Chapter 242

Ethan kept his silence, his lips pressed into a thin line as he concentrated on the road ahead.

The luxury car rolled smoothly onto the coastal highway, the endless expanse of the ocean stretching out on either side.

The sunlight danced on the water, creating a scene so picturesque it could have been lifted from a postcard.

Yet Vivian felt anything but relaxed. Her muscles tensed as she gripped the seat. Why is he taking me to the ocean? Is this about last night? Does he plan to drown me as payback for biting his lip?

"Ethan, let's be rational here," she said, her voice unnaturally high. "Extreme measures aren't necessary."

"I know I crossed a line, but it wasn't intentional! You were the one parading around half-dressed like some kind of temptation incarnate!"

"Honestly, you looked like you stepped out of a romance novel! Any woman would've made the same mistake! Just let it go this once!"

"I swear it'll never happen again! Even if you try to seduce me, I won't so much as nibble!"

Ethan's sculpted features remained impassive until her words drew a low chuckle from him. "So by your logic, I could bite you whenever I please if I consider you... appetizing? And face no consequences?"

"Absolutely not!" Vivian countered indignantly. "Mine was an accident! Yours would be premeditated! That makes you the criminal and me the victim!"

Ethan shook his head, marveling at her twisted reasoning. The woman could debate circles around anything when it suited her.

Their verbal sparring continued until the car approached Harborview City's most iconic landmark - the Cathedral of Tides. Perched on an island in the bay, its white spires and azure domes gleamed against the horizon, a vision of maritime elegance.

Normally closed to the public, this venue only hosted weddings for the elite. Legend claimed couples exchanging vows at sunset received the ocean's eternal blessing - their love bound as permanently as the tides.

The car halted in the VIP lot. Ethan exited smoothly, glancing back when Vivian didn't follow. She stood frozen, staring at the cathedral with shadowed eyes.

"Coming?" he prompted.

"You go ahead." Her voice turned hollow. "We're divorced, remember? Showing up together would raise unnecessary speculation."

The realization struck her sharply - one night of accidental intimacy couldn't bridge the chasm between them. She'd once dreamed of marrying here at sunset, exchanging rings beneath the stained glass.

Instead, the Blackwoods had orchestrated a lavish five-star affair that fulfilled every social expectation except hers. To the world, she'd been nothing more than a gold-digging prop in their dynastic play.

Never again would she be that ignored bride. Maintaining distance was the only sane choice.

"Reputation?" Ethan's eyebrow arched. A bitter laugh escaped him. "Fine. Have it your way."

Inside, the cathedral dazzled with thousands of blush roses lining the aisle. The Harringtons commanded significant influence, and Newport City's elite had turned out in force - power players who made celebrities seem pedestrian by comparison.