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 handsand 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 makefall 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?" Lily's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as her gaze inadvertently fell on his collarbone. She hadn't expected him to be so shameless. Noticing her momentary daze, Ethan decided to push his luck further.

"Lily," he drawled, "I don't mind you staring, but if you're going to ogle me, it's only fair that I get to do the same." Realizing where his eyes were wandering, Lily's embarrassment quickly turned to indignation. "Pervert!" she shouted, grabbing the duvet and pulling it over herself.

Ethan couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. Tugging at the edge of the duvet, he whined, "Lily, this isn't fair. You saw me, so I should get to see you too." She peeked out from beneath the covers, her glare sharp. For a moment, she was captivated by his playful expression, but his shameless words snapped her back to reality. "How shameless can you be?" she huffed.

He chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, I'll stop. Besides, there isn't much to see anyway." Her jaw dropped. "What did you just say?" she asked, her tone dangerously calm.

QO 1/3 ||| O Chapter 41 "I said there isn't much to see," he repeated, emphasizing each word with a teasing smirk.

Finished Furious, Lily grabbed a pillow and began hitting him with it. "How dare you insultlike that! I am beautiful, okay?" "Ow, Lily! Stop! Why are you hitting me?" Ethan protested, trying to dodge her attacks. “I was just telling the truth!" "The truth?" she mocked. "So you're saying I'm not beautiful?” He caught her wrists, gently taking the pillow from her hands and tossing it aside. Looking into her fiery eyes, he smiled softly. "No, you're not beautiful," he said, his voice lowering. "You're so much more than that." Her anger faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of confusion and something else she couldn't quite name. Before she could respond, he pinched her nose lightly, breaking the tension. "But how can I say for sure if you keep hiding?" Flustered, she shoved 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 nunder the sun-shameless, pervert, idiot, brainless...

"I'm not going anywhere," Ethan said, moving to the other side of the bed. He lay down casually and gave her a cheeky smile. "Goodnight, beautiful." She glared at 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 he made her heart race.

Lily stood frozen in disbelief, her eyes 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 bed." He didn't even stir, his expression relaxed as if he had every right to be there. "This is my house, Ethan! You can't just do this!" she yelled, her frustration growing.

When he still refused to budge, she crossed her arms, her tone 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 you." Ethan remained as still as 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 to kick him off.

But just as she was about to strike, his hand shot out, grabbing her ankle. "Ahh!" she yelped as he pulled her off balance, causing her to fall onto his chest. His arms wrapped around her, trapping her securely.

"Lily," he said with a teasing smile, "how much longer are you planning to shout? Do you want to wake the neighbors?" She struggled against his hold, her face flushed with anger. "Whose fault is that? This is my house! Why are you even here? Letgo and get back to your own place!" Her squirming only made matters worse. Ethan's playful demeanor shifted as a look of discomfort crossed his face. His voice dropped, carrying an edge of warning. "Stop moving so much..." "Why? So you can take advantage of me, you shameless pervert?" she shot back, rolling her eyes. "Do you think I'm that naive?" X x+ 2/3 ||| O Chapter 41 Finished His gaze darkened, and his voice dropped to a husky murmur. "If you don't stop moving, your wish might just ctrue."

Her movements halted abruptly, her breath catching. "What wish?" she asked, confused. But then she felt it -Something firm pressing against her leg. Her eyes widened in shock as realization dawned.

She looked up at his face, now shadowed with tension. Terrified, she tried to wriggle free but his arms only tightened around her in a are bone-cCasey ng embrace. "Stop moving, please," he whispered, his tone almost pleading.

Startled by the uncharacteristic vulnerability in his voice, she froze.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the o her racing heart the only sound she could hear. In that moment, she was torn between fury, embarrassment, and something she couldn't quite define. 30