All Chapters of Sunrise After Divorce; The Comeback Queen : Chapter 221 - Chapter 230

Author's POV ~Ethan's eyes flicked open as he woke up before sunrise. As he sat upright, he yawned and stretched his arms and squinted, his eyes adjusting to the bright light. The room was quiet and peaceful, free from the sounds and giggles of children. The silence was stifling, and the emptiness was filled with memories of Eric's laughter. Ethan exhaled deeply as he lay still, staring at the ceiling, trying to pull his thoughts together. His head felt heavy, but his chest was heavier.His thoughts drifted to everything that happened last night.Scarlett’s voice still echoed in his mind- sharp, angry, hurt. She had looked him straight in the eye and asked if he’d followed her to the restaurant. He’d tried to deny it, but she saw right through him. He rubbed a hand down his face and sat up. The sheets were a mess. His phone blinked on the nightstand, but he ignored it. He couldn’t bring himself to check if she’d texted. She wouldn’t. She probably didn’t even want to see his face ag

Author's POV ~The moon hung in the sky, its reflection shining brightly in the calm waters below. The neon lights from the bar sign flickered against the glass, painting the wooden counter in streaks of red and blue. A solemn music played in the background and the atmosphere was heavy with sweat, smoke and alcohol.Dylan sat hunched over a half-empty glass, his expression blank.His phone lay on the counter, screen glowing with the image of Scarlett laughing beside Stefan at Alaric's wedding.The wedding was over but pictures and news of it was all over the internet.Every few seconds, Dylan’s jaw clenched tighter.Justin, his old friend from college was beside him.He leaned back in his seat, his elbow resting on the counter, watching his friend spiral. “You’ve been staring at that picture for half an hour,” he said finally. “You want me to call the bartender for another drink or a therapist?”Dylan didn’t respond at first. He just took another gulp of whiskey, his throat burnin

Author's POV ~Dylan sat on the barstool with his fist clenched so tightly his knuckles turned pale. The strain ran through his arm and settled in his jaw. He stared at the empty glass in front of him but didn’t really see it. His mind was spinning, replaying Scarlett’s expression from earlier. The disbelief. The hurt. The way she had folded her arms and looked away as if he’d insulted her intelligence rather than tried to protect her.Justin watched him from the next stool, tapping a finger lightly against his drink. “How did it go?” he asked, though his tone made it clear he already knew the answer.Dylan exhaled, and slumped his shoulders that seemed to carry the weight of his frustration. “Exactly how you said it would,” he said quietly. “She thinks I’m trying to ruin her relationship. She believes I’m jealous or lonely or whatever else she’s imagined. She thinks I’m trying to wedge myself back into her life.”Justin laughed softly and shook his head. “And what did you expect?

Author's POV ~Ethan sat on the edge of his couch with his elbows resting on his knees. He stared at the glow of his phone screen, his mind filled with several thoughts. Dylan’s words from earlier echoed stubbornly in his head and refused to fade.‘Stefan is gay. I’m telling you, Ethan. He’s using Scarlett.’He recalled his statement once again, the same one that struck him like a ton of bricks, like a goddam nail to a coffin.At first he had brushed it off, pretending it didn’t bother him, but now that he was alone the certainty in Dylan’s voice kept tugging at him. Hours later he found himself scrolling through photos of Stefan online, studying each one like he was searching for hidden clues.The images were ordinary celebrity photos. Stefan on a movie set. Stefan at a red carpet event. Stefan signing autographs with that picture perfect smile. Ethan zoomed in and stared, trying to see through him, trying to catch something that felt off.“Nothing,” he muttered as he swiped again.

Author's POV ~McKenzie noticed the tension between them. She gulped hard with a soft smile resting on her face. Scarlett's expression remained calm as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.“Scarlett sweetheart,” McKenzie said warmly, taking a step forward.Scarlett managed a small smile as her gaze drifted towards her. “Hi grandma.”McKenzie studied her granddaughter with gentle eyes. “Will you be going out later today?”Scarlett nodded. “Yes. I have a few things to do.”Before McKenzie could say more Scarlett’s gaze shifted past her and settled on Ethan who was standing by the window. He looked stiff and uncomfortable. Her eyes narrowed a little. She had heard his voice earlier in the hallway when he spoke to McKenzie. She had not meant to listen but his voice was clear. She heard him tell her grandmother that he still loved her and that he wished she would return to him. The words echoed in her head and made her chest tighten.Scarlett kept a straight face. She did not show