Chapter 243

"Oh my God, Ethan! Where the hell have you been?" Nathan Prescott practically shouted the moment Ethan Blackwood stepped into the church. "Dominic was about to deploy his private security team to track you down!"

Nathan looked impeccable in his tailored tuxedo, hair perfectly styled.

Ethan remained unfazed. "The ceremony isn't until evening. Why the urgency?"

"Urgency?" Nathan grabbed Ethan's arm and dragged him toward the back. "We're the groomsmen, you idiot! We have to greet the bride, take photos—there's a whole schedule!"

He shoved Ethan toward the dressing room. "And change out of that casual mess. You look like you're here for brunch, not a wedding."

Inside, Dominic Harrington stood by the window, his white suit accentuating his striking features. The soft makeup made him look every bit the fairytale prince—except for the frown marring his expression.

He didn’t look like a man about to marry the love of his life. More like someone attending a funeral.

"Dom! Ethan's here!" Nathan announced, grinning.

Dominic turned, relief flashing in his eyes. "Thank God. I thought you weren’t coming."

Ethan arched a brow. "Why wouldn’t I?"

Dominic hesitated. "Given the history between you, me, and Olivia… I wouldn’t blame you if you skipped this."

Ethan’s voice was steady. "That’s in the past. Olivia and I are just friends now. I’m happy for you both."

Dominic exhaled.

For years, he and Olivia had avoided Ethan, convinced their relationship had destroyed him—that his marriage to Vivian Lockhart had been nothing but self-sabotage.

The guilt had eaten at them.

"I don’t think things are as simple between you and Vivian," Dominic said carefully. "Divorce or not, I have a feeling fate isn’t done with you two."

Then, glancing toward the door, he asked, "Did Vivian come with you? I sent her an invitation."

Ethan’s jaw tightened. "We’re not attached at the hip."

If she wants to avoid me, fine. I won’t force her into my orbit.

Nathan and Dominic exchanged a look. Clearly, Ethan wasn’t winning Vivian back anytime soon.

"Alright, enough chitchat," Nathan cut in. "You need to change, and we need to fetch the bride. Clock’s ticking."

Though usually carefree, Nathan took anything involving Olivia seriously. He’d been in love with her for years—making him the real martyr at this wedding.

After a quick wardrobe change, they headed out—only to nearly collide with Vivian at the church entrance.

Alone.

Dominic smiled warmly. "Vivian, you’re just in time. Want to join us to pick up the bride?"