After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 1088

Laura laughed softly through the phone. "We haven't locked in a date yet since he literally just proposed tonight, but we're definitely having the wedding before the year is out."

"Wait, Isabella, you're not going to be my bridesmaid?"

Isabella sighed. "I'm divorced. Being your bridesmaid might bring bad luck or look inappropriate. Even if you don't mind, I just can't do it. You are my absolute best friend, and I want your marriage to be perfectly blessed so you and Jesse can grow old together."

"I refuse to let my reputation as a divorced woman cast even the slightest shadow over your big day."

"I'll be your chief best friend. I'll be right there to witness your happiness and watch you walk down the aisle. That's all that matters; the title doesn't. You should ask Barbara and Linda to be your bridesmaids."

Those two were unmarried women from elite families—they were the perfect candidates to stand beside her.

"Isabella, Jesse and I really don't care about any of that," Laura insisted, clearly still hoping she would accept the role.

"Laura, we're best friends. Our friendship is pure, and I want absolutely nothing to taint your wedding. I want everything to go perfectly for you."

"I don't want you dealing with vicious gossip on your special day. If I just ignored the traditions and stood up there as your bridesmaid, people in the crowd would definitely whisper, and some might even point fingers."

Laura went quiet for a moment before finally sighing. "Alright, fine."

She knew Isabella made a valid point. Even though Isabella and Ethan had slept in separate rooms for their entire marriage, the divorce was a very public reality.

She and Jesse might not care, but what about the Mason elders?

Nobody wanted to deal with nasty rumors on their wedding day.

If Isabella attended as an honored best friend, no one could say a word.

And she would still be right there to witness the magic.

"Now I have to rack my brain to figure out what to get you for a wedding gift! If I can't think of anything perfect, I'm just going to send you a massive cash transfer. You can buy whatever you want!"

Laura laughed. "I'll love whatever you get me. It's the thought that counts."

Isabella smiled. "I'll definitely put some serious thought into it."

Malvina walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. "Boss, we're home."

Jordan had fallen asleep against the seat.

She called his name a couple of times, but he didn't stir. Finally, she leaned into the car and gently shook his shoulders to wake him.

Opening his eyes and seeing her face, Jordan blindly reached out, pulled her into a tight embrace, and began planting sloppy, desperate kisses on her cheeks and lips.

Malvina let him do it for a few moments before gently pushing him back. Her voice was soft. "Boss, you're home."

Jordan blinked, glancing around. He realized he was sitting in his own car, and his butler was standing just a few feet away, looking incredibly uncomfortable. This was his estate.

He was home.

"Oh. Right. Home."

He stumbled out of the car.