Natalie took the glass from Ethan, sipping with a kind of effortless grace. The familiar sweet taste of glucose lingered on her tongue. Ethan always added a little for her, and every time she drank it, it felt like her heart was wrapped up in warmth.
Women all over Cabinda’s upper circles envied her. Two amazing men, both spoiling her. Even after she chose Jordan, Ethan never stopped caring for her. Natalie always thought Ethan would stay single for her, that he’d just quietly love her from a distance. So when he married Isabella, it caught her completely off guard.
Ethan settled into the seat across from her, his voice gentle. “Did you sort things out with Jackson and Cynthia?”
Cynthia hadn’t reached out to him, but she was probably with Isabella. Ethan was still waiting for news.
“That’s actually why I’m here.” Natalie set her glass down, her tone shifting. “Jordan sent people to dig up dirt on that mistress. Jackson found out right away and slapped him. Hard. Jordan was so angry he stormed out and drank himself stupid.”
“He only made it home right before sunrise, passed out cold. Still hasn’t gone to the office.”
“Jackson even threatened him, said if Jordan dared to touch that mistress, he’d write a will and leave everything to his illegitimate son.”
The more Natalie spoke, the less of her usual softness remained. Frustration simmered in her voice. “Jordan’s been an only child for thirty years. How is he supposed to take this? His dad never hit him before, not once. And now he gets slapped, all because of some kid from an affair.”
Natalie shook her head, anger bubbling over. “It’s infuriating. She just gives up, even though she’s got you backing her up. She’s willing to hand over the home she built for twenty years like it means nothing.”
She was furious at Jackson for cheating and fathering a child, especially since that boy was now a real threat to Jordan. But she was just as angry at Cynthia, who did nothing to fight for her marriage. The first thing Cynthia did after finding out about the affair was cry and ask for a divorce. She didn’t even try to confront the mistress.
If it had been Natalie, she would’ve rounded up a group, tracked that woman down, and made sure she paid the price. She’d strip her of every shred of dignity. Anyone willing to be a mistress clearly has no shame, so why not let the whole world see? She’d film it, blast it online, and make sure everyone knew what kind of woman she was. Only then would she feel a little better. But Cynthia? After crying, divorce was all she wanted. She didn’t even try to save her marriage.
“Ethan, talk to Isabella for me. Ask her to convince her mom not to just hand everything over to that mistress. Cynthia and Jackson might not have kids together, but they’ve been married for twenty years, and they used to be so in love.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: After I Stopped Loving Him