Chapter 13
Ethan grabbed Vivian's wrist.
"So the bride was in such a hurry to get engaged because she needed someone to take responsibility."
"Poor Oliver Roland. Cuckolded before the wedding even happened."
The guests' whispers cut into Natalie like knives. She clutched Oliver's sleeve, voice trembling. "Oliver, please let me explain! I have nothing to do with this man!"
Oliver coldly shook her off, his gaze fixed on Vivian. "No need. The engagement is off."
He should have been with Vivian all along.
Natalie trembled violently, her carefully applied makeup unable to hide her twisted expression. She lunged at Vivian. "You bitch! I'll kill you!"
Lucas seized her wrist, lifting her like a ragdoll.
"Afraid people will talk about your dirty little secret?" Vivian smirked. "Do you like this engagement gift, sister?"
Her dress swirled elegantly as she turned and walked away without looking back.
Natalie collapsed to the floor, screaming hysterically. "Vivian! You'll pay for this!"
Vivian didn't even break stride. Since when had she ever been afraid?
Outside the ballroom, Vivian hurried down the hallway. A familiar voice called from behind. "Vivian?"
Her body went rigid.
Ethan Roscente.
He'd seen her true self at the bar last time. If he recognized her now, it would be disastrous.
"Let's go!" She grabbed Lucas' arm to flee.
Ethan strode forward and seized her wrist. "Stop!"
Vivian whirled around, burying her face in Lucas' chest.
"Get rid of him," she whispered.
Lucas understood, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Sir, mind your manners."
Ethan glared at the figure in the man's arms, eyes dangerous. "Who are you?"
"Her boyfriend." Lucas lifted his chin defiantly. "Now move aside. My girlfriend's tired."
"Boyfriend?" Ethan scoffed. "I'm her ex-husband."
He reached for Vivian, but Lucas blocked him.
"Ex-husbands should know their place." Lucas enunciated each word. "She's mine now."
A sharp pain stabbed through Ethan's chest. No wonder she'd been so eager to divorce—she'd already found her next target.