After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 190

Isabella held her phone away from her ear, waiting for Ethan to finish yelling. When he finally quieted down, she brought it back and spoke up, her tone calm and unbothered.

"If I was dead, you wouldn't be getting this call. So, what do you want?"

Ethan sounded frustrated. "Why aren't you home yet?"

"Why do you care? Didn't you say we should live our own lives and not get involved with each other? We're just supposed to keep up appearances for everyone else, remember?"

Ethan fell silent. He wanted to throw his phone across the room. Lately, every conversation with Isabella felt pointless, like trying to punch a cloud.

After a long pause, his voice softened just a little. "I just don't like eating alone. I was hoping you'd come home for dinner. Susan had the chef make a bunch of your favorite dishes."

Everyone knew Isabella loved good food. Usually, that was all it took to get her attention.

Right then, Isabella fished two more pieces of meat from the bubbling pot in front of her and popped them into her mouth, enjoying every bite.

"Whenever we eat at home, the table is always covered with your favorites. Luckily, I'm not picky."

"Just tell me what you like. I'll have the chef make it for you every time. There will always be something you enjoy."

"I'm at a restaurant eating Burgundy Fondue," Isabella said, sounding pretty pleased with herself. "I'm not coming home for dinner. You can eat by yourself."

Ethan paused, then grumbled, "You went for fondue and didn't even invite me?"

"Why would I? Haven't you had fondue before? If you want some, just say the word. Your staff can whip it up for you anytime."

Ethan's voice dropped lower. "Isabella, can't you just talk to me like a normal person?"

"I am. I haven't even yelled at you."

"If you can't stand the way I talk, Ethan, just hang up. It's not like I asked you to call me."

Isabella glanced at Laura and raised her eyebrows. Laura got the message. She was already suspicious that Jesse somehow always knew where to find her, as if he had someone following her around just to create these 'coincidences.'

"Can I come in?" Jesse asked, smiling.

Isabella just smiled but didn't say anything. Laura invited him in, happy to have him join them.

Jesse seemed thrilled, which was probably his plan all along. He came in, apologized for barging in, and took a seat right beside Laura.

Isabella waved over a waiter to bring Jesse a set of chopsticks and a bowl.

"Jesse, is there anything else you want to order? Should we get more food?" Laura asked.

Jesse looked at the table, which was already covered with dishes. "You already have so much here. I couldn't eat more even if I wanted to."

Since he said that, they let it be and just enjoyed the meal together.