Who Are You?

“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 tongue.

“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 of protecting you back then,”

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, throwing a glance at Zavier, "Not even him,"

Zara and Zavier locked eyes briefly before bursting into a hearty laugh.

‘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 buried her face in her mother’s shoulder, whispering, “I shouldn’t have left when you were sick.” The guilt pressed against her ribs like it had never left.

Elizabeth slowly patted her back, whispering, “Oh, my sweet baby. I'm glad to have you back. We are ready to right our wrongs now. The past will remain in the past.”

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?”