After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 350

“Sit down for a bit. I’ll go make you some noodles. Eat before you head back to the office. I know you’re always busy, but you still have to look after yourself.” Cynthia glanced over her shoulder. “And try to be more understanding with Jordan. He’s been an only child for thirty years. Suddenly finding out he has a ten-year-old brother... Anyone would have a hard time with that.”

She got up and went into the kitchen. This morning wasn’t like before, when she’d cook up a big breakfast for Jackson. She just made him noodles this time. Quick and simple.

Jackson didn’t stop her. When she left the room, he stood up and wandered around the little villa. He’d bought this place for her. He remembered the day he brought her to see it. She’d fallen in love with it right away, so he paid for it outright and spent more to have it decorated just the way she liked. Even after all that, it still cost less than Deborah’s house.

He knew in his heart that he favored Deborah. They had a son together. With Cynthia, even after twenty years of marriage, they never had kids. Isabella wasn’t his biological daughter. He’d never shown her any real fatherly affection, just treated her like she was there, but not really his.

The truth was, he couldn’t bring himself to divorce Cynthia because he was addicted to the comfort of their home. Deborah was nothing like Cynthia. She was never as gentle, and he doubted she could ever create this kind of calm. If Deborah really moved in, she’d fight with Jordan over everything for Kevin’s sake, and the house would be full of drama.

Cynthia was different. She didn’t have any children with him and never dared to fight for the Lane family inheritance. Whatever he gave her, she accepted. She was never greedy, never asked for more. Jackson always figured that one day, when he was old, he’d just split everything equally between his two sons.

“That’s why I’m telling you to stay out of his way. I’ll talk to him, too. This is between us. He doesn’t need to get involved.”

Jackson was quiet for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. If I see him, I’ll just keep clear. He doesn’t come by much anymore...”

He let the thought trail off. Cynthia had probably told Zachary about the affair. Zachary was never after money. He just wanted Cynthia and Isabella to be treated well. Over the years, Cynthia had only really helped him once, back when he was building his house. Every time she tried to help after that, he refused. Zachary was proud. He didn’t have much, just made a living picking up odd jobs, but he never wanted to owe anyone.