Chapter 87: Have you forgotten something?
Nathaniel stepped back into the bedroom after settling Zane in for the night. Zara was sitting quietly at the vanity, slowly running a brush through her hair.
There was nothing unusual. Her actions were routine—combing her hair after changing into her nightdress, just like always. But it was the vacant look in her eyes as she gazed at her reflection that made Nathaniel’s chest tighten.
He had noticed her change soon after they left the restaurant. In front of Riya, she had been composed, gracious. But the moment they got into the car, something in her had shut down. She hadn’t said a word since. Just silence. But he had sensed something was off about her, the way she stared out the window blankly. The same vacant look was still there in her face
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He loosened his tie and slipped off his jacket, his eyes never leaving her. He wondered what was keeping her so occupied.
"Are you okay?" he asked, breaking the silence.
Zara didn’t answer right away. She blinked slowly, her eyes meeting his in the mirror, as though pulling herself back from somewhere far away.
"You have been quiet ever since dinner," he said when he didn’t get an answer from her. "If something is bothering you, talk to me. Maybe I can help."
Still, no response.
She just looked at him with no expression on her face. But inside, her mind spun with questions and doubts. The words of those two women still echoed in her mind, impossible to shake. Reason told her that all men were not the same. It was unfair to judge Nathaniel based on someone else’s bitter experience. Still, the doubts clung to her, refusing to fade.
"Is this about Riya?" he pressed further. "Are you upset with her?"
A flicker of irritation crossed her face at the mention of Riya. She hadn’t been thinking about that woman. She had already done what needed to be done, shutting down whatever fantasy Riya had been entertaining about Nathaniel. Once Zara had walked away from her, she had kicked Riya out of her mind.
So why was he bringing her up?