No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 231

**TITLE: He Chased 231**
**CHAPTER 0231**

**LAUREN’S POV**

“Did you hear what she just said?” I exclaimed to Roman, my voice sharper than I had intended. The words burst forth before I could rein them in, leaving me incredulous at the revelation that had just unfolded before us.

Roman placed his utensils down with a gentle clink, the sound reverberating through the dining room like a subtle alarm. He straightened his posture, shifting his shoulders, and turned his full attention to Liz, as if he needed to scrutinize her face for clues about her state of mind.

“And why on earth would you expect us to accommodate you?” Roman inquired, his voice steady but laced with an underlying firmness. “I was under the impression you were staying in the finest hotel available. Was that not sufficient?” He fixed his gaze on her, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air as he awaited her answer.

“Please, enlighten us,” I urged, leaning in slightly, my eagerness to understand her situation palpable.

Liz took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as if the weight of her words bore down on her. “Well, you see…” She hesitated, as if she were summoning the courage to continue. “I mentioned before that I came here to finalize a business deal. This deal was supposed to inject some much-needed funds into my parents’ company, and I was to receive my own cut from it. But until that deal is finalized, I doubt what I currently have will last me.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with an embarrassment that even the soft clatter of forks and knives couldn’t mask. For the first time since we met, she seemed diminished, as if the confident facade she had worn so effortlessly had slipped away, leaving her vulnerable.

“Why didn’t you speak up sooner?” I asked, my eyes widening in surprise. I genuinely hadn’t seen this coming, and the shock was evident in my tone.

“Well…” Liz began, her voice faltering. “It’s only been three days since we met. I didn’t want to burden you with my problems right away. I thought we should get to know each other first.”

“What?” I shook my head in disbelief. “How could you even think that? We’re sisters, Liz! We’re family, and family supports one another, no matter what. Even my best friend Tessa has been there for me in ways I can’t even begin to explain. So why wouldn’t I extend the same help to my own flesh and blood?”

“I know,” Liz murmured, her voice barely audible. “But asking for help is just so embarrassing.”

“Listen,” I said, softening my tone, “embarrassing or not, we’re going to help you. The important thing is that you found the strength to tell us. And now that you have, we’ll figure out a way to make this work.”

She fell silent, her gaze drifting slowly toward Roman. I understood that look all too well; it was a silent plea for his approval or a sign of disapproval. She must have sensed that he wasn’t entirely on board with the idea.

Roman remained seated, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his posture rigid and his expression inscrutable. He let out a small sigh before he finally spoke.

“I’m not on board with this,” he stated bluntly, his tone devoid of any warmth. “And you know it.”

His refusal stung, but what frustrated me more was that he didn’t even bother to glance my way. It felt dismissive, and that alone irritated me more than his words.

“Why not?” I demanded, turning fully to face him. “My sister comes to us for help, and you’re saying you won’t support her? What’s the reason? It can’t possibly be about space or a lack of rooms.”

I bore into him with my gaze, waiting for a reasonable explanation, but he remained silent, refusing to meet my eyes. His silence screamed louder than any words he could have uttered.

That was all I needed to hear.

“Fine,” I said sharply, pushing my chair back with a scrape against the floor. “If you refuse to help my sister, then I’ll leave this house. Because this clearly shows you don’t care about me or my family.”

“Come on,” he said softly, leaning in closer, his voice coaxing. “Are you still upset? You know you can’t stay mad at me forever.” He pinched my cheek playfully, trying to coax a smile from me.

And despite my best efforts to resist, a small smile broke through my resolve. I hated how easily he could pull me out of my mood, even when I was determined to stay upset.

“There’s the smile,” Roman said, his pride evident in his voice.

“Thank you for allowing her to stay,” I finally said, exhaling slowly, the tension easing just a bit.

“Of course,” Roman replied, squeezing my hand gently. “Anything for you.”

I turned to Liz, my heart softening. “Accommodation won’t be an issue anymore. You’re welcome to move in whenever you like.”

A radiant smile spread across her face, bright and filled with an excitement that suggested she had been waiting for me to say those very words. She stood up from her chair and moved closer to mine, and before I could react, she enveloped me in a tight hug.

“Thank you so much,” she whispered into my shoulder, her voice thick with emotion.

“You’re welcome,” I replied, returning her embrace gently.

Then, unexpectedly, she turned to Roman and, without hesitation, wrapped her arms around him too. His brows shot up in surprise, clearly taken aback by her gesture.