No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 230

**He Chased 230**

**LAUREN’S POV**

“Amen,” I murmured softly, concluding our prayer with a sense of finality. My voice remained steady, yet my thoughts were racing, replaying the whirlwind of events that had unfolded that day. As if choreographed, we all reached for our utensils simultaneously, the gentle clinking of metal against porcelain breaking the stillness of the dining room. The table was a sight to behold, lavishly adorned with an array of dishes that resembled a grand holiday feast rather than a simple evening meal. There was succulent salmon, perfectly roasted turkey, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, each item a testament to the chef’s remarkable talent.

Across the table, I noticed Aria grappling with her turkey, her small hands poking at it as if she were trying to determine whether it was food or a plaything. A smile crept onto my lips as I leaned over to assist her, deftly cutting the turkey into manageable pieces. Her innocent grin lit up her face, a radiant expression that melted my heart and made me feel like the luckiest sister in the world. She quickly returned to her meal, chewing happily, completely absorbed in her own little world.

“How’s the food?” Roman’s voice broke through my reverie, his gaze fixed on me from across the table.

With a playful roll of my eyes, I replied, “You have one of the best chefs in the city, so I don’t think I need to answer that.” I picked up my napkin, dabbing at my mouth, the food undeniably delicious. Yet, there was something in the way he asked that hinted he was seeking reassurance, as if a storm brewed beneath his calm exterior.

I couldn’t help but notice the way Roman shifted in his chair, an unusual fidgeting that seemed out of character for him. His fingers tapped nervously on the edge of the table, a subtle movement that caught my attention. Roman was not one to fidget; he was typically composed and confident. The sight of him so restless made me pause, a nagging question forming in my mind.

What could be troubling him?

In a different scenario, if it were just the two of us, I would have immediately probed him about what was wrong. I wouldn’t have hesitated for a second. But tonight was different; we had a guest, my newly discovered twin sister, Elizabeth. I reminded myself to set aside my curiosity about Roman’s unease and redirect my focus to Liz instead.

“So, Liz, can I call you that?” I asked, attempting to steer the conversation into safer waters.

“Of course! We’re sisters, after all,” Liz responded, her smile warm and inviting, her eyes sparkling as if the word ‘sisters’ was a cherished treasure. I was still grappling with the reality of having a sister, the concept feeling surreal and exhilarating all at once.

“Fantastic. Were you able to gather any more information from your parents? Perhaps the name of the orphanage they adopted you from?” I inquired, my tone light, though my heart raced with anticipation.

A frown creased her brow. “Why do we need that?” she asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

“Maybe they could provide us with more details about our past,” I suggested, keeping my tone casual, though I could feel a tension building.

“To be honest, I don’t think that’s necessary,” Liz replied with a slight shrug, poking at her food as if it were an afterthought. “I mean, we’re here now, together. Let’s focus on the future, on our twin bond, and leave the past behind.”

I nodded slowly, but her response left a lingering unease within me.

“Well, I believe it’s necessary. I mean, how do we even know which of us is older?” I asked, taking a sip from my glass, trying to mask my discomfort with a casual tone.

I was relieved that Roman remained silent on the matter; I could only imagine what would have happened if he had voiced his thoughts. It would have turned this dinner into a battlefield.

“You know,” I began, attempting to shift the conversation away from the rising tension, “since you mentioned you’re staying at a hotel while you’re here, how about you come stay with us until your business deal is wrapped up?” I suggested, taking another sip from my glass, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Why? She didn’t seem to have any issues with where she’s staying,” Roman interjected defensively, surprising me with the intensity of his tone.

“I know, but I don’t need to wait for her to complain,” I countered gently. “She’s my sister. Why should she pay for a hotel when we can easily accommodate her? There are plenty of rooms here.”

“I just think we might be rushing things,” Roman replied, leaning back in his chair, his posture more relaxed but his eyes still guarded. “Like I said, she didn’t tell you she couldn’t take care of herself.”

Just as I opened my mouth to respond, Liz interjected, her voice bright and cheerful.

“Actually, I’d love it if you could accommodate me for a while,” she said, her enthusiasm palpable.

I dropped my spoon in surprise, folding my hands in triumph as I shot Roman a triumphant look. I had told him so!