All Chapters of Once Divorced, Twice Desired: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

“No! I have always loved Ballet. Architecture is just the family business.” Zara countered, giggles filling the car as Kendrick drove. “You dance beautifully too. You would have been a figure to reckon in the industry if you didn't throw your dreams away…for someone who doesn't deserve it.” Kendrick said, wearing a small smile. Zara heaved a sigh. The discussion was going into the direction she definitely didn't want it to, so she quickly tried to avert it, dwelling only on his first statement.“I danced really well, but I wasn't as good as her. She's like a goddess.” Zara complimented, her mind wandering back to the dance.“You're probably right.” He agreed, “But it took took her years of practice to be that perfect. Your Gisselle dancing was already great. If you hadn't turned down the offer from NYCB, you would have been much more perfect by now.” Zara chuckled, a blush spreading over her at the compliment. But then…“Umm…I don't remember ever dancing in front of you before. Ho

Henry didn't seem surprised as he chuckled dryly, taking a few steps closer, “What do you mean quit?” Zara raised her gaze to meet his., her eyes lighting up. “I'm old, dear. I retired.”Zara knew that was a lie. Even his mom who founded the company remained active until she died of old age. Plus, she knew how much Quinn's Sculpt & Style meant to him. He wouldn't just retire like that without ensuring that a capable person takes over. “Dad,” she called, her voice softer as the guilt melted away, “Be honest with me. Did something happen with the company? A seventy billion dollar loss? What happened?” Henry inhaled sharply, sitting by the edge of the desk, “I didn't want to stress you when you just returned, Zara…” he started, his voice calm, “...that's why I didn't let Zavier tell you about the loss.” “Dad,” Zara sighed, moving closer to hold his hand. “But you don't have to worry. Everything is fine now. I’ve sorted out the loss, it's like a fresh new company for you now.” “D

CHAPTER THIRTY - FIVEZane bit his lower lip, his hands curling into fists as he forced himself to stay still.The room was thick with tension, the kind that made the air feel suffocating.No one knew the right words to comfort Zara.No one knew how to undo what had just happened.“Ella, how can you do that?” Zane’s voice was sharper than he intended, but the little girl only jutted her chin out defiantly, crossing her arms.No remorse.Ezra, his face streaked with fresh tears, turned to Zara, his tiny hands trembling. “Mommy… is it true?” His voice cracked. “You divorced Daddy? You're going to marry someone else?”Zara sucked in a breath, wiping her bloody tears away. But no matter how much she wiped, they kept coming and whether from the wound or her heart, she couldn’t tell anymore.The words clawed out of her throat, “Yes.” shaky but firm.She wasn’t going to run anymore.“Your dad and I are divorced,” she said, forcing herself to meet their eyes, even as every fiber of her being

“Mom, I’m not doing this tomorrow.” Zara scolded her mom who was entering her car after following Zara to drop the kids at school. Elizabeth sighed, “Zara, I know you’re hurt, but being aggressive with the kids won’t change anything.” She took Zara’s hand into her, her voice gentler, “They just found out their picture perfect family is gone, let them be angry. Surrender to their tantrums for now…bribe them if you need to.”She looked into Zara’s eyes, a small, reassuring smile on her lips, “They are your kids. Win back their heart with patience and persuasion until they are grown enough to know the whole truth.” Zara bit her lip, trying hard to hold back her tears. For the first time in the seven years she had become a mother, this was the first time she was getting motherly advice in a loving manner. With Beatrice, it always came with insults.Zara nodded, sniffling hard to hide the ache in her throat, “Fine. You win. I will pamper them as much as possible.” With that, the wome

“Wow, I think everyone is already anticipating this project as I am.” The host suggested after listening to their views on the project. Gina hissed, rolling her eyes at the display on her office television. Just as she was about to switch off the television, a question caught her attention. “Before we conclude, I just have one more question for Mr. Carter and Ms. Quinn,” He went on, “This is the first time your respective companies are working on a project together after the end of your partnership years ago. Do you see a future together after this project?” The whole room stilled as the tension simmered. Gina’s eyes widened as her gaze settled on Ace. But it was useless. He seemed so composed, unfazed and unnerved by the question which was already making Gina furious. Her eyes darted to Zara, and she could see the bridge of her nose twitch nervously. Her fingers clenched around the sofa.“Ending the partnership was a mutual agreement between the two parties. If they are ever g