Chapter 442

The sea breeze brushed through Vivian's hair.

She stood at the edge of the shoreline, bare feet sinking into warm sand.

"Vivian."

Ethan's deep voice carried over the crashing waves.

She turned to find him silhouetted against the sunset.

Golden light outlined his broad shoulders as he stood facing the dying sun.

The horizon burned crimson behind him, painting the ocean in amber hues.

Vivian squinted, her lashes fluttering against the glare.

"What are you doing here?"

She remembered Ethan mentioning urgent documents at Roscente Group headquarters this morning.

His polished shoes left deep imprints as he strode toward her.

The ocean wind tugged at his loosened tie as he undid his suit jacket.

"Nothing's more important than you."

When three steps remained between them, Ethan suddenly reached out.

Vivian stumbled into his embrace before she could react.

His familiar sandalwood scent mixed with sea salt enveloped her.

This time, she didn't pull away.

Ethan tightened his arms, resting his chin atop her head.

"Emily said you disappeared after meeting the Princess."

His voice rumbled through his chest.

Vivian clutched the fabric of his dress shirt.

"Just needed to walk."

Ethan pulled back slightly to cradle her face.

The sunset turned her irises translucent, like liquid amber.

His thumb brushed beneath her eye. "Tears?"

"Sand." She turned her face away.

Ethan didn't press.

Instead, he laced their fingers together and led her toward the water.

When the tide lapped at their ankles, Vivian spoke softly.

"If I ever disappear—"

"I'll search every grain of sand to find you."

Ethan interrupted, tracing the scar on her hand.

The mark she'd earned shielding him three years ago.

Vivian chuckled. "Fool."

She kicked seawater, splashing his trousers.

Ethan suddenly swept her into his arms.

"Hey!"

"Stay with me until the sun's gone."

He carried her toward a flat rock in the shallows.

After token resistance, Vivian relaxed against his shoulder.

The clouds ignited with renewed fire as dusk deepened.

Ethan pressed a kiss to her hair. "I'll always be your safe harbor."

The ocean swallowed Vivian's quiet sigh.

Her fingers secretly curled around his suit button.