After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 454

He'd been fooling himself, thinking he could fix everything with a few small gestures. Maybe he thought he was more important to Isabella than he really was. Just being a little nicer, he figured, would be enough to change her mind about the divorce. He was wrong.

“Come on, let’s go eat with everyone.” Isabella’s voice was calm but left no room for argument. “They’ve been working hard all day.” She didn’t wait for him, just walked ahead.

Ethan watched her walk away, then finally followed. He’d hurt her so deeply. How could he expect her to forgive him just because he gave her a ride or brought her flowers? It was going to take a lot more than that.

So he told himself he’d do whatever it took. He’d try his best to make things right. And if, in the end, he couldn’t… then he’d let her go.

Isabella always took the team out to the same spot for late-night snacks. The food there was good, and everyone liked the place. Tonight was no different.

By the time Isabella and Ethan arrived, the rest of the crew was already digging in. They looked up, surprised to see the two of them walk in. Most of them had assumed Isabella would just go home with Ethan after he showed up.

Isabella really took care of her people. Sure, she could be tough when they were filming, especially if someone made a mistake, but outside of work she was always looking out for them.

The director quickly called them over to join the table, and a waiter brought over some extra plates and chopsticks.

Isabella fit right in, chatting and laughing with everyone. She’d spent so much time with them, it was easy. Ethan, though, was out of his element. The place was clean enough, but it was nothing like the fancy restaurants he was used to. Plus, he barely knew anyone here.

He watched Isabella eat, and the way she seemed so comfortable made him pick up his own chopsticks and try a few bites. He had to admit, the food was actually really good.

Ethan made up his mind right then. If Isabella wasn’t ready to go home, he wouldn’t go either. He’d stick by her, no matter what.

After dinner, Isabella finally agreed to get in Ethan’s car—a sleek Maybach—and go home with him.

Ethan moved fast, pulling Isabella toward him, but shards of glass still scattered over her.

“Out!” one of the men shouted, jabbing his rod through the broken window.

Isabella didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the rod with one hand, then threw open her door and shoved it hard, knocking the man back so fast he actually fell to the ground. His iron rod was still in her hand.

“We can’t just sit here and do nothing!” she called to Ethan as she stepped out.

She’d already called the police, but she knew it would take them time to get here. Sitting in the car wasn’t safe. Those men could smash every window and force them out in seconds. It was better to fight back than just wait to be taken.

She glanced at Ethan. She knew he could handle himself. He’d been learning martial arts since he was a kid. If anyone could help them get out of this, it was him.