Chapter 433

Sunlight spilled across the powdery white sand as Ethan Roscente strolled beside Vivian Laurent.

A sea breeze lifted the hem of Vivian's dress.

Ethan's phone buzzed abruptly.

The screen flashed with the name "Theo" in bold letters.

"I need to take this." He strode toward a distant cluster of rocks.

Heart-wrenching sobs crackled through the receiver. "Uncle...I want Mommy..."

Theo's voice was hoarse from crying.

Ethan's grip tightened on the phone. "Don't be afraid. I'm coming home."

His knuckles turned white when he ended the call.

Vivian caught fragments of a child's weeping.

She glanced around but heard only the crash of waves.

Ethan returned with stormy eyes. "An emergency. I have to leave."

Vivian nodded. "Go ahead."

"I'll find you later." He disappeared down the beach.

She watched his retreating figure, words dying on her lips.

Emily Garnache bounded over with an armful of seashells.

"Viv, why did Mr. Roscente leave so suddenly?"

"How many times must I tell you? He's not your brother-in-law." Vivian frowned.

Emily stuck out her tongue. "You two have been inseparable lately..."

Vivian froze.

She suddenly realized Ethan had been shadowing her every move.

"The way he looks at you..." Emily winked. "Like he's courting you."

"Don't be ridiculous." Heat crept up Vivian's neck.

On the horizon, Ethan's yacht sliced through the waves.

"You'd make such a perfect couple," Emily sighed.

Vivian shook her head. "Impossible."

"Why?"

"Some chances...once lost, stay lost forever."

Seagulls skimmed the water as Vivian's gaze turned distant.

Emily pouted. "But you clearly—"

"You're too young to understand." Vivian tapped her forehead.

She couldn't bring herself to trust Ethan's promises again.

"I'll always be on your side!" Emily linked arms with her.

Vivian's chest ached as the yacht vanished into the glittering sea.