Chapter 349

Nathaniel's emotions burned just as fiercely as Ethan's. "Seriously? That's where it ends?"

Nathaniel flipped through the notebook violently, pounding his chest in frustration.

"It was just getting good! Who wrote this garbage? They deserve to be flogged in the town square!"

Ethan subtly inched away, wary of Nathaniel's flailing arms. After multiple re-reads, realization struck.

"Ethan...are these characters supposed to be you and your ex-wife?"

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Who else would they be?"

"Did Vivian write this? Is any of it true?"

"About fifty percent," Ethan admitted.

Though some details were embellished, the emotional core mirrored their real-life marriage with unsettling accuracy. Nathaniel's grip on the notebook tightened like it was sacred scripture.

"I never knew Vivian could write like this! I nearly cried reading it."

Ethan's chest puffed up with misplaced pride. "Told you. She's a genius—excels in both arts and sciences."

"Incredible! Color me impressed!" Nathaniel exhaled sharply.

"Ethan, divorcing her was a mistake. Letting her go is like waving prime rib before starving wolves. There's a line of men waiting for her!"

Ethan smirked. "Not just anyone can handle her. You think she's easy prey?"

"From your tone, you wouldn't care if another man succeeded?"

Ethan shrugged. "Why should I?"

"What if that man is me?" Nathaniel's teasing grin didn't reach his eyes.

Ethan's gaze turned arctic. "Since when is she your type?"

"She's always been. I've got a thing for brilliant, icy women."

Nathaniel's voice dropped. "She saved my life once. The only way I can repay that debt is by devoting myself to her."

Ethan's jaw clenched. The temperature in the room plummeted.

"Just say the word, Ethan. If you're truly over her, I'll pursue her properly. But if you still have feelings—or plans to reconcile—I'll walk away right now."

Nathaniel's expression was dead serious. This wasn't banter between friends anymore.

Ethan's face darkened, murderous intent barely concealed beneath a veneer of indifference.

"Go ahead. You have my blessing."

"Say that again—I'm recording it!" Nathaniel whipped out his phone.

Ethan smacked it away. "Enough jokes. This isn't funny."

Nathaniel's laughter died. "I've never been more serious."

Years of friendship hung in the balance. Nathaniel had always idolized Ethan, but neither man would back down now. The air between them crackled with tension...