Isabella walked quickly under the streetlights, her shadow stretching long behind her.

Liam pressed his face against her chest, his small features tight with concern.

“Isabella!” Ethan’s voice cut through the night, sharp with urgency.

She halted but refused to turn.

“We need to talk,” he stated, stopping a few steps behind her.

Isabella drew a sharp breath before finally facing him. “What more is there to say, Mr. Blackwood?” Her tone was icy.

His expression hardened. “I will find out the truth about your grandmother. As for Sophia—”

“Yes, Sophia is your first love. Your great love. So what?” Isabella exhaled, a weary sound. “I’m exhausted, Ethan. Just let me go.”

She pulled Liam closer and moved to leave, but Ethan caught her wrist.

“Isabella, listen!” His voice was a desperate plea this time.

She shook him off as tears finally escaped. “I don’t want to hear another word from you. We are done, Ethan.”

A loud, sudden growl from her stomach shattered the tense silence.

Her face flushed a deep crimson, the heat spreading to her ears.

She wished the pavement would swallow her whole.

Her own body had chosen the worst possible moment to humiliate her.

She awkwardly covered her stomach, shooting it a furious glare.

Ethan’s stern expression softened at the unexpected sound, a faint smile touching his lips.

He found her reaction strangely charming.

Liam, watching with wide eyes, quickly spoke up. “Mommy, are you hungry?” His innocent question broke the awkward spell.

Mortified, Isabella nodded, her cheeks burning hotter.

All she desired was to escape, to put immense distance between herself and Ethan.

“Then… Let’s go eat!” Liam announced brightly, his eyes sparkling.

Isabella’s instinct was to refuse, but one look at her son’s hopeful face made it impossible.

“Mommy, please? Let’s get something yummy,” he pleaded, tugging her sleeve.

With a resigned sigh, she surrendered. She could never deny him.

“Alright,” she whispered, her voice soft with defeat.

A flicker of amusement lit Ethan’s eyes.

His strategy to win over Liam first was proving correct.

“What would you like to eat?” Ethan asked, his voice a low, inviting rumble. He watched her, waiting.

Isabella kept her gaze down, avoiding his eyes. “I… don’t care,” she mumbled.

Her mind was too scattered to think about food.

Ethan’s expression shifted, a frown forming at her clear distance.

He turned to Liam. “What do you want to eat?”

“I want… hmm… I want McDonald’s!” Liam declared with eager anticipation.

“McDonald’s?” Ethan’s frown deepened. “Pick something else.” He refused instantly.