Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband by Isabella Reed

Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband

Chapter 41

Finished

Ethan wanted to say the words lingering on the tip of his tongue, but he held back. “No, I don’t like you,” he said instead, knowing full well the truth was far more profound. He wanted to tell her he loved her, but he feared that revealing his feelings now might end their fragile bond before it even began.

He was acutely aware of how deeply her past heartbreak had scarred her. The betrayal she suffered from Ryan had left her distrustful, and Ethan had vowed to himself to heal her wounds. He wanted to be the one to fill the cracks in her heart, but he knew he had to tread carefully. He couldn’t afford to scare her away. Slowly but surely, he would work his way into her heart, ensuring that when he took his place there, it would be forever.

Hearing his reply, Lily sighed in relief, though an unexpected pang of sadness crept into her chest. She didn’t understand why his words left her feeling so conflicted. “Good,” she muttered, suppressing a yawn.

“Why did you ask?” Ethan inquired, his curiosity piqued.

“No reason,” she shrugged, avoiding his gaze.

“Liar,” he said with a teasing smile. “I know why you asked.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “You do?”

He nodded confidently. “It’s because you’ve started liking me, right? My kiss made you fall in love with me. And let’s not forget how handsome and irresistible I am. You couldn’t help yourself, could you?”

Lily rolled her eyes but decided to play along. “Yeah, that’s exactly it, Ethan. I’ve completely fallen for you.”

Her response caught him off guard. He had only meant to tease her and hadn’t expected such a bold reply. “Really?” he asked, leaning closer to her.

She smirked. “Of course not. You’re delusional if you think one kiss is enough to make me fall in love with you.”

Relief washed over him, and his lips curled into a mischievous smile. Unbuttoning the top of his shirt, he leaned in slightly, his tone turning playful. “Would you like more, then?”

gaze inadvertently fell on his collarbone. She hadn’t expected him to

to ogle me, it’s only fair that

indignation. “Pervert!” she

the duvet, he whined, “Lily, this isn’t fair. You saw me, so I should get to

the covers, her glare sharp. For a moment, she was captivated by his playful expression, but his shameless words snapped

I’ll stop. Besides, there isn’t much to see

you just say?” she asked, her tone

QO

1/3

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Chapter 41

to see,” he repeated, emphasizing

Finished

it. “How dare you insult me like that! I am

hitting me?” Ethan protested, trying to dodge

you’re saying

pillow from her hands and tossing it aside. Looking into her fiery eyes, he smiled softly. “No, you’re not beautiful,”

couldn’t quite name. Before she could respond,

him away. “You’ve had your fun. Now leave!” she snapped, pulling the duvet tightly around herself. In her mind, she was calling him every name under the sun–shameless, pervert,

anywhere,” Ethan said, moving to the other side of the bed. He lay down casually and gave her

him, but his relaxed demeanor made it impossible to stay angry for long. As much as she hated to admit it, this man was dangerous–not because of his teasing words or shameless actions, but because of the way

fixed on Ethan, who had shamelessly made himself comfortable in her bed. Anger flared in her chest as she shook him, her voice sharp. “Ethan, get up! This is my

every right to be there. “This is my house, Ethan! You can’t just

laced with warning. “If you don’t leave, I swear I’ll pour cold water all over you. Don’t say I didn’t warn

a rock, ignoring her threats entirely. No matter how much she pushed or shouted, he wouldn’t move an inch. Her patience snapped. Narrowing her eyes, she climbed onto the bed, raising her leg with the intent

shot out, grabbing her ankle. “Ahh!” she yelped as he pulled her off balance, causing her to fall onto his chest.