Chapter 254

"No." Ethan's response was immediate and final, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Olivia collapsed against him, her body shaking with sobs. She clung to him desperately, pressing her tear-streaked face against his, trying to recapture the intimacy they once shared.

"You're just afraid of hurting Dominic, aren't you?" Her voice cracked with desperation. "You're suppressing your feelings for me, right? You never stopped loving me! Admit it!"

"This has nothing to do with Dominic." Ethan's expression turned icy as he firmly pushed her away.

"Even if you weren't with him, there could never be anything between us. You need to accept that."

"Why?!" Olivia screamed, her voice raw with pain. The rejection was too much to bear.

"You loved me so much!" she cried. "I remember your confession under the cherry blossoms, your gentle kisses! That love was real!"

"You were willing to give up your inheritance for me! You nned to follow me abroad when I pursued my studies! How can you throw away a love that deep?!"

"I won't deny I loved you once," Ethan admitted, his voice steady. "That love was real, but it's in the past now. We both have people who matter to us now."

His words carried hidden meaning. He had truly loved Olivia once - so much that he'd mistaken those lingering feelings during his entire marriage.

Only after Vivian left him did he realize the love he truly missed wasn't for Olivia at all.

Now single, he understood he'd merely been nostalgic for the innocence of their youthful rtionship.

"Other people?" Olivia scoffed bitterly. "Who? Your precious Dominic?"

"You should know your perfect Dominic doesn't love me. He only sees me as a suitable political match for the Harringtons!"

"They're politicians - of course they need someone from an academic family like mine!"

"Honestly, he'd probably be relieved if I ran away before the wedding!"

Ethan frowned. He'd never noticed any problems between Dominic and Olivia.

They'd seemed perfectly happy together all these years.

"Dominic shows love through actions, not words," Ethan said gently. "Just because he's not expressive doesn't mean he doesn't care."

He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't overthink this. He does love you."

"Stop pretending to care!" Olivia took a shuddering breath, her face twisted in pain. "You're rejecting me because there's someone else, isn't there?"

Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line, remaining silent.

Was there someone else? He wasn't sure.

Yet Vivian's face immediately came to mind.

'But That chapter is closed...'

"I understand. I've lost." Olivia managed a fragile smile, looking at him with heartbreaking tenderness.

"Miss Lockhart is remarkable. Anyone can see how much she loves you. I wish you both happiness. I concede defeat."

"It's alright. You should go now. If anyone sees us like this..."

"Really?"

"Really!"

"And the wedding?"

"The wedding will proceed as nned." Olivia straightened her shoulders, forcing another smile. "I'm not a child anymore. I just needed to get this off my chest."

"Dominic may not love me, but he treats me well. Many would envy my position. I'll learn to cherish him."

"Good."