After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 344

“I’ve noticed you’re paying more attention to Isabella these days. It’s like you might actually be catching feelings for her. If that’s true, maybe it’s time to let go of whatever love you’ve been holding onto that was never really yours. Try loving Isabella for real.”

Frank’s voice was steady but serious. “Don’t wait until Isabella’s made up her mind and walks out for good. Don’t let regret hit you too late. She’s changed a lot, you know. She’s tougher now, almost like a whole new person. I don’t think she’s the type to stick around forever, not if things stay like this. Sooner or later, she’ll leave you.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “If I don’t agree to a divorce, how can she even leave?”

Frank sighed. “Why hold onto her if it just means she’s stuck living like a widow beside you? Imagine if the roles were reversed. We have a sister, Sophia. She’s your family. What if her marriage turned out like yours and Isabella’s? Wouldn’t you feel awful for her?”

Ethan didn’t say a word.

Frank pressed on. “How about this. Give yourself six months. See if you can fall for Isabella in that time. If you do, then go all in. Make her your real partner. But if you still can’t after half a year, then let her go. Divorce her and set you both free.”

Ethan was silent for a while, thinking it over. Finally, he said quietly, “I’ll think about it.”

Six months. That was all he’d give himself.

Frank’s voice softened. “Alright, that’s all I wanted to say.”

After the call ended, Ethan just sat there for a while, staring into space. He’d phoned Frank just to distract himself, because every time he was in the same room as Isabella, his mind went wild with thoughts he couldn’t control. He just needed someone to talk to. But somehow, the conversation always circled back to the same advice. Frank, Jesse, Harold, even his cousin—everyone told him the same thing. Either commit to Isabella, or let her go.

He knew he’d used Isabella from the start, treating her like just another piece in his game. He’d only thought about himself, never once stopping to think how she felt. No wonder she was drifting further from him every day.

He felt stiff and sore all over. The sofa was nothing compared to a real bed, and he blamed Isabella for it.

Back in the bedroom, Ethan stood for a second, glaring at her sleeping form. Then a thought hit him. He stripped off his pajamas, leaving only his boxers, and slid back into bed beside her. He turned on his side, watching her closely.

She should be waking up soon. He was curious to see her reaction when she found him lying right there.

She’d slept so soundly all night. Something about that annoyed him. Almost without thinking, he reached out and pinched her cheek, maybe a little harder than he meant.

Isabella stirred, wincing at the sudden pain, and finally woke up.