Chapter 72
At first, Ethan had been intrigued by Isabella’s decision to conceal her brilliance for three long years.
But now he understood—it wasn’t about hiding. It was about defiance. She had refused to be anything more than what he demanded: a docile wife, a silent shadow.
His emotions tangled, a storm he couldn’t name. The urge to provoke her surged, sharp and reckless.
“No matter how hard you try to mimic Sophia, you’ll never surpass her.”
He’d thrown similar taunts before.
Each time, Isabella had withdrawn, her eyes flickering with quiet hurt. Ethan expected the same now—hoped for it, even. Anything to crack her icy composure. Anger, tears—he’d take anything over this unbearable indifference.
But she didn’t flinch. Her gaze was distant, as if he were nothing more than a stranger.
“True. Nothing I did in those three years ever pleased you. You never saw me—not as the orphan, not as the woman I became. Your hatred was constant.” Her voice was calm, final. “And now, I feel nothing for you either.”
The realization settled over her like a weight lifting. The childhood infatuation was dead.
“Ethan, if you had any dignity left, you’d stop this pathetic clinging. It’s disgusting.”
Her words were knives, each one carving deeper.
Olivia smirked. “Exactly! Why the desperate act? One might think you’re still obsessed with her.” She tilted her head mockingly. “Keep this up, and Sophia might actually start crying. Though, let’s be honest—even if you wanted Isabella back, you’d never measure up. And your little mistress? She can’t even pretend to be half the woman Isabella is.”
Olivia’s barbs struck true. Sophia, already humiliated, dissolved into tears.
“Ethan, if you still love her… I’ll leave.” Her voice trembled, tears streaking her cheeks. “I only ever wanted love. Nothing more.” With that, she turned and fled, her steps quick and decisive.
Ethan jolted, realizing his neglect. “Sophia, wait!” But she was already gone.
He whirled on Isabella, fury darkening his features. “Was this your plan? Play hard to get, make me chase you? Dream on. I see right through you—all those years of playing meek, just to pull this act now. You’ve got my attention, but you’ll never take her place!”
Without another word, he sprinted after Sophia.
Isabella exhaled, shaking her head. “Pathetic.”
For the first time, she saw him clearly—a selfish, deluded man. Olivia had been right all along.
Watching the spectacle, Olivia arched a brow. “Seriously, does he have some kind of personality disorder?”
“They deserve each other,” Isabella murmured, relief softening her voice. “Let them drown in their drama. I’m done.”
