"Vivian stays, but I won't," Ethan declared, earning a contemptuous glance from Vivian. "I cannot abandon my family, Lauren. Even if it's only for a few days, managing my family's affairs is my responsibility, and I have an adequate number of guards to ensure my safety. I am capable of protecting myself."
Lauren had expected this but she still asked Ethan to come so they could talk.
"I will stay with you then," Vivian said to Ethan.
"No," Ethan shook his head. "The castle is the safest place so I want you to stay here, Vivi. A war will break out in our land so you must stay in the place with the strongest defense."
"Oh yes, I will stay safe and worry about you the whole time!" Vivian replied sarcastically, her nostrils flaring.
"Wait…" Julian suddenly interrupted, his gaze going back and forth from Ethan to Vivian. His look was quizzical. "Did you two finally patch things up?"
