Chapter 8

Ethan stood with his shoulders squared, his expression unreadable as he processed his father's ultimatum.

His gaze dropped to Cassandra's barely visible baby bump. "As you can see," he said coolly, "Cassandra is already three months along. This child carries the Blackwood bloodline. She needs a proper title before the birth. I've finalized the divorce with Vivian. Once the paperwork clears, Cassandra and I will be legally married."

Margaret and Cassandra exhaled in unison, tension visibly draining from their shoulders.

But Leonard's fury only intensified. His hands clenched into fists, knuckles white. "You absolute fool!" he roared. "You're throwing away your wife for some cheap fling? Have you lost your damn mind?"

"If Arthur Lockhart were alive to see this, he'd rise from his grave to throttle you himself! That man was a decorated war hero—do you think he'd stand for this disgrace?"

"End this farce now!"

Eleanor scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Please. If the Lockharts were so impressive, their empire wouldn't have crumbled. We took in their last heir out of pity! Do you have any idea how many enemies we made because of that girl?"

"We've repaid any debt ten times over. And let's not forget—Arthur himself said the marriage only needed to last four years. If there was no love by then, they could walk away. Ethan isn't the villain here!"

The argument grated on Ethan's nerves. His voice cut through the room like ice. "I've said my piece. If you want to keep shouting, take it elsewhere."

Leonard dragged a hand down his face. "You've always been stubborn. Sebastian was the only one who could ever talk sense into you... If he were still here—"

The mention of his late brother cast a heavy silence over the room.

Three months ago, Sebastian's death had shattered the Blackwoods. Ethan, already distant, withdrew completely.

"Fine," Leonard bit out. "Marry her if you must. But on one condition—or I'll disown you myself."

Ethan didn't flinch. "Name it."

"Your grandfather can't know. Not before his heart surgery. You know how much he adores Vivian. If he finds out you replaced her with a mistress, it’ll kill him."

Ethan gave a curt nod. "Understood."

The older couple finally left, though not before Eleanor fussed over Cassandra like a prized broodmare. Leonard pointedly ignored her, leaving Cassandra sweating through her forced smile.

None of that mattered. The only opinion that counted was Ethan's.

Upstairs, Ethan stared blankly at the sunflower field below. He rarely visited the estate—had never noticed the golden sea swaying beyond the terrace.

Sunflowers.

He'd learned today they were Vivian's favorite.

Loyalty. New beginnings.

Was that what she wanted? A fresh start? Had being his wife been so unbearable?

"Ethan?" Cassandra's tearful voice interrupted his thoughts. She dabbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry we're causing so much trouble. Maybe... we should just let this go?"

He turned slowly. Grief darkened his usually sharp gaze.

"No," he said hoarsely. "We can't. This was Sebastian's last wish."