No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 219

**TITLE: He Chased 219**
**CHAPTER 0219**

**ELIZABETH’S POV**

Throughout my life, I had been granted the luxury of getting nearly everything I desired. It was a truth I never felt the need to hide, nor did I carry any shame about it. Despite the simmering annoyance I felt toward my parents for concealing the reality of my adoption from me, I knew deep down that they had been the most wonderful parents imaginable. They raised me not merely as a child, but as a queen, bestowing upon me the privilege of a life filled with abundance. From the tiniest trinkets I coveted as a little girl to the grandiose wishes I boldly proclaimed as a teenager, they fulfilled every whim I expressed. Above all, they instilled in me a powerful belief: if one desires something fiercely enough and commits to it wholeheartedly, then nothing is beyond reach. The world was mine for the taking.

And at this moment, I was fully prepared to put that philosophy into action.

From the instant my eyes fell upon Roman Hale, a profound shift coursed through me. This was not the typical flutter of curiosity or the mild thrill that often accompanied the introduction of an attractive man. No, this sensation was sharper, more intense, almost like a current of electricity arcing through the air. I had been the object of desire for as long as I could remember—praised, adored, and even idolized. Every boy I had ever dated seemed to lose themselves in my presence, hanging on my every word, gazing at me as if I were a masterpiece, and clinging to me as if their very existence depended on it. They showered me with the attention I craved, for I was everything anyone could possibly dream of.

Yet, over time, that constant adoration had grown stale. It became predictable, monotonous, a routine I could anticipate.

What I craved now was something entirely different. I was no longer interested in boys who bowed to my every whim, who melted like wax at the mere flutter of my eyelashes. I yearned for a man—a true man—someone who stood tall and unwavering, who would not buckle under my gaze, who would remain unfazed by a casual toss of my hair or a playful roll of my eyes.

In this moment, I was utterly convinced that Roman Hale was the very change I had been seeking.

I had no doubt that he would not bow to my feet even if I pleaded with him to do so. This feeling that surged within me was something I could hardly articulate; it felt almost like love at first sight, a notion that seemed utterly absurd. Or perhaps it was an obsession at first sight. Maybe it was a delightful blend of both.

“It’s settled then. You’re coming to dinner at our place tomorrow night,” Lauren announced, her voice slicing through the haze of my thoughts and pulling me back into the present.

It seemed their little debate about whether I should be invited had finally reached a conclusion. And there was no way in the world I would ever turn down such an invitation, especially knowing Roman would be there as well.

“Absolutely, just send me the address,” I replied, allowing a radiant smile to bloom across my face.

“I will,” Lauren said, nodding with a hint of satisfaction. “When you come, I really look forward to discussing more about this with you. I feel like there’s still so much we need to uncover about… well, everything. Our lives.”

“You’re right,” I conceded, rolling my eyes playfully. “I suppose I’ll have to swallow my pride and give my parents a call today to extract as much information from them as I can.”

Without another word, both she and Roman turned and began making their way toward the café’s exit.

The polite, gentle smile I had maintained dissolved the moment they stepped outside. My entire demeanor relaxed, and I reached for my phone without a moment’s hesitation. I quickly ordered an Uber back to my hotel. As soon as the app confirmed the driver’s arrival, I grabbed my purse and exited the café.

The ride back was enveloped in silence, and I spent every moment replaying the events of the afternoon in my mind. Roman. Lauren. The dinner invitation. Everything felt like a whirlwind of thoughts.

Upon returning to my hotel room, I tossed my purse onto the bed, kicked off my heels, and headed straight for the bathroom. I didn’t waste a single second. The heavy, cloying scent of strawberry juice had seeped into my skin, and I was desperate to wash it away.

As the warm water cascaded over my body, I closed my eyes, allowing my thoughts to drift away with the steam. I didn’t delve too deeply into my emotions; I simply pieced together the facts. I had just discovered that I had a sister—a twin sister. Most people would be overwhelmed, emotional, perhaps even shedding tears. So why was I not… happy? Why was there an unsettling void where joy should have been?

Once I emerged from the shower, I wrapped myself in a plush robe and stepped back into the room. That was when I noticed my phone vibrating on the bed, the screen lighting up with an incoming call.

Jessica’s name flashed across the display.