him as her tears spilled freely, her heart pounding with a mix of relief and dread.

His voice, low and lethal. "Don't worry, Zara. I'll make sure he regrets every moment of this."

Ethan scratched the back of his head, confusion edged in his face as he mumbled, "Why does that face look awfully familiar? Has she been cheating behind my back?" 

Before he could say another word of protest, the Rolls Royce sped away, leaving him shocked and confused. 

****

"Uncle, can I take some snacks from the snack drawer?" Ella yelled from the lounge area, her voice echoing through the inner compartment of the private jet where Zara and Zavier were. 

"Yes, you can." Zavier yelled back, shaking his head in exhaustion. He looked at Zara who managed a small smile on her face. "It's just the first day and I'm already exhausted. I wonder how you managed for so many years." His voice carried compassion and pity.

Zara sniffled as she brushed a hand full of hair back, catching a glimpse of her disgruntled face in the electrochromic window she was facing. 

"They might be a handful, but they are the reason I have been able to stay in that house with his horrible parents." Zara replied, still forcing a smile. 

Zavier gently held her hand, but her gaze was still averted. "Don't worry, Zara. I will make them pay. Both father and son…"

"No, Zavier. Don't terminate Ethan's contract and don't pull any strings with Clement. I will handle them myself." She replied, her voice was stronger, filled with determination. 

Zavier was pissed. He never really liked Ethan, but Zara was already pregnant. Just thinking about it, he could already think of a hundred and one ways to ruin that family, 

"I'm sorry you had to spend your birthday like that. That episode of the show has been deleted from the internet." He said, "But…how could you not know he has been cheating on you? Why didn't you tell me you had marital troubles?"

Hot tear trickled down her cheek despite her effort to hold it in. "How could I have known? They were best friends— she was my friend. My kids' Godmother. And…she'd always help me with my marital issues. How could I have known they were fucking each other?" her voice raised as anger quickly took over. 

Zara was more furious than sad and the way the tears pumped out showed it. She didn't dare tell Zavier they had been hooking up long before their marriage, that would be a slap on her face. 

Why didn't they figure out what they felt for each other sooner? Trapping her a third wheel in their open relationship. 

The more she tried to suppress the ache, the harder it hit her, and more tears streamed freely down her cheeks, hot and relentless. She clenched her fists, frustrated at her own inability to let go of a pain that wasn't hers to bear.

Zavier sighed as he pulled her into a hug. He patted her back whispering words of comfort to her, "They don't deserve you."

"For now, let's get you back on your feet. The whole family is waiting to receive you." He reassured her. 

Zara shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her palms clammy as Zavier's words sank in. The idea of facing her family—after all these years, after all she'd lost—made her stomach churn.

Feeling the jitters, Zavier pulled her away and locked her gaze in his, "Zara, you've always belonged here. Nothing has changed." He reassured her. 

For most of the trip, Zara remained in Zavier's arms but her mind was in pieces, each fragment trying to figure out how to move on, and most importantly, how the kids will react to the news of the divorce when they eventually hear it. 

****

"Wow! Cars!" Ezra exclaimed, his eyes almost popping out of its socket as they stepped out of the private airbus and were met with a convoy of high end luxurious cars lined up before them. Before the cars were several bodyguards welcoming them in chorus. 

In front of them was Zane Quinn. Zara covered her face to hide the hot tears streaming her eyes, the last time they had seen each other was 7 years ago before her wedding. He was just a teen back then, but seeing him up close now, his frame seemed more imposing and his shoulders have become so broad. 

Knowing his sister's condition, he ran towards him, pulling her in a fierce hug as he lifted her from the floor. 

As he dropped her down, his voice cracked. "I'm sorry, Little Miss." He fondly called her, "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

He pulled back slightly, his blue eyes glistening, "I'm sorry I wasn't capable…" He paused, his jaw tightening. "I wasn't capable enough to stop Dad from pushing you like that."

Zara let out a shaky breath, her hand resting lightly on his arm. "Zane, you're here now. Stronger. That's all that matters."

He nodded in agreement, "Of course. I won't let anyone hurt you again." He affirmed. 

