She's actually interesting, unlike most people here. But Ethan couldn't shake Marcus' words as Vivien led him through the crowd. Charity case project distraction. They spent the next hour circulating, Viven introducing him to what felt like hundreds of people whose names he immediately forgot. Most were polite but distant, clearly unsure what to make of the mechanic on Vivien Hart's arm.
A few were openly curious, asking about his shop like it was some kind of exotic specimen they'd never encountered before. Dinner was served in the museum's Grand Hall, a five course meal that Ethan picked at. While conversations about market trends and political donations swirled around him, Vivien sat beside him, occasionally squeezing his hand under the table when she sensed him tensing. "You're doing great," she whispered during a lull. "I'm sitting here nodding while people talk about things I don't understand.
That's 90% of these events. Nobody actually knows what they're talking about. They're just better at pretending. " After dinner, there were speeches. The museum director, the hospital director, someone from the mayor's office. Ethan tuned most of it out, watching instead the way Viven's expression shifted when she thought no one was looking.
Tired, lonely, like she was performing a role she'd perfected but never really wanted. The dancing started around 9:30. A live band playing standards that Ethan vaguely recognized from his grandmother's record collection. Couples filled the dance floor, swaying in practiced rhythm. "We should dance," Vivian said.
I don't know how. Neither do half the people out there. Come on. She pulled him onto the floor before he could protest, and they found a spot near the edge where Ethan hoped his incompetence would be less visible. Vivien placed his hand on her waist, took his other hand in hers, and started swaying.
"Just follow my lead," she said. "You'll be fine. " "He wasn't fine. " He stepped on her foot twice in the first 30 seconds, apologizing profusely while she laughed. Relax, she said. It's just dancing. Easy for you to say.
You're not the one stepping on people. I've had lessons since I was six. You're doing fine for someone who's learning on the fly. They found a rhythm eventually, swaying more than actually dancing, but it worked. Ethan was hyper aware of her hand in his, the warmth of her waist under his palm, the way she fit against him despite the 4-in height difference created by her heels.
Thank you for coming tonight," Vivian said quietly. "I know this isn't your scene. It's really not, but you came anyway. You asked me to. " She looked up at him, and something shifted in her expression. "Ethan, Ms.
Hart, may I cut in? " Marcus appeared beside them, wearing that same confident smile. Vivien's expression went cold. "Marcus, no, you may not. Just one dance for old times sake. We don't have old times.
We have a past I'd rather forget. That's harsh, Viv. Don't call me that. She tightened her grip on Ethan's hand. We were just leaving, actually.
Really? It's barely 10. The Viven heart I knew never left events early. Too worried about offending donors. Marcus turned to Ethan.
Has she told you yet? About how work always comes first? How every relationship she's ever had has ended because she can't turn off CEO mode long enough to actually be a person. Marcus, "That's enough," Vivian said sharply. "I'm just trying to help the guy out.
He should know what he's getting into. The late night calls, the canceled plans, the way she'll choose a board meeting over your birthday every single time. " Ethan felt Viven's hand trembling in his. Saw the way her jaw was set, her eyes bright with either anger or tears or both. And something in him snapped. "You know what I think? " Ethan said, his voice calm.
"I think you're a bitter who can't handle that she's moved on. " Marcus's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me? " "You heard me? She dumped you. " And yeah, I'm sure she dumped you, not the other way around. And you never got over it. So now you're standing here trying to sabotage whatever she has with me because if you can't have her, nobody should.