Natalie showing up to ask Ethan to talk Cynthia out of divorcing was something Isabella had seen coming a mile away. No matter how much Jordan and Natalie usually pretended to dislike her and her mom, the second a mistress threatened their family, they would flip in an instant and try to pull Isabella and Cynthia into their corner. Suddenly, they were a united front against Deborah. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?
What really caught Isabella off guard was how firmly Ethan stood by her mom’s side, actually supporting the divorce.
“That’s what I said. Is there something wrong with that?” Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow.
Isabella just smiled. “Nope, not a thing.”
Honestly, his emotional intelligence was a little lacking. Up until today, even after living two lives, Isabella had never understood why Natalie picked Jordan. Was it just because Jordan confessed first? That couldn’t be it. The truth was, Natalie and Ethan just weren’t on the same wavelength.
Natalie had always been so sure of herself. She believed that no matter who she married, the other guy would still adore her, spoil her, and treat her like a queen. Her life would stay fabulous, no matter what.
And honestly, in her last life, Natalie managed exactly that. She married Jordan but kept Ethan hooked, letting him keep doting on her and forgiving whatever she did.
But this time, things felt different. Ethan seemed to be changing.
Isabella figured it was probably because her return had shifted a few things, and everything else just followed. Still, even if Ethan was changing, she had no plans to spend her life with him. From the moment she came back, her goal was clear—make money, break free from Ethan.
Natalie still lived in his heart. Someone you’ve loved for over ten years doesn’t just disappear overnight.
He used to think her beauty was only skin deep. Now she was still beautiful, but in a way that was different—like a rose in full bloom, gorgeous but with thorns that could prick you. Even him.
Ethan sped up to walk beside her. His hand kept drifting toward her waist, wanting to pull her close, but the second he touched her, she smacked it away.
He tried to put his arm around her shoulders instead, but she turned, her big, beautiful eyes flashing with annoyance as she glared at him.
When the elevator doors opened, she stepped in first. There were other people inside, and Ethan, following her, lost his chance to try anything else. He felt a wave of frustration.
She was his wife, but he couldn’t even hold her for a second.

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