After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 224

“Don’t forget to send it later. If you’re late, I’m charging you interest.”

Ethan couldn’t help but laugh. “I give you pocket money, and if I’m late, you’re charging me interest? Are you running a loan business or just charging me interest on my own money?”

He grinned. “Isabella, I swear, when it comes to money, you’re the sharpest person I know. I bet you’re always figuring out ways to move my money into your wallet, aren’t you?”

Isabella smiled, playing along. “Honestly, I’m just trying to turn all your money into mine. If I manage that, I’ll be the richest woman out there.”

Ethan was speechless for a moment, just looking at her. Normally, he hated when people tried to play tricks on him, but when she did it, he didn’t feel annoyed at all. In fact, he found her completely genuine.

He realized then that even though he’d known Isabella for twenty years, he didn’t really know her at all. For most of that time, she’d been practically invisible in the Lane family, always slipping away when he visited. On the rare occasions they bumped into each other, she’d say hi and then disappear. Everything he knew about her came from Jordan, who never had anything good to say.

The woman he’d chased for a few months was nothing like the Isabella standing in front of him now. The change in her over the past six months was so huge, it was no wonder Natalie thought she might be an imposter.

Looking at her profile, Ethan spoke up. “Isabella, my mom’s coming over. We need to act like a real couple in front of her. Sometimes I might have to do things like hug you or kiss you. I just wanted to let you know ahead of time so you don’t get the wrong idea.”

“Do we really have to touch to look like we’re in love?” Isabella shot back.

Ethan met her eyes, letting his gaze linger on her lips. “Not always, but a little physical affection makes it more believable for my mom. They don’t know why I really married you. If you help me pull this off and don’t blow our cover, I’ll pay you a little extra.”

Ethan went quiet. Loving Natalie just made saving himself feel natural.

“Alright, forget the money,” Isabella said, her voice softer. “We’re married. It’s normal for us to be a little close.”

Ethan was relieved. He didn’t want everything between them to feel like a business deal.

“No payment at all?” Isabella joked, looking him up and down. She reached out, brushing her fingers across his cheek, then over his abs. “Well, since you’re easy on the eyes and the body’s not bad either, I guess I can take the loss.”

She leaned in with a mischievous look. “You’re so clueless. Want to practice a little right now?”