Chapter 880

Vivian stood in the courtyard, the night breeze tangling her hair.

Her gaze lingered on the fallen leaves scattered across the ground as she pondered how to explain things to Isabella and Lucas later.

Those two were sharp—any clumsy lie would be instantly exposed.

What made it worse was Ethan's declaration of her being his "girlfriend," which had dug her into an even deeper hole.

Ethan's voice suddenly whispered by her ear, "I'll agree, but you owe me an extra day. Don't even think of running, Vivian. I'd chase you to the moon if I had to."

Regret twisted in her gut.

She never should have provoked this madman. Who would have guessed that beneath Ethan's icy exterior lay such obsessive determination?

If she could turn back time, she'd rather feed penguins in Antarctica than marry Ethan Roscente.

"Fine. One day," Vivian gritted out.

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Then I'll leave now. But before I go—"

He spread his arms, anticipation gleaming in his gaze.

Just wanting him gone, Vivian gave him a perfunctory hug and tried to pull away.

But Ethan suddenly tightened his arms, locking her firmly against him.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent like a man starved.

"Enough already! Isabella and Lucas are waiting!" Vivian stiffened.

"Never enough," Ethan murmured.

"Cut it out. Let go!"

Hearing the chill in her voice, he reluctantly released her.

"I'm leaving," he said, glancing back every few steps.

"Go already." Vivian turned her face away, her cheeks burning.

"Really leaving now." He paused again.

"Are you going or not?"

"It's my car. If you won't get out, does that mean you can't bear to see me go?"

Only then did Vivian realize she was still inside. She shoved the door open in irritation. "Drive safely."

Ethan's expression brightened instantly. "Anything for you."

Watching his taillights disappear, Vivian exhaled in relief.

But the real headache was yet to come—how would she explain this to those two sharp-eyed friends of hers?

The moment she turned around, she met two pairs of accusatory stares.

"Vivian!" Isabella planted her hands on her hips. "You sneak back without telling us, and now Ethan's spouting nonsense? What's going on?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "You'd better explain. Did he threaten you?"