CHAPTER 235: FUN AT THE HOUSE

Before she could ask anything, Zane exclaimed, "Daddy! Are you here to pick us up?"

"Yes, my love." Nathaniel scooped him up in his arms. "How was your day?"

"It was fun. I went to the ice cream shop after school..."

"You finished early today," Zara cut in quickly before Zane could say more, worried he might bring up Liam.

Nathaniel’s attention went to her. He gave a small nod. "I thought of spending more time with you. Let’s go home. I’ve got something to discuss with you."

He opened the back door of his car and put Zane into the rear seat before slipping behind the wheel.

Zara stood there for a moment, feeling a little anxious hearing his serious tone. She felt strange in her heart. It had been a while since Nathaniel sounded this serious.

’Is everything okay at work?’ she wondered, remembering how unsettled he’d looked earlier that morning after his assistant’s call.

"Are you getting in or not?" Nathaniel’s voice broke through her thoughts.

"Yes, coming." She quickly stepped in and settled into the passenger seat, offering a smile at him. "Let’s go."

A moment later, the car pulled away from the curb.

When they arrived home, Zane ran into his room.

"Slow down," Zara shouted. "You will trip and fall."

"I’m fine, Mommy," shouted back Zane. "Don’t worry."

"Alright, alright. Wash up first and come down for your milk," she reminded him.

"I get it." The door closed behind him.

Zara couldn’t help but smile and shake her head. When she turned toward Nathaniel, she caught him staring thoughtfully at Zane’s closed door.

"Zane is such an understanding boy," she said softly. "He doesn’t trouble anyone. He stayed quiet the whole time."

"He has learned to adjust himself according to our schedules," Nathaniel mumbled, looking back at her. "But he is still a child. He needs attention, his own space, and care. With both of us getting busier, I’m afraid he might start to feel neglected."

Zara’s smile faltered. She had been feeling guilty all the time since she had forgotten to go to pick Zane up from school. Hearing his words, she felt even worse.

"So, I’ve come up with a solution."

Hope flickered in Zara’s eyes. "What solution?" she asked eagerly.

"Let’s move back to the mansion," Nathaniel said. "Zane won’t feel lonely there. And you’ll be able to focus on work without worrying about him. Even if you come home late, he’ll be well taken care of."

"Staying at the mansion?" Zara’s face paled at the idea.

Memories from the early years of her marriage flashed through her mind. She had faced Gracie’s constant scrutiny and endured her harsh criticisms. Back then, Riya hadn’t been openly hostile, but she had always managed to worsen things, subtly turning every small issue into a bigger one. It was only the old grandmother who had treated her nicely.

Now, with Riya’s hostility out in the open, the thought of returning there made her stomach twist.

"We can hire a nanny for Zane," she said in a pleading tone. "Besides, Mrs. Jules is here to take care of him. I promise I’ll try to come home early."

"Zara, I am not blaming you," Nathaniel said, holding her shoulders. "I’m not accusing you of neglecting him. I know you are doing your best. But with how busy we both are, Zane still ends up alone most of the time. A nanny can’t give him the real care and affection he needs. Only his grandparents can give that to him."

His voice softened further. "I know you don’t like Riya, but I’ll make sure she doesn’t bother you. You won’t face anything alone. I’ll always be there. Let’s do this for Zane."

His pleading gaze made her heart ache. Zara exhaled slowly, feeling her resolve weaken.

"For Zane," she mumbled.

"Thank you." Nathaniel pulled her into his embrace, the worry in his heart lifting. He pressed his lips on the top of her head.

Zara stood still in his embrace, her eyes distant, her mind already bracing for what awaited her at the mansion.

~~~~~~~

They arrived at the mansion after some time. Zane was delighted.

"Grandpa," he chirped as he ran toward his grandfather and jumped onto his lap.

Vincet laughed, hugging him.

"I’m back again!" Zane announced proudly. "You have to tell me about the farm animals at the farmhouse. Last night, I fell asleep early and missed the story. But tonight, you have to tell me everything."

"Sure. As long as you don’t fall asleep halfway again."

"Why bring up the farm animals again?" Gracie protested as she approached them and sat down. "Read him some bedtime stories instead."

"But he enjoys hearing about the farmhouse," Vincent countered.

"Yes, Grandma," Zane chimed in quickly. "I already know all the stories in my books. They are boring now. I want to hear about the farmhouse. Grandpa..." His eyes gleamed with anticipation. "You promised to take me there, but you never did."

"Uh..."

"We’ll go there soon," Nathaniel said before his father could reply.

"Really, Daddy?" Zane’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Yes." Nathaniel glanced at Zara. "Right, Zara?"

Zara nodded with a smile. She had already planned to take a few days off after finishing the new design drafts. "Yes, we’ll go there and have lots of fun."

"Yeah," Zane shouted delightfully.

Vincent laughed as he watched his grandson’s delightful appearance. Gracie, however, stayed quiet, her gaze lingering on Zara. She couldn’t deny the fact that the woman loved Zane very much. That was the reason she had never objected to Nathaniel’s marriage to her; she had always believed that Zara was the only one capable of giving Zane the warmth of a mother’s love.

Still, Gracie hadn’t always approved of her. In the beginning, she used to hate her timid appearance, often complaining that she lacked the charm or confidence to win Nathaniel’s heart. But those complaints no longer held weight. She had witnessed a transformation in Zara, who had grown more confident than before. She had also seen the change of attitude in Nathaniel toward Zara.

It was a promising sign. Nathaniel had grown infatuated with Zara. The cracks in their marriage seemed to be healing. Gracie’s earlier frustrations began to fade. As long as Zara continued to take care of Nathaniel and Zane, keeping both of them content, she was willing to overlook her occasional arrogance.

"Why are you all laughing so loudly?" Paulina’s voice pierced through her thoughts. "Did I miss something?"

The old lady joined the group, delighted to see everyone gathering there.

"We are going to the farmhouse soon." Zane was the one who spoke first, his delightful voice echoing in the hall. "Daddy is taking us."