After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 1217

"Ethan, whether Harold and I end up together is our business. I don't need you to sacrifice anything for that. Exposing this mastermind isn't just for my sake; it's for yours, too."

"We're in the same boat, trying to survive."

Ethan let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. "You won't even let me help you when I want to."

"When I genuinely need your help, I won't hesitate to ask. And if you ever need mine, I won't turn you away."

Regardless of everything, they had been married across two lifetimes. If he found himself in trouble and she was in a position to assist, Isabella would gladly extend a hand. He had, after all, helped her quite a bit recently.

Her comfortable, financially secure life in this reality was largely thanks to him.

She had made up her mind long ago: take his money, leave the man. She had intended to live out the rest of her life that way, but too much had happened, leading to their divorce even sooner than in her previous life.

"It's getting late, Ethan. I'm heading home. Let me know if Lawrence uncovers anything."

"It would be best if we kept a close eye on York. I have a feeling he's starting to panic. If Natalie actually rolls over on him, he might try to pull off one last massive stunt before skipping town."

"We both need to be careful. Make sure the people around us stay safe, too."

Isabella stood up to leave.

Ethan couldn't stop himself from rising and catching her arm.

"Isabella."

His gaze burned into hers, his voice thick with quiet desperation. "Isabella, are you really refusing to give me one more chance?"

"We share the same secret. We're the ones in the same boat."

"When it comes to what we're facing, Harold is just an outsider."

In his dreams, Harold and Isabella had barely crossed paths. After she died, Ethan had been the one to collect her body and purchase a quiet plot for her at the cemetery.

Isabella looked down at his hand gripping her arm.

"Ethan."

She firmly pried his fingers away. "You just promised to make sure Harold and I could be together."

"I'm terrified I'll fail. If I can't drag this guy out of the shadows, you and Harold will be forced apart."

Ethan's voice grew thick with emotion. "Isabella, I know you can't give me an answer right now. I'm willing to wait. If the worst happens, and you and Harold are forced to break up..."

"Remember that I'm still waiting. I'll be right behind you. The moment you turn around, I'll be there to catch you. My arms will always be open for you, my shoulder is yours to lean on, and I will shelter you from every storm."

Isabella fell silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "Ethan, no one can predict the future. I'm going home."

Ethan didn't try to hold her back again. He followed her out of the study, determined to walk her back.