Chapter 255

Ethan gave a curt nod as he pushed open the door, Olivia Sinclair following closely behind him.

Their path was abruptly blocked by Vivian Lockhart clutching a slice of chocolate cake.

An awkward silence fell between them. Though Vivian had nothing to hide, heat crept up her neck under their combined gaze.

"Did I... interrupt something important?" she asked, shifting her weight uncomfortably.

Ethan's only response was that infuriatingly arrogant stare he reserved just for her.

Undeterred, Vivian pressed on. "So? Did the Ocean's Heart work? Are you two lovebirds making your grand escape now?"

His expression darkened visibly. Leaning down, he whispered something to Olivia before brushing past Vivian without another glance. The cold dismissal stung more than she cared to admit.

"That insufferable bastard!" Vivian muttered under her breath as she watched his retreating figure. "All I did was ask for my damn money back."

Exhaustion weighed heavy on her shoulders. She'd only wanted to find a quiet corner to rest after the day's chaos.

Running into their little rendezvous was the last thing she needed.

Though she'd been the one to encourage Ethan to steal the bride, seeing them together twisted something painful in her chest.

As she turned to leave, Olivia's voice stopped her. "Miss Lockhart, might I have a word?"

"Not interested," Vivian said flatly.

What could the perfect first love possibly have to say to the failed ex-wife?

Was this some pathetic attempt at gloating? She didn't have the energy for petty games.

"Please," Olivia pressed, her voice trembling slightly. "Just a moment. I need... closure."

Vivian sighed. There was something unbearably vulnerable in Olivia's eyes that made refusal impossible. "Fine. Make it quick."

"It's just... you mean more to Nathaniel than you realize." Olivia's hands twisted together. "I want him to be happy. When he loves, he loves completely. There was a time he—"

For ten agonizing minutes, Vivian endured the retelling of their epic romance. How Ethan had sacrificed everything. How he bore a scar from protecting Olivia that bound them forever.

"Enough!" Vivian finally cut in with a strained smile. "You should publish this tragic love story. Might make some decent pocket money."

Olivia's lips curved in satisfaction. "Are you jealous, Miss Lockhart?"

She thrust forward a delicate necklace. "This was our promise. I'm giving it to you now. Keep it or throw it away - it no longer matters to me. Consider it the end of our story."

Vivian recoiled, but Olivia forced the jewelry into her palm. Their struggle sent Olivia tumbling dramatically to the floor, the scene dripping with melodramatic despair.

Unbeknownst to them, every calculated move had been witnessed - and captured - by unseen eyes with their own agenda.