Chapter 96

My sneakers pound against the pavement as I push myself harder. Normally, I run at dawn, but tonight, I needed the burn. The evening air was thick, the sky painted in shades of twilight.

I increase my pace, muscles screaming in protest. I wasn’t just running—I was fleeing. Fleeing from the guilt gnawing at my soul. Fleeing from the ache in my chest.

Fleeing from my own damn stupidity.

The weight of how I’d hurt Sophia was crushing me. Consuming me. I hadn’t been able to face her since realizing the truth—that I was in love with her.

Every time I looked in the mirror, all I saw was a man who didn’t deserve her. A man who had taken her love for granted.

I used to think I was honorable. A man who loved fiercely, who never let go. I prided myself on holding onto my feelings for Isabella. I thought it proved my devotion.

But all it really proved was how blind I’d been.

While clinging to a ghost, I’d broken the heart of the woman I truly loved.

“Damn it!” I curse under my breath.

How the hell had I let things get this bad?

I push harder, passing the gas station near my estate. Slowing down wasn’t an option. If I stopped, the memories would swallow me whole.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Sophia’s face—months ago, right before she asked for the divorce. I couldn’t even remember what cruel words I’d thrown at her. But I remembered the way her eyes had dimmed. The way she’d whispered, I hate you.

I’d scoffed.

Now, I’d give anything to hear her say she loved me again.

I’d ruined everything. And I had no idea how to fix it.

My phone buzzes, yanking me from my spiraling thoughts.

“Yeah?” I answer without checking the caller ID, my breaths ragged.

“Dad! It’s me!” Liam’s excited voice crackles through the line.

We’d spoken on the phone, but I hadn’t visited. Not when seeing him meant facing her.

“Hey, buddy. What’s up?”

“I’m so excited!” he practically shouts.

Curiosity claws at me, even though a part of me knows I’ll regret asking.

“Why? What’s got you this hyped?” I force a chuckle.

Talking to him was the only thing keeping me sane right now. The only anchor in this storm.

“Okay, so you remember my best friend, Oliver?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, he’s been kinda down lately, so I talked to Mom, and she agreed—we’re all going to the amusement park tomorrow! Mom, me, Oliver, and his dad!”

Jealousy coils in my gut like a venomous snake. The thought of another man near her—touching her—made my blood boil.

I’d told myself she deserved better.

But hell if I’d let her move on without a fight.

“That so?” My voice turns sharp.

“Yeah! Aren’t you happy for me?” His excitement falters. “Dad… you okay? You sound weird.”

I pivot, stalking back toward my house. Every step fueled by fury—at myself, at this Lucas Montgomery, at the world.

What if she fell for him? What if she let him into her life? Into Liam’s life?

The possibilities made me sick.

“Where’s this amusement park?” I ask tightly.

“The next town over,” he says. “Dad, seriously—are you okay?”

“Fine. Perfect,” I lie through my teeth.

“O…kay.” He sounds skeptical. “Anyway, just wanted to let you know I won’t be home tomorrow. In case you wanted to visit. Night, Dad.”

“Night, Liam.”

I end the call, my grip on the phone dangerously tight.

The run had been pointless. Instead of clearing my head, I was angrier than ever.

By the time I reach my estate, my nerves are frayed. I want to storm into Sophia’s house, claim her, demand she cancel this damn outing.

But I had no right.

Not yet.

“Mr. Blackwood,” Winston, my butler, greets me as I step inside. “You have a visitor.”

Before he can elaborate, her voice cuts through the foyer.

I turn, jaw clenched.

Isabella.

Of all the damn times.

“What do you want, Isabella?” I snap as Winston discreetly exits.

She studies me, her beauty as striking as ever—but it did nothing for me now. The fire I’d once felt for her was ash.

“I missed you, Ethan,” she says softly.

I don’t have the patience for this.

“Cut the crap. Why are you here?”

Her face falls. “I came to talk about us.”

A cold laugh escapes me. “There is no ‘us.’ How many times do I have to say it?”

She flinches but doesn’t back down. “You love me. You always have. Don’t tell me that’s changed.” Tears glisten in her eyes. “Is this about Sophia?”

The mention of Sophia’s name makes my chest tighten.

“Yes,” I say bluntly. “But it’s more than that. I don’t love you, Isabella. Maybe I did once. Not anymore. Stop wasting your time.”

Her tears spill over. “You love her?”

The pain in her voice tugs at something in me—old instincts, old loyalties. But I smother them.

“Yes. And I’m going to fight for her. So don’t get in my way.”

She lets out a broken laugh. “She’ll never take you back.”

I rake a hand through my hair. “Maybe not. But I’m not giving up.”

Isabella lifts her chin, defiance flashing through her tears. “Then neither will I. I lost you once, Ethan. I won’t lose you again.”

Before I can respond, she spins on her heel and storms out.

I head upstairs, shoving the encounter to the back of my mind.

None of it mattered.

Only Sophia did.

And it was time I proved it.