No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 207

**He Chased 207**

The warm light of the morning sun cascaded over the room, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the small details of the space. The curtains swayed softly in the breeze, creating a serene atmosphere that felt almost surreal. I could hear the faint rustle of leaves outside, a reminder of the world beyond these walls.

“Are you absolutely certain you don’t need bodyguards trailing after you? Or perhaps I should accompany you myself,” Roman suggested, his voice laced with concern.

I lay there beside him, my heart racing as I propped myself up on one elbow, studying his face. There was an intensity in his gaze, his tousled hair framing his features perfectly. I couldn’t help but notice how his eyes narrowed slightly, as if he were trying to decipher my thoughts. Since that unforgettable night four days ago, everything had shifted between us. In the most beautiful way possible. We had explored each other’s bodies every night since, awakening desires I hadn’t known I’d buried deep within. The rush of emotion and longing had come crashing back, overwhelming me. Now that we were officially together, it felt as if the universe had aligned, everything falling into place as if it were destined to be.

Since that pivotal evening, I had moved into his home along with Aria. Our lives had intertwined seamlessly; we shared the same room, savored meals from a single plate, and even wrapped ourselves in the same blanket each morning, waking up tangled in each other’s arms. Though it had only been four days, Roman had consistently shown me that his words held truth—he treated me like the only woman in his world, like the princess he had always claimed I was.

But today… today was different. I had no intention of being the perfect girlfriend.

Today, I was going to deceive Roman, lie straight to his face.

Not out of malice, but because the truth would only lead to him forbidding me from going. And I needed to go.

Today, I was going to see Ethan. In prison.

Five days ago, when Ethan received his sentence, Tessa had informed me that he had desperately wanted to see me. At first, doubt had clouded my mind. After everything he had done to me, how could I even entertain the thought? Yet, a small thread of curiosity tugged at my heart—perhaps it was the need for closure, a desire to hear whatever he had to say. I felt compelled to confront this chapter of my life, to bring it to a proper conclusion.

And besides, he was behind bars now. He posed no threat to me. He couldn’t touch me, couldn’t even raise his voice without the guards swiftly intervening. I promised myself that if he uttered even one word that felt threatening or manipulative, I would walk away without a second thought.

I had concocted a story for Roman, telling him that Aria’s teacher needed to meet with me in person today. It was the safest lie I could think of—responsible, believable. Yet, I knew the risk; there was always a chance Roman might drop by unexpectedly if I took too long. But I also knew he trusted me now. He believed in my words. The thought of using that trust to hide something from him twisted in my chest, making me feel guilty.

“Babe, they’re both locked up now. They aren’t getting out anytime soon, so I really don’t think you need to bring bodyguards just to visit your daughter’s teacher,” I said, adjusting the straps of my dress with a shaky hand.

Roman sighed deeply, running his fingers through his tousled hair, the muscles in his arms shifting under the strain. “Fine,” he finally relented. “But keep your eyes peeled, alright? If you sense someone following you or anything seems off, call me immediately. I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

Just me, heading toward the prison.

The drive wasn’t long, but each second felt like an eternity, inching me closer to a confrontation I wasn’t sure I was ready for. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, Roman’s voice echoing in my mind, a reminder to stay vigilant. I glanced around, scanning for any signs of someone following me.

But I pressed on, taking steady, measured breaths. The world outside transformed from the calm of residential life to the cold, imposing geometry of the prison. The massive gates loomed ahead, high walls topped with razor wire, guards moving with a precision that spoke of routine. This was a place no one ever wanted to be—unless you were seeking answers.

As I approached the large gates, I slowed down, my palms beginning to sweat against the steering wheel. For a brief moment, I simply sat there, staring at the entrance, trying to process the leap I was about to take.

“Okay, Lauren,” I whispered to myself, seeking reassurance. “Just play it cool.”

I swallowed hard, shifted the car into park, and took one last deep breath. I didn’t know what awaited me inside. I didn’t know if Ethan would express remorse or if this would all prove to be a fruitless endeavor. But I was here.

And it was time to find out.