After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 372

Ethan glanced at her, then slipped his hand into hers. “Isabella, you’re not working today. Once we finish picking out the furniture for the shop, you’re coming with me back to the Adams Estate.”

He saw her about to argue and cut her off right away. “I’m not taking you there to start drama with my mom. I just think some things are better said face to face. And don’t even try telling me you’re not going. Today, you have to come with me.”

He didn’t give her a chance to protest. Ethan pulled out his phone and called Stephanie. His grandmother had stepped back from running the family and handed things over to his mom, Jennifer, but everyone still treated Stephanie like the real matriarch. When she wanted to get involved, nobody dared stop her. The only thing anyone could do was go along with whatever she decided.

Most of the time, Stephanie just stayed out of Jennifer’s way. But years ago, when Ethan fought with his parents about marrying Isabella, Stephanie was the one who stepped in. Without her, Ethan never would have gotten to marry the woman he loved.

Stephanie answered almost immediately. Isabella could hear her cheerful voice through the speaker. Stephanie was always so upbeat. What stuck with Isabella most was the way she smiled at everyone, making her seem warm and easy to talk to.

“Ethan, what’s the occasion? I wasn’t expecting a call from you today.” Stephanie sounded genuinely happy.

“Grandma, I need a favor,” Ethan said.

Stephanie went quiet for a second, then asked, “Ethan, did you do something to hurt Isabella? Do you remember what I told you when you insisted on marrying her?”

Her tone shifted. “Marriage is serious. When you chose Isabella, you needed to be ready to spend your life with her. This isn’t some game. You have to take it seriously. Once you’re married, you have to step up and take care of your family. A wife is someone you love, not someone you ignore or mistreat. You promised me you understood that. That’s why I supported you and let you decide for yourself, instead of letting your parents pick someone for you. Has it really only been two months, and you’ve already hurt her?”

Ethan didn’t know what to say for a moment. Finally, he managed, “Grandma, please just ask everyone to be there. We’ll explain everything when we get home. We’ll probably stay for dinner, so maybe let the kitchen know to make a few more dishes.”