After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 827

After they finished walking the familiar stretch of road, it was time for Isabella and Harold to go their separate ways. Once they got in the car, Harold’s driver took the wheel. They’d both had some drinks the night before, and neither of them wanted to risk driving this early with the chance of a police stop.

Harold broke the silence. “Isabella, Stephanie is going to help Ethan chase after you. What if we pretended to be together for a bit, just to make Ethan give up?”

He was quick to add, “Don’t worry, it would only be an act. I know you’re not ready for a relationship. I can wait… as long as you need.”

Isabella shook her head softly. “Harold, I know you’re just trying to help, but that wouldn’t be fair to you. Honestly, it’s not much different from what Ethan did to me. I don’t want to put you in that position. I can’t promise anything about the future, either.”

She glanced out the window, her mood slipping. “Even if we pretended, do you really think Ethan would stop? I honestly think he’d still bother me, even if I married you.”

Maybe in another life, their story ended after three years of marriage. This time, they split two years earlier. Maybe that’s why Ethan couldn’t let go... why he kept showing up in her life.

Harold tried to reassure her. “Just ignore him. I’ll treat him like he’s not even there. He wouldn’t dare go too far with me around. Stephanie will make sure he behaves.”

Isabella gave him a look. “Stephanie is his actual grandmother…”

“I know,” Harold admitted, “she’ll always have a soft spot for him. But as long as she’s there, Ethan won’t pull what he did last night.”

Harold quickly pulled his hand back, fighting the urge to linger. Her lips were so soft, and he had to stop himself from wanting more.

“Sorry. I just… I didn’t want you to keep saying that. I’m not trying to take advantage of you,” he said quietly.

“I don’t want to hear you talk like that,” Harold continued, his eyes warm and full of something deep and steady. “Isabella, I’ve told you before. To me, you’re the best. I like you, I love you, and I’d wait a lifetime if I have to. Don’t say you’re not good enough for me. You are. I don’t care that you’ve been married, and I know exactly what went on between you and Ethan. None of it was your fault. Don’t let it make you feel small. You’re not less than anyone.”

He looked at her, honest and unwavering. “Please don’t tell me to go after someone else. I don’t want anyone but you. I want to spend my life with you. If you ever give me that chance, I promise I’ll spend forever making you happy. And if you never do, whether you end up with Ethan, someone else, or just stay single, I’ll still be here for you. I’ll always be on your side.”