After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 583

He’d sent over a bunch of flower baskets ahead of time, but today, for the big opening, he showed up himself to congratulate her.

Ethan hadn’t made an appearance in front of Isabella these last few days. He knew she was busy, so he kept his distance. Any help she needed, he handled quietly without making a fuss.

Isabella wore a long red dress that day. She was tall, her skin almost porcelain, and her looks always turned heads. The red just made her even more stunning. She moved through the crowd with so much confidence, smiling like she owned the place.

It had only been a few days since they last saw each other, but Ethan couldn’t help noticing how much she’d changed. She looked happier, lighter, almost like she’d shed a weight she’d been carrying for too long. Of course, she was better off without him. He was the one who’d hurt her, again and again. That truth hit Ethan hard, the ache in his chest sharp and unrelenting. But this was Isabella’s big day, and he was here to celebrate her, not ruin the mood.

He put on his best smile as he walked up and handed her a gift. “Isabella, congratulations. I hope your new shop does amazing.”

She took the gift from him, her face open and friendly. With so many people watching, she wasn’t about to make a scene. She just smiled and said, “Thank you, Ethan.”

“No need to thank me. It’s your grand opening. Of course I’m here to support you.”

She’d used his money to open the shop. She’d told him she was bored at home and wanted to start something new. He hadn’t really supported her at first, afraid she’d go looking for trouble with Natalie, so for Natalie’s sake, he’d given her the money.

Jennifer and Sophia had both complained, saying Isabella was out of line for wanting to run a business in public, that he should put a stop to it. But he’d always sided with Isabella, letting her do what she wanted. Still, even that was for Natalie. Isabella knew it. He’d funded her dream, but his reasons had nothing to do with her. That kind of help probably hurt just as much as anything else.

She’d once told him to stop apologizing every time he hurt her, that saying sorry didn’t erase anything. She was right. No amount of apologies could make up for the pain he'd caused, even if he hadn't realized how deep it ran.

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