After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 13

“Can you not act like you’re obsessed with money? I really don’t like it.” Ethan couldn’t help pinching Isabella’s cheek. Her skin was softer than he expected.

“I’m broke, okay? And you won’t even help me get my wedding gift back,” Isabella mumbled.

“So, Ethan, how much are you going to reward me?”

“At least a hundred grand.”

Isabella grinned. Honestly, making money was never easier than when she was trying to please him.

“About your wedding gift…” Ethan started.

Isabella cut in, “Jordan kept it. Natalie decided she liked it and took it.”

Ethan went quiet, just like she knew he would. If it had been her mom who took the gift, Ethan would’ve been furious and probably would have marched over to get it back for her. But since it was Jordan and Natalie, he had nothing left to say.

She sighed to herself, trying not to get her hopes up. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

“The Lanes raised me, paid for my school and everything. I owe them more than I can ever pay back. So, the wedding gift you gave me, let them keep it. Consider it my way of saying thank you for raising me.”

Ethan’s face softened. “That’s pretty mature of you. I’m impressed.”

Isabella’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’m just good at doing my job. If you up the reward, maybe to a million, I could be even more obedient and sweet.”

Ethan’s expression darkened. He let go of her hand and walked away without another word.

Still, Cynthia knew she wouldn’t get to enjoy any of these beautiful things. Now that Jordan was married, Natalie was the one in charge, and Cynthia had to live by her rules. All of Isabella’s gifts would end up with Natalie.

Cynthia felt bad for Isabella but didn’t let it show. She had always been patient and tolerant. That was the only way she’d managed to survive in the Lane household for so long. She could take any hardship, as long as Isabella got to live well.

Ethan spoke up, “Mom, this is just something we should do.” Then he looked over at Natalie, who was sitting a little ways off. “Natalie, Isabella picked out a bunch of gifts for everyone. Hope you like them.”

Natalie smiled sweetly. “I’ll love anything she gives.”

She’d already seen the list and recognized all her favorite things, each one more expensive than the last. She knew Isabella didn’t pick them out. This was just Ethan’s way of sending her gifts under the excuse of a homecoming. He’d always spoiled her on holidays and birthdays.

Listening to Ethan, Isabella rolled her eyes when no one was watching. Of course Natalie liked the gifts. They were all picked out for her.