After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 500

Cynthia walked in, carrying the scent of fresh breakfast with her.

“Isabella, you’re up. I made you some breakfast. Come eat while it’s still hot.”

She glanced at Ethan, her tone gentle but firm. “Ethan, you stayed up all night watching over her. You’re exhausted. Go home, get something to eat, rest for the day. Go to work tomorrow. We’ll take care of Isabella.”

Ever since she realized Isabella was truly set on the divorce, Cynthia’s warmth toward Ethan had faded. She didn’t want to leave him alone with Isabella, either.

Ethan spoke up right away. “Mom, you didn’t bring me any breakfast? I can just eat with Isabella. No need to go home. I’ll head to the office from here later.”

He still had a million things to deal with at work.

Isabella seemed much better today, a little color back in her cheeks.

Cynthia answered honestly, “I figured I’d take over so you could rest, so I didn’t prepare anything for you. I just made some lean pork congee for Isabella. She probably won’t finish it, but I thought you wouldn’t like it anyway.”

Ethan’s breakfasts were always fancier than anyone else’s.

Isabella cut in, sounding playful but determined. “Mom, I’m starving. I could eat a whole cow right now. A little congee isn’t enough for me, let alone sharing it. Ethan, just go home, eat a real breakfast, take a shower, shave. If you don’t want to rest, go straight to work.”

She glanced at the clock. “It’s only seven. You’ve got plenty of time.”

Ethan just stared at her, speechless.

She was all but shoving him out the door, acting like she wanted the food all to herself.

Ethan leaned down, trying to kiss Isabella right in front of Cynthia. Isabella pushed him away, her expression unamused.

They were getting divorced. Why would she let him kiss her like that?

Ethan caught her hands, holding them tight. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

As soon as he was gone, Isabella tried to climb out of bed. Cynthia rushed over, worried. “Isabella, you just had surgery. You shouldn’t be up and walking around. You need bed rest.”

Isabella shook her head. “I just want to wash my face and brush my teeth. I need to get rid of all traces of him. It’s gross. It was just a minor procedure. The doctor said I could walk around today. I’m fine. I can handle a little pain.”

She insisted on going to the bathroom.

Cynthia had no choice but to help her, sighing as they walked. “It really seems like Ethan’s trying hard to save your marriage.”

“He’s not holding on to me because he loves me. He just feels guilty. Even if he did love me, I wouldn’t go back. As soon as I’m discharged, I’m filing for divorce right away. I don’t want any more drama.”

Ethan’s nightmare—where he insisted she would die if they divorced—had truly freaked her out. She’d worked so hard to get him to agree, she couldn’t let him change his mind now.

“Yeah, as soon as you’re healed, get it done. Jackson and I will have our divorce certificate in about twenty days. After that, we can finally live without always looking over our shoulders.”