Reclaimed By My Ex-husband

Bree's posture went rigid as surprise flickered across her face. "Why are you asking me that?" she asked skeptically.

Zara let out a weary sigh, her lips curving into a helpless pout. "You can't imagine what I went through last night. My mind was a complete mess. It was so unbearably hot…"

She lifted both hands, fanning her flushed face dramatically. "And he was right there, so close. I couldn't hold myself back—I wanted him desperately. But instead of giving in, he threw me into cold water and walked away. He could have been my relief, my antidote, but no…he went and called the doctor."

"Seriously?" Bree's jaw dropped in disbelief. "He didn't even touch you?"

Zara shook her head, pouting even tighter.

"That's unreal," Bree muttered, still stunned. "How could he possibly resist you in that state?"

To her, it made no sense. Even if Nathaniel didn't hold romantic feelings for Zara, she was still his wife. Most men would never ignore such a situation unless something was wrong.

Perhaps, Bree thought, his heart had turned ice-cold after Nora's death, numbed to all intimacy. Or maybe the trauma of losing his first wife had left him unable to be with a woman physically at all.

Her gaze narrowed with doubt. "Are you sure he is…alright?" she asked cautiously. "Did you have sex with him recently? And if so—how was his performance?"

Performance?

Zara hadn't had sex with him in a long time. Every time they tried to get close, something always interrupted them. From what she remembered, he had been passionate—wild even. His kiss alone could still shake her to her core, fierce and consuming, leaving her breathless.

She was sure that side of him hadn't changed. And yet, she hadn't experienced it for so long.

Last night had been their chance. But instead of taking her, he had stepped away for reasons she couldn't understand. Zara puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

Bree studied her expression and realized something. "Don't tell me you two haven't been intimate for long."

Zara opened her mouth, hesitated, then closed it again.

"Really? That's the truth?" Bree exclaimed in shock. "He hasn't touched you? I'm telling you—there is a problem. You need to see a doctor about this."

"Huh?" Zara gaped, utterly confused.

"Think about it," Bree leaned forward, bracing her hands on the table. "He left you like that when he could have easily satisfied you. You are his wife, not some stranger. It's not as if he is running off to another woman. So why resist you? Why pull back? I'm telling you, Zara—something is not right with him."

Zara blinked, her thoughts scattering. She had never considered that possibility. Could he truly be struggling with something physically?

But part of her rejected the idea outright. She remembered too well how Nathaniel had cornered her in his office, practically burning with desire. She had seen the undeniable evidence of his need when she was close and felt his erection pressing against her.

No—this wasn't about inability. It couldn't be.

"No, I don't think so," Zara said doubtfully. "He is healthy—I can feel it. It has to be something else."

"How can you be so sure?" Bree challenged. "You just admitted you haven't slept with him for a while. How can you possibly know he is fine?"

"Because he…" Zara stopped short, unable to say the rest aloud. "I just know. It's not a health issue. It's just… I don't understand why he keeps holding back."

"If he were fine, he wouldn't resist you," Bree said firmly. "This is just his way of covering up his weakness. You should talk to him and push him to get checked."

Her words unsettled Zara. A flicker of doubt crept in.

What if Nathaniel really was hiding something from her? What if he did have a problem he couldn't admit? But how could she even bring it up?

The thought of asking him directly made her cheeks burn. And even if she did, he was too closed off to tell her the truth. Still, if it was real, she had to find a way to convince him to consult a doctor.

"I don't know…" she murmured with a helpless shrug. "He'll never agree."

"Then keep suffering with him," Bree muttered, exasperated. "Honestly, Zara, if you want this marriage to work, you need to start communicating openly. Otherwise, just walk away. There are people who'd want you, who would give you more happiness than this iceberg of a man, Nathaniel. Think about it."

Pushing back her chair, Bree stood. "Anyway, enough of this. We have a meeting with the chief editor of Cine magazine this afternoon. Go get ready."

Zara sank deeper into her chair, Bree's words still echoing in her mind. "A doctor, huh…" she muttered under her breath. "Looks like I'll have to talk to him."

Meanwhile, Nathaniel had already begun striking back at the producer. He targeted his business, forcing him into losses, and even sent him a legal notice, demanding heavy compensation for the mental distress he had caused Zara.

Desperate, the man kept calling Nathaniel, pleading for forgiveness, but Nathaniel ignored every attempt. He even instructed his secretary to block all communication from him. Still, the man turned up at the office, insisting on seeing him.

The secretary walked in, visibly flustered. "Sir, Mr. Wade is causing a scene at the reception. He says he won't leave until he meets you."

After a hesitant pause, she added, "Sir, perhaps you should speak to him for a moment. The staff is getting curious, and I'm afraid that if this continues, rumors involving Madam might start spreading."

Nathaniel's face tightened with irritation. He had gone to great lengths to keep the incident of Zara being drugged at the event from leaking out. But Wade's recklessness and the commotion he was causing in the office could easily spark questions and whispers.

"The bastard," Nathaniel growled. "Send him in."

"Right away." The secretary left quickly.

A few minutes later, Mr. Wade stumbled into the office, his face pale and his hair disheveled. A bandage on his nose was a grim reminder of the blow Nathaniel had delivered the night before.

The moment his eyes met Nathaniel's piercing glare, his legs gave way, and he collapsed onto the floor.

"I'm sorry," he pleaded, trembling. "I know I was wrong. Please…don't take legal action. I have a wife and children. They'll leave me if this happens. Please…"

Nathaniel's anger only intensified at the words. "You are married and have children, yet you sought other women for your pleasure? Shame on you. Your wife deserves to know the truth about what kind of man you really are."

"No, no…please," Wade cried desperately. "I swear I won't ever do this again. I can tell you who brought me there, who lured your wife…just please, spare me." He lifted his eyes, hope flickering as he silently begged Nathaniel for mercy.