After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 1030

“Isabella, did something happen to Ethan?” Natalie tried to keep her voice steady, even though she was obviously upset.

“We’re done, Natalie. I don’t know what’s going on with him. Isn’t he off on a business trip?” Isabella barely looked up from her phone.

“I heard from someone that something happened to him,” Natalie pressed, watching Isabella for any reaction.

“Then ask your friend, not me. I don’t have a clue what Ethan’s doing, and honestly, I’m not interested.”

“You really don’t know?”

“I honestly don’t.” Isabella let out a tired sigh. “My days are packed with my own stuff. I don’t have time to worry about Ethan or anyone else. We’re practically strangers now. So, don’t ask me about him anymore. Natalie, I’ve already let go of Ethan. Whether you can keep him or not is up to you. It’s got nothing to do with me. I’m dating Harold now.”

Natalie’s eyes narrowed. “What’s so special about you, Isabella? You leave Ethan and you’ve already snagged Harold. Are they blind or just crazy?”

“Actually, it’s because they see things clearly that they’re with me. Maybe it was you they were blind for. I don’t need you to see what’s good about me, as long as Harold does. When Harold and I get married, I’ll make sure you get an invitation. You saw me become Mrs. Adams and soon, you’ll see me as Mrs. Carter. I guess I have a knack for marrying into wealthy families.”

Natalie’s face twisted with jealousy.

“If you came just to ask about Ethan, Natalie, you can go. I don’t know anything. If there’s nothing else, I’m ending this call.”

Isabella hung up without waiting for a reply. It wasn’t like she and Natalie ever had anything worth talking about anyway.

Natalie stood outside the door, cursing Isabella under her breath until she ran out of steam and stormed off.

From her spot on the balcony, Isabella watched Natalie's car drive away. She stayed out there for a while, sinking into the basket chair, staring out at the city in the soft glow of the night.

A gentle knock broke the silence.

“Yeah, I was planning to turn in early. I’m just wiped out. With Ethan in a coma for days, I can’t pretend it doesn’t bother me. We might not get back together, but it’s not like I want anything bad to happen to him. I hope he’ll wake up soon.”

“Natalie was here earlier,” Isabella added. “She waited out front and called me to come out. I just ignored her.”

Cynthia sat beside her, a gentle weight against Isabella’s side. “I knew. I told your uncle and aunt not to pay her any attention. These days, she’s acting like she’s completely lost it.”

“I never thought she’d change so much,” Isabella said quietly.

Cynthia nodded. “She used to come over all the time, growing up. I watched her turn from a sweet kid into someone who always has to get her way. I knew she could be manipulative, but I never expected she’d fall apart like this.”

“She just isn’t used to not getting what she wants,” Cynthia went on. “When people stop giving in to her, she doesn’t know how to act.”