After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 262

He wanted Harold to see just how much Isabella cared about him.

Harold was beginning to develop feelings for Isabella, and Ethan was determined to shut that down before it even had a chance to grow. He might have lost Natalie, but Isabella was already his wife. There was no way he’d let Harold swoop in and take her away.

What he hadn’t expected was the way Isabella would react. She didn’t just scold him, she yanked his ear and let him have it right there in front of everyone. So much for saving face. By tomorrow, everyone in Cabinda would be talking about it. Ethan Adams, completely under his wife’s thumb.

Isabella marched over and grabbed his arm. “What are you standing around for? Let’s go. If you love drinking so much, you can keep going at home. Honestly, if you don’t finish every single bottle we have, I’ll be disappointed.”

She started dragging him off, and Ethan just stared at her, lost for words. His wife was so fierce... but for some reason, he kind of loved it. Even with his ear still stinging and his pride bruised, he felt this weird, happy warmth inside.

Was it possible? Did this mean she still cared about him? If she didn’t, she wouldn’t be so mad, wouldn’t worry about his health, wouldn’t bother yelling at him like this. Yeah, that had to be it.

He smiled like an idiot, letting her lead him out. Maybe he was overthinking it. Maybe she was just mad that he’d kept her up in the middle of the night. She did look pretty tired and annoyed.

Harold finally snapped out of his daze and hurried after them. He seemed to be thinking the same thing Ethan was, trailing behind with this envious look on his face.

It took some effort, but Isabella finally got Ethan into the car. She turned to Harold, who had followed them out. “Harold, I’m really sorry about tonight. I kept you up when you should’ve been resting.”

She gave Ethan a look. “And thanks for staying with this drunk until I got here. At least you made sure no one took advantage of him.”

Harold hesitated for a moment. Who would dare mess with Ethan? But then, remembering how many women were always interested in him, Harold realized Isabella had a point. If no one was watching him, who knew what could happen?

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. Ethan’s my friend, it’s nothing.”

A few minutes later, the two cars pulled out, one behind the other. Harold drove quietly, following Isabella all the way to her place. He stopped outside her gate and waited.

Once Isabella parked her car in the driveway, she walked back out to Harold’s car.

“Thank you, Harold. It’s really late, so I won’t invite you in, but let’s have dinner sometime soon. I’d love for you and Barbara to come over.”

It would feel weird inviting just Harold, but having Barbara there made it more comfortable.

Harold smiled at her. “You don’t have to be so polite. Ethan’s my friend. It’s the least I could do.”