"By the way, you're telling only little one here," Zara teased, referring back to the nickname he had called her. 

'ZQ11?!" Ezra froze, his jaw dropping. "You're ZQ11! I'm a big fan!' he shouted, grabbing Zane's leg like it was a lifeline. 

Zane chuckled as he tousled Ezra's hair. "That's me. Now let's see if you're good enough to join my fan club." He urged him to do his celebratory dance. 

Taking the lead, Ezra did a quick step-tap side to side. Zane and Ella joined and they did a double chest-pound and then pointed at the sky. Zane then picked the twins up, kissing their cheeks and making them giggle excitedly. 

"Wow, you're good too. Are you also a fan?" Zane asked, directing his question to Ella. 

"No!" Ella replied sharply, causing Zavier and Zara to laugh. "Ezra does it all the time. It's so annoying it stuck." She added, making everyone laugh harder. 

Zane faked a frown, pouting his lips. Surprisingly, it worked on Ella as she kissed his cheek and said, "You're cute though. I like you." 

Zane's face exploded with joy, generating instant connection with his niece and nephew. 

As they drove through the busy city of New York, Ella and Ezra couldn't help staring out of the window, taking in the beautiful views and still quiet disbelief of their mom's sibling. 

"New York is beautiful." Ella commented. 

"Yeah. But I still can't believe Zane Quinn is my Uncle. I can't wait to tell Dad and everyone in school." Ezra's innocent statement caused a dim cloud to hover over Zara's joyous face of seeing her family again. 

She knew it would be hard on the twins but she definitely didn't need a reminder now. 

Zavier and Zane exchanged a glance before turning to their sister who was sitting between them, "You didn't tell them yet?" Zane mouthed and Zara only shook her head in response. 

Soon enough, they pulled up in front of the Quinn family mansion. It was a beautiful old mansion, the kind that seemed to blend into its surroundings effortlessly. 

Henry opened the door and pulled her into a welcoming hug. She missed the warmth of his embrace and he missed his little girl. 

"I'm sorry Eloise. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have been so harsh…and pushy with my demands. It's my fault." He apologized whilst blaming himself for the estrangement. 

Zara wanted to say it wasn't his fault. But it was the truth. If she hadn't forced her so much, she wouldn't have moved so far away in the first place, so she just sucked it in and tried to push her tears back when her eyes wandered to her mom who was watching them from behind, tears lacing her wrinkled face. 

Zara slowly pulled away, moving to her mom. The hug was warm and comforting. The kind of comfort she had longed for for years. 

"I'm sorry, Mom. I shouldn't have left you like that." Zara apologized. Her mother was sick when she left and that guilt still stayed with her. 

Elizabeth slowly patted her back, whispering, "Oh, my sweet baby. I'm glad to have you back." 

While the mother and daughter were still having their moment, Henry asked excitedly, "Are those my grandchildren?" 

Zane and Zavier chorused a positive response as they urged the cheerful kids to greet their grandparents. 

The living room buzzed with giggles as Zane played with the twins and Zara's father peppered her with questions about her health. It wasn't until Zavier cleared his throat and gestured toward the dining room that Zara realized how much effort had gone into preparing the reunion feast. 

The savory aroma of roasted lamb and fresh bread drifted in, and for the first time in years, Zara felt a small flicker of warmth.

"Zara Eloise Quinn. It's time to take back your life. The one Ethan Campbell stole." She reassured herself as she devoured her meal hungrily. 

***Chicago, Illinois***

"I lost them at the Skyway Services. I couldn't get access to go any further." Victor, Clement's bodyguard explained.

As soon as Zavier had driven out of the compound, Clement had put a tail on them, not ready to give up his grandchildren to anybody.

"What? So you mean they took a private jet?" Clement asked, knowing the FBO only provides services to the private jet owners. 

"Yes, sir." He replied. 

Clement dismissed him with a hand gesture and for the next moment he was left in thought. 

"I couldn't even get access to her school records seven years ago. Her episode on the family show was mysteriously deleted and now she was taken in a private jet." he thought to himself. 

"Who the hell are you, Zara Quinn?"