The second choice who became his first

Learning to love again

Chapter 20

Nathalie’s POV

After the Osborne family banquet, the city remained full of discussions about my return to the business world.

But life continued.

A few days later, Samuel organized a grand business celebration at one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. The event was to celebrate a successful partnership between several international companies.

That evening, I was in the living room, going through some documents for the mall when Zachary walked in.

“There’s a business celebration tonight,” he said.

I looked up.

“Okay.”

“Samuel asked me to bring you.”

I paused.

For a moment, I considered going.

Things between Zachary and me had changed recently.

He had been trying.

He checked on me more often, made sure I ate properly, accompanied me to appointments, and even listened when I talked about my work.

And slowly, without realizing it, I was beginning to notice him differently.

I was learning to love him again.

Not because I was afraid of losing him.

Not because I was carrying his children.

But because I was beginning to see the man behind the cold exterior.

Still, I didn’t want to rush things.

“I already made plans with Daniela and Sharlene.”

His expression changed slightly.

“Sharlene is back?”

“Yes.”

I gently touched my stomach.

“I haven’t spent time with her since she returned. I want to see my friends.”

He nodded.

“Okay.”

I watched him walk away.

“Zachary.”

He turned.

“Have fun tonight.”

A small smile appeared on his face.

“You too.”

I smiled back.

And when he left, I realized something.

I had smiled at him without forcing it.

Maybe I really was falling for him again.

⸻

Later That Evening

I arrived at the event with Daniela and Sharlene.

I wore a beautiful elegant dress that highlighted my pregnancy while still making me feel confident.

The moment we entered, several people turned to look.

But for the first time, I didn’t care about the attention.

I wasn’t there as Zachary Vaughan’s wife.

I was there as Nathalie Osborne.

Daniela leaned closer.

“Girl, you look amazing.”

Sharlene nodded.

“Pregnancy looks good on you.”

I laughed.

“Thank you.”

We walked further into the hall.

Across the room, Zachary had just arrived with Samuel, Greyson, and Drayton.

His eyes immediately found me.

He stopped walking.

Samuel noticed.

“Oh, look who’s suddenly forgotten how to breathe.”

Zachary ignored him.

He couldn’t take his eyes off me.

I looked happy.

And something inside him softened.

I caught his gaze.

For a moment, neither of us looked away.

Then I smiled.

His lips curved into a small smile in return.

I felt warmth spread through my chest.

Maybe this was what falling in love again felt like.

Not butterflies.

Not desperation.

Just warmth.

Comfort.

A quiet desire to be near someone.

I turned back to my friends.

Meanwhile, Greyson noticed Sharlene standing beside me.

His expression changed.

A small smile appeared on his face.

He remembered their first meeting.

And judging by the way he kept looking at her, he had a feeling this night was about to become interesting.

⸻

Zachary’s POV

“She smiled at you,” Drayton teased.

I ignored him.

Samuel laughed.

“Man, you’re completely gone.”

I glanced at Nathalie again.

Maybe they were right.

I didn’t know exactly when it happened.

But somewhere between her tears, her strength, her stubbornness, and the way she cared for our unborn children…

I had started falling for my wife.

And this time, I wasn’t going to take her love for granted.