Boardroom

**One Month Later**

“Congratulations, Ms. Quinn. You can now walk without support, but…” Dr. Vera Wang, the middle aged family doctor, paused as she watched the big smile on Zara’s lips flicker.

“...not for too long. Just make sure you have a walking stick on a long walk and don’t stand for too long. Give yourself time.”

Zara let out a sigh, relieved by the information, her lips curved into a softer and more cautious smile. “Thank you, Dr. Wang.” she murmured.

“If you are careful enough, you won't be needing any support whatsoever by next month.” Dr. Vera added.

The past month has been all about healing— physically and emotionally. She focused on eating well, taking her medications, and regaining strength. With her mother and Nana taking care of the twins, she had space to recover without pushing herself too hard.

She stepped out of the office, the world outside feeling lighter than it had in months. And then—

“Congratulations on ditching the wheels, sis!”

A loud pop startled her as colorful confetti rained down, followed by Zane’s contagious laughter. He pulled her into a tight hug, spinning her slightly. His joy, as infectious as his laughter.

“Zane!” Zara half-laughed and half-scolded, patting his back. “You followed me here?”

“Not just him…” Zavier’s deep steady voice cut in as he stepped forward, his lips quaking into a rare grin. He reached to pull Zara into his own hug, forcibly pushing Zane’s arms away.

“Dude?” Zane shot him a mock glare. “Possessive much?”

Zavier rolled his eyes, muttering, “She’s my sister too!”

Zara couldn’t help but laugh, their childish bickering always soothing her heavy heart. For the first time since the incident, she felt like herself— not a broken woman or a humiliated wife, but Zara Quinn, the sister they had missed. The sister who was back.

As they walked out of the hospital into their car with Zara in their middle, she couldn’t help looking back and forth at them as she realized how better she felt with them.

A lot of people already forgot the incident, and it felt like she was finally reclaiming her life. Retracing her steps and working on her career.

As their car pulled up to their family estate, Zara leaned forward. “Stop here,” she told the chauffeur.

“I'm going to walk in by myself. I want to surprise Mom and Dad,” she cut in, her excitement bubbling over.

Zane grinned, leaning back, “Go for it. But don’t trip— you’re still a little rusty.”

“Very funny,” Zara spoke in between her teeth, stepping out and soothing her dress. Her heart thudded in anticipation as she adjusted her hair, imagining her parents’ faces when they saw her walking unassisted for the first time since her return.

But as she turned towards the mansion gates, her eyes caught a movement to the left.

A sleek black Rolls-Royce rolled out of the neighboring estate, its polished surface gleaming in the sunlight. Curious, Zara’s gaze lingered, her smile faltering.

The driver’s door swung open, and a man stepped out, slamming the door shut with force. His frustration was palpable as he cursed under his breath, kicking the front tire.

Zara froze, her breath hitching. Even from a distance, there was no mistaking him.

Ace Carter.

Their eyes locked, and time seemed to slow. Ace straightened, his sharp features unreadable, but his piercing gaze burned into her like fire.

Something deep in her stomach tightened— a sensation so sudden, so familiar, that it knocked the breath from her lungs.

A flash of memory flickered in her mind.

A dark room. Warm breath against her skin. Fingers trailing forbidden paths—

Zara blinked hard, forcing the memory away.

‘No. Not now. Not ever again.’

But her body betrayed her, her cheeks flushed, her pulse spiked in a way that had nothing to do with the summer sun.

Ace stood taller than she remembered, his sharp jawline and the hint of stubble gave him a rugged edge.

His shoulders were broader, his frame well built and wrapped in a crisp sky-blue shirt and tailored navy pants.

Her heart raced, ‘Why is he here?’

Without thinking, she turned sharply and bolted into the mansion. The sudden movement sent a sharp pain through her ankle, but she pushed through it, her heart pounding in her chest.

Inside the gate, she pressed her back against the wall, gasping for air. “What the hell is wrong with me?” She whispered, her voice trembling. “Why did I run?”

She shook her head, trying to steady herself as she slowly made her way into the main house. “Zavier said he doesn't live here anymore, so what'she doing here?”

