After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 29

Isabella had heard enough. She opened her bedroom door and stepped out, her expression calm and unreadable.

The second she appeared, the conversation in the hallway died. Ethan and Susan looked up, but neither said a word.

“Morning,” Isabella greeted them politely.

Ethan watched her closely, his eyes dark and searching.

“Ethan, you’re up early,” Isabella said, her voice light. “After how much you drank last night, I figured you’d be out until at least this evening.”

She glanced at him, a hint of concern in her tone. “Do you have a headache? Want me to make you some honey water?”

Ethan’s lips barely moved. “No, I’m fine.”

“Are you coming down for breakfast?” she asked, her big eyes sparkling with an innocent curiosity.

He shook his head.

Isabella shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’m starving, so I’m heading down.” She didn’t wait for a response, just turned and walked away.

Ethan frowned as he watched her go. She didn’t even ask if he was hungry. That was new. For the three months he’d chased her, she’d always been so attentive, always worrying if he’d eaten, always finding time to cook for him and bring food to his office. To keep up appearances, he’d eaten everything she brought, always telling her how good it was.

She’d cared about more than just his meals. She’d buy him little gifts, new shirts, ties, anything he might need. She once told him she wanted every part of his life to have her touch.

Now, after a long night of drinking and a killer headache this morning, she didn’t even notice he was uncomfortable. He said he felt fine, and she just took his word for it. When he turned down breakfast, she didn’t try to change his mind or coax him at all.

“Isabella seems different,” Susan said quietly.

Ethan pressed his lips together, his face cold. “She just wants my attention in a new way. That’s all.”

He nodded at Susan. “You can go.”

Susan nodded and let her go.

Isabella wandered around the garden, then found herself drawn to a swing beneath a big old tree. She sat down, letting the gentle sway relax her. The swing was one Ethan had installed for Natalie, just like the Lane family had done back home. Natalie loved swings, so both men who loved her had made sure she had one wherever she went.

A sharp, clear voice called out, “Isabella Lane, what are you doing out here?”

It was Sophia, Ethan’s younger sister.

Sophia was two years younger than Isabella, only twenty-three, and had been spoiled her whole life. With two older brothers and being one of the few girls in the Adams family, she’d been showered with love and attention since the day she was born. Maybe that was why she could be a little willful. She never really liked Isabella, always thinking she wasn’t good enough for Ethan.

Back when Ethan was courting Isabella, Sophia had caused plenty of trouble for her.

Isabella looked up lazily to see Sophia approaching with four other girls, all beautiful, stylish, and clearly confident. They were Sophia’s closest friends, and every one of them had a crush on Ethan.