After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 818

Nadine could tell right away from the way Natalie looked, all torn up and miserable, that she didn’t really want a divorce. She got it, though. Things had changed. Ethan was obviously into Isabella now. He didn’t shower Natalie with affection like he used to. If anything, he kept his distance, as if he was worried she’d get too close or start clinging to him.

Nadine had watched it all unfold that night. If Natalie lost Jordan too, she’d be completely shattered. Natalie and Jordan were married, after all, and their connection ran deeper. Their lives were tangled together in so many ways.

“You still want to make things work with Jordan, don’t you?” Nadine asked quietly. “If that’s true, then put more energy into him. Try to win his heart back.”

She gave Natalie a gentle look. “Honestly, I think he still loves you. If he didn’t, he probably would’ve hooked up with Malvina by now.”

“Just pay more attention to him. Be there for him. Pretend nothing ever happened. Give it time, and he’ll come back to you.”

Natalie wiped away a tear, her voice shaky. “Nadine, my mind’s all over the place. I don’t even know what to do anymore. Can you get me a few more drinks? I just want to get drunk for once.”

Usually, Natalie prided herself on being a proper lady. Getting drunk was almost unheard of for her. But tonight, she just wanted to let go.

Nadine sighed, but she stood up and took the tray, heading off to fetch a few more glasses for her friend.

She came back and sat with Natalie, watching as she downed one drink after another. Natalie’s tolerance was impressive. She finished every glass without hesitation, but only looked a little tipsy.

“Nadine, this isn’t enough. Bring me something stronger, will you? I want the hard stuff.”

Nadine frowned. “Natalie, your cheeks are already red. Maybe you should stop. You’re going to feel terrible later.”

Natalie let out a miserable laugh. “I already feel terrible. If I get drunk, at least I might be able to sleep tonight. Maybe I’ll forget about everything for a little while. However bad tomorrow is, I’ll deal with it then. Right now, I just can’t think that far ahead.”

There was a pause as Jordan frowned. “How’d she end up drunk?”

“We were drinking together, talking. One thing led to another, and she had a bit too much.” Nadine wasn’t about to tell him the real reason. She knew Natalie still wanted to fix things with him.

Jordan stepped away from the group and lowered his voice. “Nadine, I’m in the middle of a business conversation. Can you find Ethan and ask him to look after Natalie for a bit? I’ll come get her in a little while.”

“Ethan already took Isabella home. Didn’t you know?” Nadine’s tone was sharp. “And Natalie’s your wife. Why should your friend be the one to look after her when she’s drunk? Is your business more important than she is? Get in here and take her home. The rain’s stopped, and I want to head out too.”

Outside, the storm had finally passed, and it was getting late. Most people were getting ready to leave, Nadine included.

Jordan glanced over at his dad and the two CEOs. After thinking it over, he sighed. “Alright. I’ll go tell my dad, then I’ll come get Natalie. When did Ethan and Isabella leave? I honestly didn’t even notice.”