After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 745

Ethan reached across the table, grabbed the half-empty pack of cigarettes, and pulled one out for Jordan before taking one for himself. Jordan lit Ethan’s cigarette first, then his own, smoke curling lazily between them.

Ethan glanced at Jordan, his mind tangled. Should he tell Jordan what happened last night? If he did, they’d probably end up fighting. If he kept quiet, he worried Natalie wouldn’t let it go and would reach out to him again. He couldn’t risk doing anything that would hurt Jordan.

He’d already said he was done with the whole thing between the three of them. He didn’t want to get between Jordan and Natalie anymore. They could stay friends, but he wasn’t interested in being as close as they used to be. Besides, he needed to focus on winning Isabella back. That meant putting real distance between himself and Natalie, so Isabella wouldn’t misunderstand or get jealous.

“Ethan, just say whatever you’re thinking. I promise I won’t get mad.” Jordan could see Ethan struggling, so he threw an arm around his shoulders. “We’ve known each other since we were kids. We’ve been through everything together. There’s nothing we can’t talk about. Seriously, just say it. You don’t need to hold back.”

Ethan was quiet for a moment before speaking up. “Jordan, I’m scared to say it because I don’t want you and Natalie to argue. But if I don’t say anything, I’ll feel like I’m letting you down. I swear, I would never do anything to hurt you.”

“I’ve already said it, whatever was going on with the three of us, it’s over. You and Natalie are married now, building a life together. I’ve got Isabella. Even though we’re divorced, I told you I’m going to win her back.”

“My future is with Isabella. She’s the one I want to spend my life with, and nobody else.”

“So believe me, I’d never do anything to betray you. You should pay more attention to Natalie, though. Don’t let her feel neglected. I know you’re swamped with work and all your social stuff, but you still need to make time for her.”

Jordan’s frown deepened, lines creasing his forehead. “Ethan, can you be more straightforward? What are you even talking about? ‘Not betraying me?’ Are you trying to say there’s something between you and Natalie?”

Ethan took a long drag from his cigarette, blew out the smoke, and got up. “Jordan, I have to get back for a meeting. I’m heading out.”

“We’ll still do business together where it makes sense, but from now on, let’s skip the three of us hanging out. I don’t want Isabella to get the wrong idea and think I’m still into Natalie. You and Natalie are together now. Take care of her, alright? Treat her well. Don’t let her get hurt.”

Without waiting for a reply, Ethan walked out.

Jordan just sat there, his face clouded. Ethan’s vague, roundabout answers left him with nothing but doubts, and suspicion was already taking root in his mind.