Chapter 259

Charlotte's words acted like gasoline on fire, instantly turning the crowd against Vivian.

In mere seconds, Vivian became the villain in their eyes. Cruel. Heartless. A witch who deserved punishment. Only Ethan and Dominic stood by her side.

"Enough!" Dominic's voice cut through the chaos like a blade.

He produced an exquisite ring box and handed it to Ethan. "Put this on Miss Lockhart. Now."

Understanding flashed in Ethan's eyes. Without hesitation, he grabbed Vivian's hand, attempting to slide the ring onto her finger.

Vivian recoiled. "What the hell? You can't just force a ring on someone! Get it off me!"

"Wear it." Ethan's command left no room for argument.

Their struggle became a physical tug-of-war, Vivian's resistance meeting Ethan's determination head-on.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

The church bells chimed again, signaling sunset. As golden light spilled through stained glass windows, the ancient prophecy echoed through the hall:

"When rings are exchanged at sunset's call, the sea goddess blesses them all. Bound forever, hand in hand, peace shall reign across the land."

Ethan finally succeeded in forcing the ring onto Vivian's finger, but not without cost - Vivian's shove sent him stumbling backward.

He fell dramatically, the moment perfectly captured by Dominic's phone.

The photo told a damning story. The composition mirrored exactly Vivian's earlier "fight" with Olivia.

"See?" Dominic held up the evidence. "This proves Miss Lockhart's story. That wasn't a fight - she was refusing something."

Only then did Vivian understand their plan. Her grateful eyes met Ethan's, though no words passed her lips.

Ethan smirked. "Save your thanks. If the legend's true, we're stuck together now. You'll have eternity to show your gratitude."

Vivian rolled her eyes. 'God, I must be an idiot. Expecting decency from this man? Please.'

'That sly fox thinks a ring can trap me? Dream on.'

Evelyn Sinclair hadn't anticipated Ethan's intervention, let alone the groom defending Vivian. For once, the actress was speechless.

After a long pause, Evelyn found her voice. "But I saw Miss Lockhart throw that necklace into the sea! That proves she hated Olivia enough to hurt her!"

Vivian nodded. "I did throw it away. Olivia told me to dispose of it as I pleased. Frankly, I wanted nothing to do with it."

Nathan exploded. "You admit it! Do you have any idea what that necklace meant to Olivia? You vicious witch!"

Vivian shrugged. "No clue."

'Some token of their undying love, right? If it was so precious, why force it on me?'

Ethan's expression darkened. "You threw it away?"

Just as Vivian prepared her retort, a panicked shout cut through the tension.

"Help! Someone help! It's terrible!"