After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 535

Ethan apologized. After avoiding her for so long, finally facing Isabella again made him realize just how much he’d missed her. His eyes lingered on her delicate features, almost hungrily, unable to look away.

She really was beautiful. He’d always known it, but before, her beauty had seemed empty to him. Now, it felt different. There was something bold and confident about her, something that drew him in without him even noticing.

Laura, who’d been sitting next to Isabella, quietly moved aside, giving Ethan space.

He thanked her and sat down next to Isabella. He reached for her hand, hoping for even a small connection, but she pulled away.

His heart sank.

“You’re busy. There were so many people who came to pick me up from the hospital. It didn’t matter whether you showed up or not.”

To Ethan, her voice sounded distant and cold. She was putting up walls, keeping him out. He couldn’t blame her. They were heading for a divorce. No matter how much he regretted everything, it wouldn’t change anything now.

He turned to the others and offered a polite thank you. “Thanks for coming to get Isabella.”

They just smiled and didn’t say anything more.

“Isabella, why didn’t you come home?” he asked, looking at her. “Susan’s been waiting all day. She thought you’d be back and made all your favorite food.”

He hesitated, then added, “Let’s go home after we eat here, okay?”

Isabella met his eyes, dark and serious. They looked at each other for a long time, neither one saying a word. It was only when Ethan quietly brought up the divorce that Isabella nodded.

“Alright. I’ll let Mom know we’ll head back after dinner.”

She turned to her friends. “Why don’t you all stay for dinner at my mom’s tonight?”

Cynthia poured Ethan a glass of water and joined in, “Yeah, everyone should stay. Isabella’s uncle picked up a ton of groceries, and they’re already getting everything ready for dinner.”

Zachary turned to Cynthia. “Are Isabella and Ethan really getting a divorce? It seems like Ethan wants to fix things. He’s been treating her a lot better than before.”

Cynthia’s voice was calm, almost detached. “Love that comes too late isn’t worth much. Honestly, I don’t even think it’s real love. He just realized Isabella would make a good wife.”

“He hasn’t really let go of Natalie, either. Even if he did, it wouldn’t matter if Isabella doesn’t want him anymore.”

“After everything, I’ve made peace with it. If Isabella wants a divorce, she should get one. We don’t need to rely on a man to be happy. As long as she’s healthy and doing well, that’s all that matters to me now.”

Cynthia had let go. Isabella’s happiness and health meant more than anything else.

“Ethan’s always been complicated. He was so cold before, but now that he’s about to lose her, he suddenly doesn’t want to let her go. He’s just not right for Isabella.”

She used to be so proud of Ethan. Now, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed.