Chapter 32

Today had been perfect. My dinner with Daniel had gone better than expected, and tomorrow I’d finally return to work. The day after? My birthday.

Just as I’d hoped, Daniel had managed to distract me completely. Within minutes of arriving at his place, I was laughing so hard my sides ached.

He cooked—and damn, could he cook. The meal was divine. There’s something irresistible about a man who can make you laugh while serving you gourmet food. The night was light, fun, exactly what I needed. And it got even better when I got home and found Liam still awake.

He’d finally calmed down. We talked about everything and nothing until he drifted off, phone still pressed to his ear. That conversation? The highlight of my day.

Now, I was baking. Comfort food cravings had hit hard—chocolate chip cookies and a rich chocolate cake. The scent of vanilla and cocoa filled the air when a knock interrupted me.

Wiping my hands on a towel, I opened the door. And there she was.

Isabella.

Part of me wasn’t surprised. The other part? Already exhausted.

“What do you want, Isabella?” I snapped, irritation sharp in my voice.

Her presence never meant anything good. The last time she’d shown up unannounced, I’d nearly died hours later.

Her expression was ice. “We need to talk.”

Every instinct screamed no. But against my better judgment, I stepped aside, leading her to the living room.

“Say what you came to say and leave,” I said, sinking into the couch. My eyes tracked her as she sat, her gaze sweeping over my home with obvious disdain.

She sneered. “Charming.”

I rolled my eyes. Of course, my cozy, lived-in space didn’t meet her sterile, designer standards.

“Are you here to critique my decor, or do you actually have a point?” I leaned back, arms crossed.

Isabella wouldn’t know warmth if it burned her. She preferred cold, empty mansions—nothing like the home I’d built.

“Stay away from Ethan,” she demanded, crossing her legs.

I sighed. “Seriously? You drove all the way here for this again?”

I was so tired of this broken record. How many times did I have to say it? I wasn’t interested in Ethan Blackwood. The man had caused me nothing but pain—why would I want him back?

“It’s not nonsense,” she hissed. “He’s trying to move on with me, but you keep pulling him back. Just let him go! He doesn’t love you, for God’s sake!”

The words shouldn’t have stung. But they did. I didn’t need reminders that I’d loved a man who despised me. That after years of trying, his heart had stayed locked away.

“And how, exactly, have I pulled him back?”

“Two weeks ago. He abandoned our movie night because he heard you were hurt.”

I stared at her. A top-tier lawyer, yet somehow dumber than a brick.

“How is that my fault, Isabella? He’s your man. Put a damn leash on him.”

Why were we even having this conversation? Didn’t she realize she’d won? She had him. All I wanted was to move on.

I’d met someone amazing—Daniel. I had hope for the first time in years. I wouldn’t let her drama poison that.

“I think you’re staging these attacks for his attention,” she mocked, smirking like she’d uncovered some grand scheme.

“Get out.” I stood, pointing at the door.

I was done. Today had been good. I wouldn’t let her ruin it.

She rose, eyes flashing. “Oh, did I hit a nerve? It’s only a matter of time before everyone realizes these ‘attacks’ are fake.”

“Are you done proving how delusional you are?” I snapped. “You think I’m faking? Then let me ask you something—who benefits if I die? Who’s my only enemy? You. With me gone, you get Ethan and full custody of Liam.”

Her face paled. Whether from shock at my accusation or the fact I’d figured it out, I didn’t care. It made too much sense.

Isabella wanted me dead for two reasons: revenge, and to erase me from Ethan’s life forever.

“How dare you!” she shrieked.

“No, how dare you come into my home spouting bullshit. We’re not kids anymore, Isabella. Grow the hell up. Now leave.”

Rage twisted her features. If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under. But I didn’t flinch. I was done being their punching bag.

I tapped my foot. “Going, or do I drag you out?”

With a scoff, she turned—but paused at the door.

“One more thing. Keep your brat out of my business.”

My blood turned to ice. “What did you just say?”

She smirked. “Liam’s a spoiled little pest. Once I marry Ethan, I’m shipping him off to boarding school. A child doesn’t get a say in my life.”

The slap echoed like a gunshot.

Her hand flew to her cheek. “You hit me?”

My palm stung, but I didn’t care. “Yes. And if you ever speak about my son like that again, I’ll do worse.”

“You’ll pay for this!” she screamed before storming out, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the walls.

How could Ethan want someone like that near Liam? The cruelty in her words—it wasn’t the Isabella I knew. Cold, yes. But never vicious.

I slumped against the wall, struggling to breathe. The joy from earlier was gone.

The oven timer beeped. The cookies were done, but my appetite had vanished. I left them to cool and turned on a movie, but an hour later, my mind was still racing. I hadn’t absorbed a single scene.

Giving up, I headed for a bath—until the doorbell rang. Again.

I groaned, assuming it was some kid selling fundraiser junk.

But it wasn’t.

Ethan Blackwood stood there, fury in his eyes.

Before I could react, he shoved me inside, slamming the door behind us. He backed me into the space between the foyer and kitchen, his voice a low, dangerous growl.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

I shivered. “What?”

“Did you think Isabella wouldn’t tell me?” His jaw clenched. “Or that I wouldn’t see the handprint you left on her face?”

He paced like a caged animal. It hit me then—why he was here.

“You don’t understand—”

“Understand what?” he roared. “That you slapped her for no reason? That you accused her of trying to kill you with zero proof? Or should I ‘understand’ the vile things you said?”

I didn’t know what lies she’d fed him, but I knew one thing—she’d twisted everything.

“I won’t let you hurt her, Sophia.” His voice dropped, deadly quiet. “If you ever lay a hand on her again—”

This wasn’t the Ethan I knew. For the first time, I was terrified of him.

“Ethan, she threatened Liam—”

He cut me off. “She what? Defended herself after you attacked her? Told you I never loved you? Because she was right.” His eyes glinted, cruel. “Listen carefully. You’re nothing. You always will be. You brag about sleeping with me, but the truth? I fucked you because you were convenient.”

My vision blurred. “Stop.”

He didn’t. “You were a mediocre lay at best. Every time I was inside you, I imagined her. Every time I came, it was her face I saw. You were just easy. A warm hole to use.”

The second slap of the night cracked through the air.

His head snapped to the side. Tears streamed down my face, his words carving into me like knives.

“Get out,” I whispered. “Take your guards. I don’t want your help. I don’t want you. From today, you’re dead to me.”

I turned, climbing the stairs on shaky legs.

“You have two minutes to leave before I call the police.”

Upstairs, I locked my bedroom door. Moments later, I heard him go.

Then, I collapsed.

Ethan had destroyed me—without laying a single hand on me. His words had shattered me, leaving nothing behind.

I sobbed until my throat burned. My chest ached, my heart in pieces. He’d broken me over lies.

But I’d get up. I’d move forward.

And for every cruel word he’d spoken?

Karma would come for him. And for Isabella.

I’d never forget.

And I’d never forgive.