Chapter 443

Vivian Laurent settled onto the beach, her weight creating a small depression in the soft sand.

Ethan Roscente sat beside her, maintaining just an arm's length between them.

"Why are you following me?" She frowned.

His gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon. "I want to watch the ocean with you. So when you're alone next time, you'll remember this moment."

"Not happening."

She intended to erase every memory of him.

"Call me anytime you want to see the ocean again." He turned to face her. "No matter where I am, I'll come."

Vivian scoffed.

She'd heard enough empty promises to last a lifetime.

"Don't make vows you can't keep. Men always talk about 'forever,' but forever doesn't exist."

She'd witnessed too many broken oaths.

"I'm different." Ethan's eyes burned with intensity. "Test my sincerity over time. Then decide whether to accept me."

Heat crept up Vivian's ears.

"Who said anything about accepting you?"

She sprang to her feet and strode away.

Ethan followed at a leisurely pace.

He'd noticed Vivian's unusual mood today and wanted to cheer her up in his own way.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in twilight hues.

They arrived at the island restaurant.

Emily Garnache was dining in their suite with Fiona Grandelle, leaving the two of them alone.

Ethan kept serving Vivian until her plate overflowed.

"Stop. I can't eat all this."

"Take what you want. I'll finish the rest."

Vivian only picked at her food.

She'd never let him eat her leftovers.

After dinner, Ethan discreetly questioned Emily but learned nothing.

He made a quick phone call before appearing at Vivian's door.

"Vivian?" His knuckles rapped lightly against the wood.