**TITLE: My Heart Waited Too Long and Choosing Freedom**
**Chapter 26: I’d Like to Find a Job**
In an effort to lift Isla’s spirits, Ethan instinctively asked, “So, how did Dad reward you in the past?”
Isla’s face lit up like a candle in the dark. “He used to take me shopping, and he would buy me lots and lots of pretty princess dresses! And then, we’d go out for big fancy meals to celebrate!” Her voice was filled with joy, and the memories danced in her eyes.
Ethan’s heart sank.
With the swirling rumors about him making headlines, the thought of taking Hannah and Isla out for a meal or a shopping spree in public felt like a reckless gamble. The paparazzi would be waiting, their cameras poised to capture every moment, every smile, every fleeting glimpse of their lives.
As he wrestled with his thoughts, Hannah emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming cup of hangover tea that filled the air with a comforting aroma. She placed it down on the coffee table with a gentle thud. Noticing Isla’s bubbling excitement, she forced a composed smile and turned her attention to Ethan. “Ethan, don’t pay attention to Isla’s fantasies. I’ve already told her she needs to adapt to life without her dad. She can’t keep relying on you for everything.”
The moment those words left her lips, Isla’s expression fell like a fragile leaf in autumn.
Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, and the disappointment etched on her face was almost unbearable for Ethan to witness. It tugged at his heartstrings. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment, and made a decision. “It’s alright. After work tomorrow, I’ll take you both out to celebrate. We’ll have a nice dinner together.”
The instant he spoke those words, a radiant smile broke across Isla’s face, illuminating the room.
She erupted with joy, “Ethan, you’re the best!”
With the grace of a cheerful butterfly, she darted off to her room, leaving a trail of happiness behind her.
The living room fell into a quiet stillness once more. With only Ethan and Hannah left, an awkward tension hung in the air, thick and palpable.
“Thank you, Ethan,” Hannah finally said, her voice soft, laced with genuine gratitude. “You’re so kind to Isla. You’re going to spoil her rotten.”
But she quickly shifted gears. “By the way, Ethan, there’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.”
Her tone shifted to something more serious. “Now that Isla’s in school, I find myself at home alone all day with nothing to occupy my time. I’d like to find a job. I can’t just sit here doing nothing while you shoulder all the responsibilities.”
Ethan pondered her words, realizing that her desire for independence was a good idea.
If Hannah were to secure a job, it might alleviate some of the burdens he felt pressing down on him. “What kind of job are you thinking about?” he asked casually, trying to keep the conversation light.
It was as if Hannah had been waiting for him to ask that very question.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and she looked up at him, her enthusiasm palpable. “When Jack was still around, I worked as his secretary at his company.”
She paused, her eyes filled with a silent hope that spoke volumes.


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