After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 12

"I've always seen Isabella as a little sister," Natalie said, her voice soft and gentle. "Watching her find happiness makes me genuinely happy for her." She turned to Ethan with a smile. "I know you, Ethan. Now that Isabella is marrying you, I’m sure you’ll take good care of her."

Ethan looked like he wanted to say something, but then he noticed Isabella Lane walking over. Remembering their little act, he decided to stay quiet.

As Isabella finally reached them, Ethan teased, "You walk so slow. Honestly, even a turtle could beat you. Didn’t you see Natalie waiting?"

"Ethan, don’t blame Isabella," Natalie chimed in, her words smooth but just a touch fake. "It’s really my fault. I was so excited to see you both that I practically dragged Ethan ahead. I totally forgot Isabella was behind us."

Natalie gave Isabella a sweet smile, but there was something challenging in her eyes.

Isabella met her look without flinching.

In her last life, Isabella had learned the truth about Ethan’s motives for marrying her on their wedding night. From that moment, she saw Natalie as a rival. Every time they met, Isabella’s words were sharp, always hinting at more than she said. Natalie, always the actress, would play it up, acting hurt and apologizing, blaming herself for everything. Ethan would always take Natalie’s side. At home, he’d scold Isabella, restrict her freedom, cut her allowance, and sometimes even lock her in the basement for a whole night.

The more Ethan cared for Natalie, the more jealous Isabella became—and Natalie loved pushing her buttons. Their fights just got worse and worse. By the time she and Ethan divorced, Isabella couldn’t even go back to the Lane family home. Jordan, who adored Natalie, couldn’t stand Isabella’s attitude toward her, so he shut the door on Isabella completely. Even Cynthia had a hard time at home because of it.

Isabella finally looked away from Natalie. Acting perfectly natural, she slipped her hand through Ethan’s arm and smiled. "Natalie, you and Ethan go way back. Of course you’d be happy to see each other and forget about me for a moment. I don’t mind at all."

She changed the subject easily. "Are Jackson and Jordan home yet?"

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