The Hart estate's verdant grounds were covered in deep shadows as the sun hung low in the sky. The cool California breeze was whispering through the trees in the late afternoon, and the sound of distant waves breaking against the rocks under the mansion could be heard. But on this specific day, the calm of the surroundings couldn't compete with the storm that was building inside Ethan Bennett's chest.

With his hands stuffed deep in his faded pants, he stood at the edge of the expansive grass, staring at the massive, imposing mansion in front of him. He hadn't visited this place for years. He hadn't seen her in years.

Olivia Hart.

The thought of her made his heart race. Olivia had always represented California's elite society and was more than just a pretty face and last name. He had trusted her more than anybody else in the world; she was his boyhood buddy and the girl next door. She had supported him during his setbacks, victories, and defeats. She had laughed with him and cried with him. However, that was before everything changed.

They were inseparable back then. Under the starry sky, the little boy and girl were running barefoot over the fields behind their parents' homes, dreaming of the future. Ethan had always recognized Olivia's uniqueness. She wasn't merely a wealthy girl from a well-known household. She was sensitive, kind, and grounded in spite of the luxury all around her. She gave him hope that true love could overcome all obstacles.

However, that was prior to life's unexpected turns. Olivia's family had previously been more aloof and frigid. Before everything they had, even his future with her was tainted by her father's ambition. The girl he previously loved was now engaged to someone else. Ethan could never match with the man she was promised—Lucas Blackwell.

Ethan's eyes swept over the magnificent home, past the well-kept grounds, the glistening pool, and the expansive windows that provided a view of the sea. Olivia was probably getting ready for her engagement celebration somewhere in that mansion. A celebration in which she would marry Lucas rather than him.

The idea made his stomach turn.

He needed to take action. Even though he had vowed to himself years ago that he would never come back here, it felt inevitable tonight. It had been a surprise invitation—a summons. Olivia's engagement party invitation.

The letter that had come with the invitation was the only thing that prevented him from declining. He had received a letter from Olivia requesting his presence. That she was more in need of him than ever.

Ethan knew Olivia loved him from the beginning. It was evident in her gaze on him and in the way their exchanges felt more like an unspoken connection than a simple exchange of words. That he had never questioned. However, life had separated them. Ethan no longer had a place in her life because her family had pushed that her to wed Lucas. But there was a spark of hope in his mind that she wanted him here today. A wish he hadn't dared to harbor for years.

Ethan inhaled deeply before pushing open the elaborate gate and entering the gravel pathway that led to the home. Like a tidal wave smashing over him, the memories struck him hard, but he forced himself to suppress the feelings. Today he could not afford to be weak. He needed to be strong today—for Olivia.

Before he could knock, the door swung open as he got closer. Olivia stood there, framed by the imposing entryway. In the years since he'd last seen her, she hadn't changed much. Her eyes, the brilliant green eyes that had always held so much promise, peered back at him, wide with a mixture of shock and longing, while her auburn hair flowed in gentle waves about her shoulders. Her exquisite features were accentuated by her pale blue outfit, but her look was what really caught him off guard. They just stood there for a minute, staring at one another without saying anything.

Olivia's voice was a faint, quivering echo of the girl he had known as she muttered, "Ethan." "You arrived."

His throat constricted as he nodded. "I didn't wish to. However... I needed to see you.

Before Ethan could respond, Olivia moved closer and put her arms around him as a tear glistened in her eye. All the years of grief and separation were melted by the comforting warmth of her embrace. The world vanished for a time, leaving Olivia and the two of them alone.

Olivia muttered, her breath warm on his chest, "I didn't think you would." "I never imagined you would return."

With his hands still on her shoulders, Ethan drew back a little. "I believed I had to go. For your benefit. However, when I received your message... I had to be here, I knew.

Olivia's lips trembled, and she took a step back, her eyes suddenly doubtful. "Ethan, you shouldn't have come. You ought to have avoided that. Today, I'm getting married.

Even though her words broke his heart, he continued to look into her eyes, keeping her from realizing the suffering she had just inflicted. "You don't have to do this, Olivia. You are not required to wed him.

The moment weighed heavily on her shoulders as she closed her eyes. "Ethan, I have no other option. My family has made it quite apparent. My future now lies with Lucas. I am unable to alter that.

Anger squeezed Ethan's chest. However, what about us? How about what we already had?

Olivia muttered, "I can't change that either," her voice cracking. "I'm stuck, yet I want to. They won't let me, father. Ethan, there's nothing I can do. I apologize.

His breath caught, and he was momentarily unable to speak. It was nearly unbearable to experience the anguish of losing her again. However, he kept his tears hidden from her. Rather, he mustered all his remaining might.

He said, "I'll always be here if you need me, Olivia. Even if I am unable to be the person you select.

Olivia opened her mouth to add something else, but the sound of footsteps reverberated from the home. Lucas was the one. She had been taken from him by the man.

Olivia turned to the door after swiftly wiping her eyes. "Please, Ethan. Don't make things more difficult. I must leave.

With her back straight and a determined expression on her face, Ethan stared helplessly as she walked away from him. He stood there, immobile, gasping for air as the door shut behind her.

He had come for a chance, a final opportunity to defend the lady he loved. However, it seems that fate had made up its mind.

He was losing her, too.