After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 530

“Quiet.” Jennifer’s voice was low and sharp as she snapped at Sophia. “Keep talking and I’ll ground you, just like last time. You’ll stay home and that’s it.”

Sophia’s eyes turned red with frustration, but she bit her tongue and didn’t say another word.

Jennifer grabbed her arm and hurried her forward, pulling her to catch up with the others.

Isabella left the hospital with everyone fussing over her, like she was some kind of celebrity.

***

Ethan stood by the office window, staring at the bright blue sky and drifting clouds. The weather was perfect, but he felt like he was trapped in a storm.

A half-smoked cigarette burned between his fingers. Lately, he’d picked up the habit, lighting one after another.

Isabella had been discharged today, right? She was probably thrilled, and not just because she was finally healed. She was about to be free to divorce him.

Most people would feel at least a little sad about ending a marriage, but Isabella was nothing but happy. She couldn’t wait to leave. How badly did she want out?

Ever since that night, he hadn’t had the dream again. It was strange. He still had no idea who had really been behind Isabella’s death in the dream.

In real life, he’d quietly had people look into Jordan and Natalie, searching for any sign they’d hired someone to hurt Isabella. There was nothing. No evidence, no plot. Just a dream.

It was making him crazy. He’d actually gone and investigated his lifelong friend and Natalie, the woman he’d loved for so many years, all because of a dream.

The kidnapping had no mastermind, just like the police said. The kidnappers were just desperate for cash. They wanted to grab him, squeeze a ransom out of the Adams family, and go back to their wild, careless lives.

“She’s getting out of the hospital today and I couldn’t even bring myself to pick her up. I was scared she’d just tell me to go file the divorce papers.”

“I know I messed up, and I’m doing everything I can to make it up to her. I want her to forgive me, to give me one more chance. But nothing I do matters. She’s made up her mind. She wants a divorce. She wants to leave me.”

Ethan’s voice cracked. “I don’t want to get divorced. I never did. Even when we got married and I didn’t love her, I still planned to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Frank was quiet for a minute before he finally spoke. “Ethan, why are you doing this to yourself? Are you really in love with Isabella now? Be honest. Or is this just guilt?”

“I’ll fall in love with her. I know I will. If she just gives me a chance, I’ll let go of Natalie. I’ll love Isabella,” Ethan said, voice thick with emotion. “I already like her. I do.”

Frank shook his head. “Liking someone isn’t the same as loving them. Stop lying to yourself. And stop bothering Isabella. You promised her a divorce, so just go through with it. It’s better for you. It’s better for her. If you drag this out, you’ll end up hating each other. You won’t even be able to stay friends.”