No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 232

**TITLE: He Chased 232**

I honestly didn’t think the embrace was truly necessary. After all, Liz had already expressed her gratitude with a hug, so why was she now thanking Roman with another one? Especially considering he was the very person who had been against her staying in the first place. It felt utterly illogical. And the way she leaned into him, holding on just a heartbeat longer than what seemed appropriate, made the whole situation even more perplexing.

Roman, who was visibly uncomfortable, cleared his throat again, producing that awkward, low sound that signaled his unease.

“I get your thankful,” he mumbled, attempting to maintain a calm façade, though his body language screamed the opposite. He was stiff, rigid, as if he were bracing himself for an impending storm. “You’re welcome.”

His voice was laced with an uncomfortable tension, almost as if he were issuing a silent warning for her to step back—like he was ready to gently push her away if she didn’t wrap it up soon.

But Liz didn’t seem to pick up on his discomfort; she didn’t let go right away.

“I just really appreciate you,” she repeated, her words hanging in the air.

Still, she clung to him, her grip transforming from gratitude into something that felt far more intimate. The way her voice flowed—soft and warm, almost like honey—made me raise my eyebrow in surprise. Was it just my imagination, or did it carry a hint of seduction?

I shifted my gaze to Tessa, hoping to find some confirmation in her expression. And there it was—her brows were furrowed, lips slightly parted, as if she were equally baffled by the scene unfolding before us.

Good. It wasn’t just me feeling this way.

I was the one who had advocated for Liz to stay. I had stood up for her when it mattered. So why was she showering Roman with such fervent appreciation? Why was she the one who seemed to be squeezing him tightly, her tone dripping with a warmth that suggested she owed him her very existence?

Finally, she released him, but not before her hand glided down the front of his shirt, her fingertips brushing against the fabric as if she were smoothing it out or touching him with deliberate intent. If she were anyone else, a woman I didn’t have a familial bond with, I would have been convinced she was trying to seduce him. But Liz? No, she wouldn’t do something like that. Would she?

Roman cleared his throat again, this time louder, as if he were trying to cough out his discomfort. He fidgeted with his tie, loosening it as if it had suddenly become a noose around his neck.

He had been acting strangely all day—quiet, tense, and a bit distracted. I knew that once we were alone, he would owe me an explanation. He had promised earlier that he wouldn’t let himself get so worked up over things anymore.

The only reason I could fathom for his unusual behavior would be if he were contemplating sharing something monumental with Aria again. But that couldn’t be it; he had already revealed to her that he was her father, and that chapter had closed. So what could possibly be weighing on his mind, making him look like he was carrying an immense burden?

—

**CHAPTER 0232**

+25 Bonus

We had only spoken a few hours ago. He had assured me he wouldn’t pull another emotional disappearing act. So whatever was happening now, whatever turmoil he was grappling with, had to be something entirely different.

“Now that everyone is happy,” Roman finally said, clearing his throat for what felt like the tenth time, “why don’t we make a small toast?” He raised his champagne bottle slightly, trying to inject some cheer into the atmosphere.

“Aria is going to join us in this toast,” I announced, raising a finger as I stood up, eager to include her in this moment.

I made my way over to where Aria was sitting, her bright, curious eyes glued to the glasses on the table. I poured some apple juice into a small plastic cup just for her, wanting to make sure she felt special.

“Now,” I said softly, crouching down to her level so she could see me clearly, “when Daddy says ‘cheers,’ you gently touch your cup against Aunt Tessa’s, and then everyone else’s. Like this.” I demonstrated with two champagne glasses, lightly tapping them together to show her the way.

Her eyes lit up with understanding, and she nodded eagerly, her tiny fingers wrapping around the plastic cup with excitement radiating from her adorable face.

I returned to my seat, raising my own glass in anticipation.

“Aria, you ready?” Roman asked her, a small smile breaking across his face.

She nodded once more, lifting her little plastic cup high enough to match ours.

“Alright everyone,” Roman said, surveying the table with a sense of warmth, “this is to family and happiness. Cheers.”

I gently tapped my glass against his, then against Liz’s, followed by Tessa’s, and finally, I tapped my little angel Aria’s cup, feeling a swell of joy at the moment.

Then we all took a sip.

But then… something felt off in my mouth.

My tongue halted the object before I could swallow it.

Something solid. Something small. Something that definitely didn’t belong in my drink.

It was *the* ring.

The Pink Star diamond ring—the most expensive ring in the world. A ring so rare and extraordinary that people whispered about it like it was a myth rather than an actual piece of jewelry.

Could this really be happening?

Before I could redirect my gaze back to Roman, he was already down on one knee beside me.

The staff, all of them, suddenly materialized around the dining table as if they had been poised, waiting for the grand signal. They held romantic props, items clearly prepared in advance. A small cake with “Please Say Yes” inscribed perfectly in pink icing. A large teddy bear with “He Loves You” embroidered across its front.

Everything felt surreal.

Roman looked up at me, his expression the softest, most emotional look I had ever seen.

“Ever since the first day I met you that night,” he began, his voice low but steady, “I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“You’ve been a part of me since then. Since you came into my life, all I’ve known is light, happiness, and joy. And you brought my daughter along with it too.”

He swallowed hard, his gaze never wavering from mine.

“I’m not really that smooth with my words,” he said with a small, endearing smile, “but I know one thing for sure… I love you. And I can’t live without you.”

My chest tightened, not with pain, but with an overwhelming rush of emotion.

“I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you, you, so…”

He inhaled deeply.

“Lauren Darrow… would you marry me?”