After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 816

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Nadine set the tray on the table and slid a glass of wine over to Natalie. “Let’s drink first. We can always ask the waiter for more later.”

“Do you want something to eat? Drinking on an empty stomach will knock you out fast.”

Natalie shook her head. “I’m not hungry. I just want to drink.” She glanced outside, watching the rain pound against the windows. “It’s coming down hard out there.”

Nadine nodded. “Yeah, it’s really pouring. That’s why no one’s in a rush to leave. Except Isabella, who left early with Ethan and Harold. Everyone else is still here. Even her best friend didn’t leave.”

Across the room, Jesse was introducing Laura to a bunch of people.

Nadine couldn’t help but watch Laura, jealousy flickering in her eyes. She had feelings for Harold, and seeing Laura—especially as Isabella’s best friend—stung more than a little.

Natalie followed Nadine’s line of sight and spotted Laura from behind. Jesse hovered close, looking every bit the protective escort.

Natalie let out a bitter sigh. “I’ll never get it. They could have anyone, really. So many better choices, but somehow it’s always Isabella and Laura.”

Nadine shrugged. “Laura’s not so bad, honestly. Her family at least runs a business. It’s not at the Mason family’s level, but it’s miles better than Isabella. Isabella’s just baggage her mom brought into the Lane family. If her mom hadn’t married in, she never would’ve met Ethan, never would’ve become Mrs. Adams. She has everything—status, money, position—and she still wants love. She doesn’t know how good she’s got it.”

Natalie felt a secret satisfaction. She was the reason Ethan and Isabella had split. It proved, at least to herself, that Ethan really did love her.

“She always has that attitude. Honestly, those guys are just into her looks.”

Nadine paused, giving Natalie a worried look. “What’s going on with you? You seemed fine when you got here. Not even Deborah managed to annoy you. But now you look miserable. Did something happen? You can tell me, you know. We’re friends.”