Her voice trembled, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

The mention of Sophia snapped Ethan from his thoughts.

He reached out, cupping Isabella’s face gently. His thumb brushed away a falling tear. “Let’s go home,” he whispered softly.

“Home? To watch you pretend to love her?” Her voice broke. The strength she’d mustered began to fade.

She stepped closer, gaze locked on his. A silent plea hung between them.

“Ethan, I’ve loved you for ten years. Yet I’ve never truly held your heart. I gave up my dreams… my dignity. I don’t expect your love, but must you be so cruel? I feel pain, too.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, each one a testament to her shattered heart.

Ethan stood frozen, unprepared for her raw emotion.

A heavy pressure tightened in his chest, stealing his breath.

“Isabella…”

He wanted to comfort her, but the words wouldn’t come.

“Just go, Ethan. I can’t look at you right now.” Her voice was thick with hurt. She turned away, shutting him out.

He lingered, watching the stiff line of her shoulders. The silence grew heavy and cold.

After a long moment, he turned and walked away. His footsteps echoed down the hall.

The click of the door closing felt like an ending.

Isabella slid down the wall, burying her face in her knees. Sobs shook her body.

The truth was clear and brutal. Ethan would never understand the depth of the pain he caused.

Outside, the cool night air did nothing to calm Ethan’s racing mind. His phone rang. Sophia’s voice came through, light and teasing. “Ethan, come stay with me tonight?”

Her obvious intentions unsettled him.

“Rest, Sophia. We’ll talk at the office tomorrow,” he replied firmly.

“But Ethan—”

“I’m driving. We’ll talk later.” He ended the call abruptly.

On the other end, Sophia’s eyes narrowed. A message from her private investigator glowed on her screen. A dangerous plan began to take shape.

The next morning, Isabella arrived at the office to curious stares and hushed whispers.

A colleague pulled her aside quickly. “Isabella, check the company group chat.”

Dread filled her as she lifted her phone. Among the messages was an anonymous email. It contained photos— moments with Ethan, and shockingly, one with Lucas.

Whispers circled her like vultures. Colleagues she barely knew painted her as a villain. A seductress. A side chick. Their words were sharp and contemptuous.

Grateful for the warning, Isabella thanked her colleague and hurried straight to Benjamin.