Ethan paused, caught off guard for a second. “Isabella, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have compared Natalie’s friend to yours. Laura’s a great person.”
Isabella’s tone was cool and measured. “I can’t keep that car. I’ll transfer the title back to your name.”
“What’s given is given. It’s yours now. If you don’t want it, do whatever you want with it, but I’m not taking it back.”
“Isabella, is it because we’re divorced? Do you feel like if you accept anything from me now, you’ll owe me?”
She didn’t answer, just let the silence hang between them. That was answer enough. She didn’t want to owe him anything.
“But you already do,” Ethan said quietly. “That night those kidnappers broke into your house, I was there. I helped you, saved you and Barbara. That’s not something you can ever repay. So, honestly, you already owe me. What’s a little more at this point?”
Isabella had nothing to say to that.
He kept going. “Isabella, I’m trying to win you back. Giving you gifts is normal. Who even tries to get their ex-wife back without bringing presents? Whether you take it or not, that’s up to you. But once I’ve given you something, I’m not asking for it back.”
He let out a breath. “And honestly, I still feel guilty about everything. If you accept my gifts, I’ll feel a little better about myself. If you don’t, I’ll just feel worse, and I’ll keep looking for more ways to make it up to you.”
“It’s late. You should get some rest. I need to sleep too. I’ve got meetings all day tomorrow, and the day after, I’m leaving on a business trip. I’ll probably be gone for at least ten days, maybe two weeks. You’ll finally get some peace and quiet from me.”
His voice got softer, almost like he was making fun of himself.
He knew Isabella didn’t want to see him. He knew, and yet he kept showing up. That was the reality of chasing your ex. If you back off after being rejected or snapped at a couple times, you might as well stay single forever.
“Isabella, while I’m out of Cabinda, if you run into any trouble, call Keith. I’ll send you his number. He’s sharp, knows everyone, handles most of my business. He can help you with anything.”

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