Chapter 256

Vivian sighed in frustration before reluctantly taking the necklace.

She extended her hand to Olivia, who remained seated on the floor. Her tone was exasperated as she said, "Fine, I'll take it. But you did say I could do whatever I wanted with it, right? So I'm tossing it in the trash."

Olivia didn’t react with anger. Instead, she offered a bittersweet smile. "Go ahead. I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away anyway. Consider this you doing me a favor." She paused, then added softly, "Like I told Ethan earlier, if I had to lose to anyone, I’m glad it was you."

Vivian blinked in confusion.

What? Weren’t they planning to run away together? Why am I suddenly part of this? And what does she mean by ‘losing’ to me?

But she refused to pry further. Olivia was the bride—if she wanted to call off the wedding or go through with it, that was her choice.

She can figure it out herself. Asking too many questions will just make it seem like I care, and I don’t!

The sun dipped lower, casting the ocean and sky in a warm, fiery glow. The church’s floor-to-ceiling windows framed the breathtaking view, bathing the interior in golden light.

Just then, the ceremony bell chimed. The priest lifted his cross, signaling the start of the rituals as guests settled into their seats.

Excitement buzzed through the crowd, everyone eager to see the bride and groom.

Vivian, however, was convinced the seating planner had it out for her.

Why on earth would they put Nathaniel right next to me? Everyone knows we’re divorced!

To make matters worse, her longtime rival, Charlotte, sat on her left.

Am I being ambushed from both sides?

She glanced at the icy man beside her, then at her ex-cousin-in-law, who was radiating hostility.

Just as she considered moving, the priest announced the groom’s entrance, forcing her to stay put.

Dominic strode in, dressed in an immaculate white suit, a bouquet of crimson roses in hand. His steps were measured, regal, as he approached the altar.

The women in the audience erupted into cheers, their admiration bordering on worship.

"Oh my god, Dominic is perfection!"

Even Vivian caught herself leaning forward, her pulse quickening.

Damn. A bouquet, this sunset, and a man like that waiting for his bride? This wedding is straight out of a fairy tale.

Then Nathaniel shot her a sharp glare, despite having ignored her all evening. His voice was low but biting. "Why are you so invested in someone else’s wedding?"

He hadn’t whispered, and the nearby guests definitely heard.

Heat rushed to Vivian’s cheeks. She clenched her fists. "What’s your problem, Mr. Blackwood? Can’t I appreciate a nice moment? If it bothers you so much, why don’t you go up there and challenge him? Let’s see who the bride would choose!"

"Don’t be ridiculous," Nathaniel snapped, turning away with a scowl.

Vivian huffed. "Look at you, all worked up. I’m just stating facts!"

He’s too cowardly to steal the bride, so he takes it out on me instead. Typical.

The priest, clad in black robes, raised his vow book. "The groom has arrived. Now, let us welcome the bride!"

Solemn music swelled. The guests turned expectantly toward the entrance.

But when the music faded, the bride was nowhere in sight.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"What’s going on? Where’s the bride? Is this some kind of test?"