She was so engrossed in her thoughts she didn't realize she was already in the living room with everyone around, until Zane snapped his finger in her face, “Zavier said what?”

She jolted, her eyes darting around the room as she faked a smile.

“Zara, are you alright?” Elizabeth questioned as he pulled her to sit on the sofa with her.

Zara hesitated. Bringing him up now would ruin the moment and dampen the joy that still lingered in the air.

So, instead, she forced a wide smile and threw her hands up.

“Surprise!”

Silence.

Then, laughter.

Relief flooded her as her family indulged her not-so-funny ‘surprise’, hugging her, showering her with congratulation and handing her gifts.

The cartier jewelry set from her parents left her speechless.

Zane gifted her a brown maybach leaving her feeling overwhelmed, eyes glittering with unshed happy tears.

Then Zavier pulled out a set of keys from his pocket and handed it to Zara.

“It’s an apartment in Brooklyn.” He announced.

Zara's face lit up, “It’s supposed to be a loan.”

“I decided to make it a gift. If you need another loan, I can always give you that.” Zavier explained and Zara quickly pulled him into a hug.

“You’re the best!” She screeched with excitement.

Zane frowned, “Oh, really?”

Zara quickly turned to face him with a smile, explaining, “Yeah. He’s the best big brother and you are the best younger brother anyone could wish for.”

“What do you need a house for?” Elizabeth asked with a frown.

Zara took a deep breath before announcing, “I’m moving out.” her voice firm.

The room fell silent again, but this time, the energy shifted. But Zara made up her mind long ago. If she was going to get back on her feet, she needed to start from scratch.

After a brief back and forth, they finally agreed.

Elizabeth quietly reached for Zara’s hand. “Just promise us one thing,” she said softly. “If you ever need anything–anything at all, you will come to us.”

Zara nodded, her throat tight. “I promise.”

“Mommy, are we going to live in New York now?’ Ella’s eyes were wide with curiosity, while Ezra tugged at Zara’s sleeve, his brows furrowed.

“What about Daddy?” Ezra asked. Two words, so small, yet so devastating.

Zara’s chest tightened, her smile faltered, but she forced it back into place before the tears could fall.

“We’ll talk about it soon, okay? What is that on your hands?” Zara asked, blinking at the lumpy brown brick. “Um… playdough?”

The twins frowned, yelling in sync, “NO! It’s a muffin! Chocolate muffin!”

“Grandma taught us how to make it.” Ella added, pointing at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Henry looked at each other, pressing their lips tightly together to hold in their laughter, the same way Zane and Zavier were struggling with theirs.

Zara put on a smile and took a bite. It was beyond awful. Both in taste and texture. And the initial scrunch of Zara's Face made that evident. But she didn't dare hurt their feelings.

“Woah, this is good.” she exclaimed, and the kids’ faces brightened up quickly. “You guys are one cute little chefs.” She added, tickling them.

She then pulled them into her arms, and while they bragged about how perfect their food was, guilt gnawed at her.

****

“...I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work all of you have done in the past years.” Zara spoke eloquently in front of the board members of Quinn Sculpt & Style, her face bright and booming with a calm confidence she hadn’t felt in years.

Her voice was steady, her gaze unwavering as she looked around the room.

Zavier sat at the end of the table nodding subtly in encouragement. The other board members, many of whom Zara had known since childhood, seemed to welcome her presence warmly.

“Your dedication and passion have carried forward the vision my parents worked so hard to establish…”

The creak of the door opening cut her off mid-sentence.

Zara’s eyes flicked towards the sound and the words on her tongue evaporated.

Ace Carter stepped into the room, his presence dominating the space like a sudden storm. He moved with the quiet confidence of someone who knew exactly how much power he held. His sharp hazel eyes locked onto hers, unreadable but intense, as if daring her to falter.

“Apologies for being late,” Ace said, his deep voice cutting through the silence as he pulled a chair and sat, leaning back casually, his gaze finally leaving her.

Her palms went clammy against the table. He had no business being here, yet every pair of eyes in the room acted like he belonged. Zara’s voice trembled under her breath. “What the hell are you doing in my boardroom, Mr. Carter?”