Chapter 4

Have you ever felt like your heart was being torn apart by invisible hands? That’s exactly how I feel right now, watching them. Every beat is agony, as if my heart has been shattered into a million irreparable pieces.

If I could rip this useless organ from my chest and toss it away, I would. The pain is unbearable, a relentless storm raging inside me.

I want to run. To look away. But I can’t. My eyes are locked on them, as if some cruel force has glued them there, forcing me to witness this intimate moment between Ethan and Isabella.

I watch as they pull apart. Ethan’s expression softens, his gaze filled with adoration as he stares at the woman who has always owned his heart. His hands cradle her face, pulling her closer until their foreheads touch.

He looks at peace. Like he’s finally where he belongs. Like he’s complete.

"I’ve missed you." I see the words form on his lips.

A bitter thought claws at me—what would have happened if they had reunited while we were still married? Would he have betrayed me for her?

Part of me wants to deny it, but deep down, I know the truth. This is Isabella we’re talking about. Ethan would burn the world down for her.

I can’t take it anymore. I stand abruptly and rush outside.

The moment the cold air hits my face, the tears spill over. It hurts. God, it hurts so much I can barely breathe. But who can I blame? I’m the fool who fell in love with a man who was never mine.

"Make it stop," I whisper to the empty sky, pleading with any force that might listen.

No answer comes. No relief.

My chest tightens, my lungs refusing to fill. I claw at my dress, gasping, drowning in the weight of my own grief.

"This is what happens when you chase after someone else’s man." Nathan’s mocking voice cuts through the haze.

I wipe my tears furiously, forcing my mask back into place. "If you’re here to gloat or warn me to stay away from your precious sister, save your breath. Walk your ass back to the hospital. There’s nothing here for you."

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Clearly, he didn’t expect me to fight back.

"I just wanted to remind you that Ethan was always Isabella’s. You stole him from her, but now they can finally be together. Don’t interfere."

A hollow laugh escapes me. "Don’t worry. After today, none of you will ever have to see me again."

His frown deepens. "What do you mean?"

I’m too exhausted to explain. All I want is to crawl into bed and forget this nightmare.

"Tell Victoria I’ll help with the funeral arrangements—if she even wants me there. And give Isabella my regards."

Without waiting for a response, I walk away, heading straight for my car. Nathan calls after me, but I don’t look back.

I just need to fall apart in peace.

Three days have passed since William Sterling’s death, and the world still feels off-balance. His loss has left everyone reeling—he was loved by so many.

I haven’t seen Ethan since that day. He’s called, but I ignore every attempt. He’s probably wrapped in Isabella’s arms by now. She might even be living in our home already.

I push the thought away and focus on zipping up my black dress.

"Mommy?" Liam’s small voice breaks through my thoughts.

I turn to find him standing there, tears brimming in his eyes. Kneeling, I pull him close.

"What’s wrong, sweetheart?"

"I miss Grandpa. We were supposed to go fishing this weekend." His voice cracks, and my heart shatters all over again.

William may have failed me as a father, but he adored Liam.

I hug him tightly, whispering against his hair, "I know you miss him. But he’s watching over you now. He’ll always be with you—right here." I press a hand to his chest. "And here." I tap his temple.

"He wouldn’t want you to be sad, okay? Let’s remember all the fun times instead."

Liam nods, sniffling. "Okay."

I wipe his tears and take his hand. "Come on. Let’s go say goodbye properly."

He gives me a small, brave smile, and together, we walk out the door.

It’s time to let go.