After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 15

“Jordan.” Jackson’s brow creased as he gave him a pointed look. “Isabella is married to Ethan now. She’s Mrs. Adams. You and Ethan have been friends forever. For his sake, at least, you should be nicer to her.”

Jordan couldn’t hide his annoyance. “I know, Dad.”

Natalie slid her arm through Jordan’s and gave him a gentle tug. “Come on, Jordan, let’s head inside,” she said softly.

Jordan’s mood eased a little. He waited for his dad to go in first, then walked with Natalie toward the house. As they moved, he kept his voice low. “Did you notice how Ethan treats Isabella? I just don’t buy that he actually likes her. Do you think he’s just doing this to spite us, or maybe he wants to mess with me?”

The truth was, Ethan had never hidden his dislike for Cynthia or Isabella, and yet now he’d married her. It felt too intentional, like he was trying to make a point. Jordan couldn’t shake the suspicion that Ethan might still have feelings for Natalie. Maybe, now that Natalie was married to him, Ethan had no choice but to stay away from her, so he settled for marrying Isabella to keep himself close.

Natalie shook her head. “You’re overthinking it, Jordan. Ethan’s always treated Isabella well. Maybe he’s liked her for a long time. Maybe he just waited until she was older and had a bit more experience before saying anything.”

Ethan had always had a thing for Natalie. He’d never said it out loud, but Jordan knew. When Ethan finally seemed ready to confess, Natalie was already with Jordan. After that, Ethan kept his feelings to himself. No matter how much he cared, he never crossed the line.

Jordan had moved first, asking Natalie out before Ethan got the chance. Natalie had always seemed to like Jordan more anyway, since he was a bit softer and easier to talk to. Ethan could be cold and reserved, and sometimes Natalie found him kind of boring. She wasn’t clueless about how Ethan felt, but since he never made a move, she just pretended not to notice. Now, with Jordan bringing this up, she had to defend Ethan, just to keep Jordan from getting jealous.

Jackson walked further into the room, and Ethan and Isabella both stood up.

“Jackson,” Isabella greeted him politely.

Ethan echoed her, nodding at Jackson before turning to Jordan. After everyone had exchanged greetings, they all sat down together.