Once Divorced, Twice Desired

Ethan swallowed, his grip on Irene subconsciously tightening. “What is the condition?” Zara slowly bit her inner cheek, trying to conceal the pain of betrayal with a physical pain, something she could handle better to prevent the tears from streaming out. “I get full custody of the kids.” She announced, her voice was firm despite her shaky breath. “I don’t want another lady raising my children.”Ethan was shocked by her condition, but his expression remained calm. Even though he had already been planning to divorce her, he somehow didn’t think about the custody of their kids– or maybe it was because he just didn’t think Zara would ever dare to make such a request. She has no way of raising two children on her own—or so she thought. “W—we can talk about this another…”“We are going to come to an agreement now!” Her voice was sharp, even the audience murmurs couldn’t stop her. Ethan might need a break from his family but he did sincerely love his children so it wasn’t exactly someth

Zara held her burning cheek. Her vision blurred but she refused to falter. “Mother, what did I—” “I am not your Mother!” Beatrice angrily interrupted. “No one would want a daughter who brings nothing but disgrace to her family.” She fired, obviously fed up by her presence. Beatrice never liked Zara. Mainly because she didn't find her ‘worthy’ of her son. “She might be carrying your children, but she isn’t your wife, Ethan. She will never become part of us.” Her position had been clear since day one. Ethan had reassured Zara that she would come around, but no matter what she did, it never seemed to please her.Ethan who was just descending from the stairs tried to intervene. “Mom, please calm down. The deed is done already.” Beatrice turned to face her son, fuming, “I told you! To keep this whole divorce thing under wrap until after the election! Why did you even follow her to the show in the first place? Without consulting me!” Zara’s chest tightened, but she kept her voice st

“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. “I’ll make them pay,” Zavier muttered.Zara shook her head firmly. “No. They’re mine to deal with.”Zavier’s jaw tightened. He could think of a hundred ways to ruin Ethan’s family, but held his to

Ace let out a scoff, “Ms. Quinn, I don't think that is what you should be worried about right now.” The directors exchanged glances, whispering to each other, leaving Zara confused as if she had asked a forbidden question. Zavier quickly stood up and leaned closer to Zara whispering, “Zara, let's talk about this later. Focus on your goal for now.” Zara gritted her teeth with anger as she inhaled deeply, willing her trembling fingers to still. “I am here,” she began, her voice faltering slightly, “not just to honor my father’s vision…” Her throat tightened, and for a moment, her mind blanked. But then, Zavier gave her a small nod, his silent support grounding her.“…but to work alongside you to push this company to new heights,” she finished, her voice stronger now.A faint murmur spread across the room, leaving Zara feeling bare. Mrs. Preston exchanged a skeptical glance with another director, while Mr. Marcus offered an approving nod. Nadia Hamilton’s slender fingers drummed ag

“Secure the contract with Mr. Fernandez, and I will leave your company,” Ace replied, his voice equally low, his eyes struggling to leave her lips. He swallowed, his Adams apple bobbing as he bit his lips, trying his best to fight the urge gnawing at him to eat those plum lips. His hand moved instinctively, reaching for her lips, but before he could touch them…“Are you for real?” Zara asked, her brows arched in confusion. Ace snapped out of his daze, exhaling sharply as he stood back and turned away, his heart beating even faster. Ace nodded, “Unless, of course… you’re too afraid to lose to me.”Zara let out a dry laugh, “Well…challenge accepted.” Ace turned back to face her. “Just don't go back on your words,” Ace scoffed, “I don't. But if you are too scared…” Zara's phone went off at that moment, cutting him short. It was a call from her kids’ new school and as soon as she picked it up, the voice came. “Ms. Quinn, please come to the school. Your kids got into a fight.” Z