Reclaimed By My Ex-husband
Chapter 24: Zara is not coming?

Chapter 24: Zara is not coming?

Zara’s eyes fluttered open, the pungent scent of antiseptic immediately grounding her to reality. The soft morning light filtered through the sheer hospital curtains. She squinted, covering her eyes.

As her vision cleared, the rush of last night’s incidents crashed back into her mind. She remembered the sharp ache in her abdomen, quickly followed by the alarming sensation of blood trickling down between her legs.

Panic surged as her hands shot to her abdomen.

"My baby..."

Tears welled up, blurring her vision as dread clutched her chest. Her gaze darted around the room, but there was no one. She reached for the call button with shaking fingers, but before she could press it, the door creaked open.

Bree stepped in. A soft smile played on her lips as she met Zara’s frantic eyes.

"You are awake," she said gently, walking over to the bedside. "You gave us quite the scare last night. But thank God, you are okay."

She set the lunch box on the side table and moved to help Zara sit up, tucking a pillow behind her back.

Zara clutched her friend’s hand. "Bree... my baby? Is the baby alright?" Her eyes searched Bree’s face, wild with emotion.

Bree’s hand closed around hers with comforting firmness. "The baby is safe. But the doctor said you must avoid any stress from now on. You have to be careful."

Relief flooded Zara’s body. Her breath trembled out of her, her fingers brushing over her stomach. A tear slipped down her cheek as a grateful smile touched her lips.

"Thank you, Bree," she murmured. "You and Jasper helped me a lot... I don’t know what I would have done without you."

Bree waved her off playfully. "You can thank me later. Right now, you need to eat." She popped open the lunchbox and handed it to her. "I made you some congee. You need to regain your strength."

Zara took the bowl, her gaze falling on the warm congee. But before she could take a bite, emotions welling up in her chest.

In the moment of her greatest vulnerability, it wasn’t her family who had stood by her—it was Bree and Jasper. Their unwavering support during her lowest point laid bare a painful truth: the people she once believed her family had turned their backs, while these two, who were not blood related, had become her true pillars.

"What are you staring at? Eat before it gets cold." Bree’s voice gently pulled her out of her thoughts.

Zara swallowed hard, trying to gather herself. But her hands didn’t move. "Can you talk to the doctor for me?" she asked softly. "I want to be discharged."

Bree’s brow furrowed immediately. "Stay one more day," she urged. "Don’t stress about work. I’m handling things. Just focus on getting better."

But Zara shook her head firmly. "I can’t stay. I promised Zane I’d take him to the amusement park."

Bree’s face scrunched with disbelief. "You are still thinking about the amusement park? Zara, you almost lost your baby last night. You need rest—real rest. Zane will understand. You can go next week."

Zara fell silent for a moment, torn. She could still picture Zane’s hopeful little face, his eagerness. The idea of letting him down crushed her.

"I know," she murmured. "But I can’t break my promise. I’ll be careful—I swear. I’ll take every precaution."

Bree looked at her with a deep sigh. "I don’t like this. You need to prioritize yourself and your own baby in your womb. Everything else comes later."

Zara felt a sharp pang in her heart. Bree’s words hadn’t been meant to hurt, but they touched something inside her.

Not once had she ever considered Zane as anything less than her own. In her eyes, there was no difference between him and the child growing inside her. They both held the same place in her heart.

"I’ve always seen him as my own." Her eyes gleamed as memories flickered across her mind.

The moment he was born, the doctor placed him in her arms. She watched him grow, held his hand through every milestone. She had never once thought that he wasn’t hers.

"Even if I give birth to my own child, my love for Zane will remain unchanged. He is my son."

Bree’s gaze dropped, shame shadowing her features. She hadn’t meant to suggest otherwise, but now she realized her words had hurt Zara unintentionally.

"I’m sorry," she murmured, eyes brimming with guilt. "I shouldn’t have said that."

"It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. And don’t worry—I won’t leave if the doctor says I shouldn’t."

Relief washed over Bree, and a small smile curled her lips. "Good. I’ll go talk to the doctor now." She headed out of the room.

Left alone, Zara turned her attention to the congee. She picked up the spoon and started eating.

A few minutes later...

The doctor came. After a thorough check-up, she said, "Your vitals are stable, blood pressure is normal, and the baby’s heartbeat is strong. You are okay to be discharged."

But then, her expression turned stern. "However, you must be cautious. Your leg needs rest. No unnecessary walking or moving around. Bed rest is recommended for a few days. If you must move, use a crutch."

Zara nodded obediently. "Thank you, Doctor. I’ll be careful." She hesitated for a brief moment, her fingers curling around the bedsheet before she spoke again. "Doctor... I have one request. Please don’t mention my pregnancy to anyone."

The doctor gave her a brief, searching look, sensing the tension in her eyes. "Understood," she finally said with a nod. "It’ll remain confidential." With that, she exited the room.

As the door clicked shut, Bree turned to Zara, arms crossed, and eyebrows raised. "You heard her," she said pointedly. "She told you to rest. So, are you still thinking about going to the amusement park?"

Zara dropped her eyes to her wrapped leg. After a long pause, she gave in with a sigh. "Alright... I’ll talk to Zane." She reached out her hand. "Pass me my phone."

Bree handed over the device. "Good. That’s the smart choice. Talk to your boy. He’ll understand. Call me when you are done."

Bree stepped out, leaving Zara alone to make the difficult call.

Zara dialed Paulina’s number.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she pressed the phone to her ear.

The call connected after a few rings, and she quickly forced a smile, hoping her voice wouldn’t betray the heaviness in her heart.

"Good morning, Grandma," she greeted warmly.

Paulina’s familiar voice came through, tinged with disappointment. "You left and never came back. Nathaniel hasn’t shown up either. You two have your own lives now, and this old lady doesn’t matter anymore, huh? But what about Zane? You didn’t even drop by to see him."

Zara’s heart tightened. "I’m sorry, Grandma," she apologized sincerely. "I’ve just been caught up with some things. Could you put Zane on the phone? I need to talk to him."

Paulina sighed, her irritation softening. "Hold on. He has been bouncing around all morning, all excited about the trip..."

Zara’s heart sank. She already felt the sting of guilt, knowing what she was about to say would shatter that excitement.

Then came Zane’s bright voice, full of joy. "Mummy. When are you coming? I’m ready. And guess what—Daddy is coming with us."

Zara blinked, startled. Nathaniel? He had agreed to go to the amusement park. A wave of relief passed through her. At least Zane wouldn’t miss out.

"That’s great, sweetheart," she said gently. "Enjoy your day with Daddy, okay? But Mommy can’t come today."

"Why? Why aren’t you coming?" Zane asked, sounding disappointed.

Zara bit her lip, the ache in her chest deepening.

Nathaniel, who was about to enter the room, heard those words. He stopped in his tracks. His brow furrowed.

’Zara is not coming?’

A strange pang stirred in his chest.