After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 441

For Catherine, families like the Adamses, the Masons, the Carters, and the Whites were on a whole different level. She could only ever look up to them from afar.

The heiresses from those circles each had their own strong personalities. Some, like Sophia, acted like the whole world revolved around them. Others, like Linda, were so fierce and unapproachable, most people just stayed out of their way. And then there were the capable, icy types, like Melissa.

Catherine didn’t lack the desire to get close to them. She just never stood a chance.

Isabella knew how tight Catherine and Natalie were. Everyone knew they were inseparable. So if Isabella and Natalie didn’t get along, why would Catherine ever send her an invitation?

She shut the invitation and tossed it in the trash, envelope and all. After everything that happened today, Natalie probably hated her guts. If she actually showed up at Catherine’s birthday party, who knew what kind of drama would be waiting for her.

She barely even knew Catherine. Why should she bother going to her birthday at all?

As long as she was still married to Ethan, she was Mrs. Adams. That put her way above Catherine when it came to status. Even if she ignored the invitation, Catherine wouldn’t dare say a word.

She heard a knock at the door.

Laura walked in.

Isabella tried to smile for her friend, but it came out all wrong. “Laura, you’re here.”

Laura set down her bag, leaned over, and gave Isabella’s cheek a gentle pinch. “You don’t have to force a smile. That was honestly harder to look at than if you just cried. We’ve been friends forever. You don’t have to fake it around me.”

“Did you get everything sorted out? Did Ethan really help you get the wedding gifts back?”

Laura patted her shoulder. “You and Ethan will figure things out, one way or another.”

She gave Isabella a hopeful look. “You’re feeling down. Want to get out of town for a bit? I’ll go with you.”

Laura had the freedom to travel. As long as she had her laptop, she could work from anywhere.

“The bookstore’s opening soon. Let’s wait until after the grand opening. We can’t both disappear on such an important day, can we?”

“But I do want to go somewhere,” Isabella admitted, her voice soft with longing. “I’m so tired lately. Just… worn out. I’ve always wanted to visit Eldoria. I’ve heard the scenery there is amazing.”

Laura smiled. “Then we’ll go to Eldoria. We’ll visit every city, see everything, and really soak up the beauty together.”