Time moves so fast when you're busy. Before Isabella realized it, the sky outside had already faded to evening.
She hurried home, thinking about how her little suitcase was still at Laura’s place, with just two changes of clothes inside. She’d told Laura to keep it for now. Next time she got thrown out, she could shamelessly show up and crash for a couple of days.
Laura had scolded her for talking like that, saying she should be more positive. But Isabella had only smiled. Ethan didn’t love her. Being kicked out again was almost a given. Until she could stand on her own two feet, she just had to put up with it.
As soon as she walked in, Susan greeted her with an icy glare. “So you remember where you live, huh? Ethan isn't feeling well and you don’t even think to look after him.”
Ethan had always been the golden boy, born into privilege, practically worshipped by the Adams family. People always catered to him. So when Isabella argued with him and made him mad enough to catch a cold that still hadn’t gone away, Susan, who never really liked her to begin with, was even more annoyed.
“I didn’t really want to come back,” Isabella replied coolly, “but Ethan wanted me to change into an evening dress. He’s sending a car soon and wants me to go with him to a party tonight.”
Susan opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Ethan still wanted Isabella to go to an event with him? Did that mean they’d made up? Who caved first, Ethan or Isabella?
Susan watched Isabella walk right past her, her back straight, full of confidence. Looked like Ethan was the one who gave in.
Susan thought about how Ethan had complained Isabella didn’t know how to kiss and had bitten his lip. Maybe she needed to rethink how things really stood between them.
Upstairs, Isabella slipped into an evening gown, brushed on some light makeup, and put on the jewelry Cynthia had given her. She stepped into her heels and paused in front of the mirror, unable to help admiring her own reflection. She really did look amazing.
When it came to looks, she easily outshone Natalie. Her body was better too—she actually had curves, unlike Natalie. The only thing Natalie had going for her was that sweet, almost fake, voice. Well, and her family background. She’d grown up with Jordan and Ethan.
Let’s be real, there aren’t many guys who only care about someone’s personality. If Ethan was supposed to fall for a girl with just a good heart and nothing else, she might as well dream on.
Isabella just smiled. “Susan, I’m good with things the way they are.”
Susan was speechless for a second. Was Isabella really okay living like a widow? Maybe she didn’t love Ethan anymore.
Isabella walked straight past her and started down the stairs. Susan waited a moment, then followed.
Ethan was sitting on the sofa, a cigarette between his fingers. When he heard footsteps, he looked up at the staircase. As Isabella came down, his gaze lingered on her, growing darker and more intense.

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