After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 180

Ethan found a few strands of Isabella’s hair on her bed. He carefully wrapped them in a tissue, just like he had done before.

Even though he still felt a little weak, he grabbed both samples and left the house. Once he got in the car, he told the driver to take him straight to the hospital.

At the hospital, Ethan turned in the two samples for a rush DNA test. The lab promised results in just a few hours. Since he was already there and feeling lousy, he decided to see a doctor. He got checked out, picked up his prescription, and took his first dose right there in the hallway with a cup of warm water from the dispenser.

Thanks to the herbal tea Isabella had made him, the medicine didn’t taste nearly as bitter as he expected.

Meanwhile, Isabella had no clue what Ethan was up to. She and Laura had left the Carter Group and headed to Linda’s company. After signing the contract, it was already noon, and Linda wouldn’t take no for an answer—she insisted on treating them to lunch.

Laura laughed. “Linda, let’s do it another day.” She was worried about Isabella. After all, Isabella was Mrs. Adams, and if reporters caught her eating with Linda, who was practically a family rival, who knew what kind of headlines they’d come up with.

Linda looked at them. “Are you two busy later?”

Both Isabella and Laura shook their heads.

“Then let’s eat together. We should celebrate our partnership, and lunch is on me.”

Linda must have thought they were worried about splitting the bill, so she kept assuring them she’d pay for everything.

Isabella thought about it, then smiled. “Linda, we should be treating you. You’re the one who invited us, after all.”

Linda laughed. “Isabella, we’re all partners now. It doesn’t matter who pays. But since we’re eating at my place, the White Hotel, it’s only right I host. You’re my guests.”

“Exactly. If we spent all our time worrying about every little thing, life would be exhausting. Life’s too short to carry so many burdens. As long as we’re happy, that’s what matters. I don’t care what the media says about me.”

“If they ever compliment me, it’s not like they’ll actually give me anything. And if they criticize me, so what? I earned my money fair and square. Their words can’t take that away from me.”

“So don’t let what others say get to you. If something feels right, just go for it.”

Laura smiled. “Isabella, you’ve really gotten clear-headed lately.”

Isabella thought quietly, That’s what happens when you’ve already died once.