After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 1028

She was supposed to visit The Carter Estate last weekend. But when Ethan had his accident, Isabella canceled and pushed the trip back.

Harold’s voice was warm as ever. “Come whenever you’d like, Isabella. Whenever you have time, just let me know. My home will always be open to you.”

He honestly hoped she’d only come when she felt at peace, when she could be fully present with him and start thinking about a future together, maybe even meet his family. Deep down, though, he trusted her. The fact that she agreed to dinner with his family this weekend meant she had already made up her mind.

She had chosen him, not Ethan.

In her own words, she and Ethan were divorced for good. There was no going back. She had lost all hope in him long ago.

“Thank you, Harold. Really, thank you for understanding me, for being so thoughtful, and for always being here,” Isabella told him, her gratitude absolutely genuine.

Harold was just so much more considerate than Ethan ever was. He knew how to respect her, too. It wasn’t that Ethan couldn't be thoughtful or kind, but whenever he was, it was never for Isabella. He saved all of that for Natalie.

Ethan had asked her once, why she didn’t seem curious about who tried to kill her in her dream. But she already knew. It was Natalie. She didn’t even have to ask—his face had told her everything.

“No need to thank me,” Harold said, smiling softly. “I should be thanking you for this chance.”

Isabella gave a tired little grin. “You just said we shouldn’t keep thanking each other, so let’s both stop, okay?”

He nodded. “Okay.”

After Harold dropped her off, he stayed for dinner. He didn’t rush out, but he also didn’t linger too long, knowing she was exhausted. She could only really unwind after he left.

“If you’ve got something to say, just say it now. I’m listening,” Isabella replied.

“A guest is a guest, Isabella. Is this really how you treat yours? You’re at home, I’m waiting at your door, and you won’t even invite me in for a glass of water?” Natalie was practically shaking with anger.

She used to have free reign over this villa—back when Ethan owned it. She had designed the interiors, chosen the landscaping, decorated every inch to her taste. Everyone knew Ethan had fixed the place up just for her.

In the end, she never got to be mistress of this house—she married Jordan and became the Lane family’s matriarch. Still, she always believed this villa would never have a new mistress. Ethan loved her, after all. Even if he couldn’t marry her, she thought he’d never marry someone else or let them live here.

She’d been wrong.

Ethan had married Isabella, making her lady of this house. And now, even though everything about the villa was tailored to Natalie’s tastes, Isabella didn’t care. She was comfortable anywhere and never felt the need to complain.