The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Cynthia’s POV

It didn’t take less than thirty minutes after that call before all three of my brothers appeared at the house, practically storming through the front door like a trio of overprotective sentinels. 1

Kevin arrived first, still slightly disheveled, his hair messier than usual. Julian came in right behind him, medical bag in hand as if he thought I might need emergency treatment. And Nathaniel, ever the composed businessman, walked in last, his expression calm but his eyes full of concern.

“Alright,” Kevin said, dropping onto the couch beside me. “What did that bastard say to you?”

“Kevin,” Julian warned, settling into the armchair across from us.

“What? He is a bastard. We all know it.” Kevin turned back to me. “So? What happened?”

I took a breath, gathering my thoughts. Having all three of them here, their attention focused entirely on me, comforting and overwhelming.

was both

“Well,” I began slowly, “I’ve been thinking about everything. About Amber. About what Mrs. Sam said at the race. About what Ethan said today.” I paused, looking at each of them. “I think I need to meet with Amber. Ethan asked me to attend the PTA meeting next month, but I can’t just show up there after three years without talking to him first. So I need advice. What do you all think I should do?”

Nathaniel leaned forward in that thoughtful way he had. “I know what it’s like to have a child and miss them,” he said quietly.

I nodded, feeling the weight of his understanding.

“Perhaps you should reconcile with Amber,” Nathaniel continued, his tone becoming more businesslike. “Rebuild that relationship first, on your terms. And then…” he paused for emphasis, “…send those divorce papers. Immediately.”

Kevin let out a low whistle. “Damn, Nathaniel. Going straight for the throat.”

“It needs to be done,” Nathaniel said firmly. “The sooner she severs that legal tie, the sooner she can move forward. And honestly?” A small, sharp smile crossed his face. “I can’t wait to see Walker Industries scramble when the divorce is finalized. I have so much plans.” He smiled sinisterly

“Nathaniel,” I said with a weak laugh, “you sound almost vengeful.”

“I am vengeful,” he replied without hesitation. “That man made my sister suffer. If I can make his professional life

uncomfortable in the process of you getting your freedom, I consider that a bonus.” 1

Julian cleared his throat. “While I appreciate the sentiment, maybe we should focus on Cynthia’s emotional wellbeing first before we start planning corporate warfare?”

“Thank you, Julian,” I said.

“That said,” Julian continued, his doctor voice activating, “I do agree with Nathaniel about the divorce. Cynthia, you need closure. Real, legal closure. Not this limbo state you’ve been existing in.”

Kevin squeezed my shoulder. “What do you want, Cici? Forget what Ethan wants, forget what’s strategic or practical. What do you actually want?”

The question caught me off guard.

What did I want?

It should have been simple. I should have been able to say immediately: I want the divorce. I want to be free. I want to move on

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#44

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with my life.

But the words stuck in my throat.

Because somewhere in the chaos of these past few weeks, seeing Ethan at the gala, hearing the pain in his voice today, watching the way he still wore his wedding ring… something had shifted. Something I didn’t want to acknowledge.

It was just so weird how Ethan had been making me feel these past few days. Like he might actually be shocked if I served him divorce papers.

Well, it was time to shock him. 1

I straightened my spine, forcing confidence into my voice. “I want to meet with Amber first. Figure out where we stand. And then…” I swallowed hard. “Then I’ll file for divorce. It’s time.“‘

“Good,” Nathaniel said with satisfaction.

“Finally,” Kevin added.

But Julian was watching me too closely, his expression concerned. “Cici, are you sure? You seem… uncertain.”

“I’m not uncertain,” I said quickly..

“It’s the right decision,” Kevin said.

“I know it is,” I agreed.

But even as I said it, I felt something twist uncomfortably in my chest.

I didn’t know what to feel about this conclusion. Happy? Relieved? Those would be the logical emotions. The healthy ones.

But instead, I felt… scared.

Scared to be completely out of Ethan’s life. Scared to cut that final thread that still connected us. Scared of the finality of it.

Which was insane. Completely insane.

‘Get a hold of yourself, Cynthia,‘ I told myself firmly. ‘You have no atom of feelings left for that man.‘

Nathaniel checked his watch. “It’s late. We should let you rest. But Cynthia…” he met my eyes with that penetrating gaze that seemed to see through all my carefully constructed walls, “…whatever you’re feeling right now, whatever doubts you might have, remember why you left. Remember what that marriage cost you. Don’t let nostalgia or guilt trick you into second- guessing yourself.”

“I won’t,” I promised.

“Good.” He stood, straightening his suit jacket. “I’ll have my lawyers draw up the divorce papers. Just say the word and they’ll be ready to file.”

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