Chapter 26

All the color drained from Ethan’s face in an instant. The hand holding the ring froze midair. Terror—raw and unmistakable—flashed in his eyes as he stammered, “…I’m not putting on a show… I mean it… I love you…” “Mean it?” Natalie cut him off, her smile turning even colder, almost wicked. She slowly bent down, bringing her lips close to his ear. She spoke in a low, icy whisper—each word like a poisoned icicle stabbing straight into his heart. “Then tell me, Ethan. Back then, when you orchestrated that so-called rescue, tricked me into the prison of marriage, and made me your shield to protect Vivian Grant—the one you really cared about—did you also think you were being ‘sincere’ for her sake?” Ethan’s entire body jerked, as if struck by lightning. He froze, his pupils contracting in shock. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. A tidal wave of fear and regret crashed over him, nearly drowning him where he knelt. Natalie straightened, her voice clear and ringing as she made su