Chapter 250

Gasps rippled through the crowd like wildfire.

Ethan Blackwood's bold move detonated like a nuclear bomb in everyone's minds.

The guests knew him as the ice-cold CEO who never showed emotion in public. A man who'd rather die than participate in some cheesy romantic display.

Yet here he was, kissing Vivian Lockhart with enough passion to melt glaciers.

Vivian's eyes flew wide open. Her mind short-circuited.

Every instinct screamed at her to shove him away. But she remembered their deal - she was supposed to play the doting girlfriend today.

'If I reject him now, it'll humiliate him in front of everyone.'

So she surrendered to the kiss, despite her initial resistance.

Ethan's burning intensity shattered her composure completely. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she found herself responding against her better judgment.

"Perfect! Just like that! More passion!" The photographer was practically drooling as he snapped away furiously.

The crowd watched, mesmerized. It was like watching the steamiest romance movie come to life right before their eyes.

Even Nathan Prescott, a self-proclaimed ladies' man, whistled appreciatively. "Damn, Ethan's got skills! Who knew Mr. Ice Cube could kiss like that? The bastard's been holding out on us!"

Dominic Harrington observed the scene with an unreadable smile, though jealousy laced his voice. "So this is what real chemistry looks like. About time Ethan figured it out."

The only person not enjoying the show was Olivia Sinclair.

Her fists clenched so tightly her manicured nails drew blood from her palms. No amount of deep breathing could contain her rage.

"ENOUGH!" Her shrill scream shattered the moment.

All heads swiveled toward the trembling bride.

Olivia forced a brittle smile, though her eyes burned with fury. "It's my wedding day, remember? Shouldn't Dominic and I be the center of attention?" Her voice dripped with fake sweetness. "We're just so... jealous of you two lovebirds."

Ethan finally released Vivian, though his smoldering gaze suggested he wasn't done. "You're right," he murmured, lips curling. "Some things are better saved for the bedroom."

"Since we've stolen your thunder," he continued smoothly, "we'll take our leave now. See you at the ceremony."

With that, he whisked a still-flustered Vivian away from the gawking crowd.

They emerged onto a stunning seaside terrace. The salty ocean breeze carried the scent of blooming jasmine.

Ethan inhaled deeply, as if breathing freely for the first time in years. He turned to Vivian. "We've got time before the ceremony. Walk with me on the beach?"

Vivian finally snapped out of her daze. She swatted his arm away playfully. "Well, Mr. Ex-Husband? How'd I do as your paid actress? Got your ego sufficiently stroked?"

Ethan's expression darkened. "Who said anything about paying you?"

"Weren't you?" Vivian arched a brow, all traces of her earlier shyness gone. "That whole performance was just to make Olivia jealous, wasn't it?"

She tapped her chin mock-thoughtfully. "Objectively speaking? I'd give that kiss a 9.5/10. Only deducting half a point so your head doesn't get too big."

Ethan scoffed. "You're so clever. Think you've got everything figured out, don't you?"

"Obviously!" Vivian tossed her hair, grinning. "You're still hung up on your precious first love. And she's clearly not over you either!" She leaned in conspiratorially. "Though I must admire her hustle - keeping both you and Dominic on her leash? Impressive."