Before he could finish, I interrupted him and said, “Let her use the Mating Ceremony I’ve carefully prepared earlier.” 

Damian fell silent, almost as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard. He stared at me for a long time, disbelief written all over his face. 

“What did you say?” 

Ethan was stunned too, his brows furrowing together. 

No one understood better than they did what that plan meant to me. From the venue to the flowers, the names of every guest on the invitation list, to the songs the bands would play… 

I poured my heart and soul into every detail, spending countless nights. 

It was infused with all my hopes and dreams for our future. 

But now, I was handing it over and letting another woman walk toward the man I loved, in the ceremony of my dreams. 

Maybe Damian thought I was just saying it out of spite, because his tone turned impatient. 

“Seraphina, we all know you’re stubborn and quick-tempered, but don’t use something like this to throw a fit. Vivian just needs a plan for the ceremony. There’s no need to…” 

I looked at them earnestly, my voice so gentle that even I barely recognized it. 

“Just use my plan. I really don’t mind. She’s not well and needs looking after. It’d be a hassle for you two to come up with something new anyway. Besides, I’m leaving soon. I won’t be needing it…” 

Bang! 

Damian threw the container onto the table, the sudden bang cutting me off mid-sentence. His expression was dark—he was obviously thinking I was simply putting on an act. 

Vivian shrank back dramatically, whispering, “What’s wrong, Damian? Don’t be angry! I’m fine with any plan, I’m not picky.” 

Damian’s anger instantly turned into concern. He pulled Vivian into his arms, speaking softly, “Don’t worry, I’m not angry at you.” 

His finger brushed on her cheek before pulling a strand of her stray hair behind her ear, a gesture that was intimate yet natural. 

Meanwhile, Ethan quietly cleared the table next to them. 

Just like always, I was once again the outsider. 

I stood up and grabbed my coat from the chair. My throat felt parched when I spoke, but it was nothing compared to the pain in my heart. 

“I’m going now.” 

Ethan paused, cloth in hand. Damian finally moved his eyes away from Vivian and gave me a look. He stood up and picked up his coat, intending to walk me out. 

Right then, Vivian suddenly cried in pain. She clutched her throat and collapsed onto the bed. 

“It hurts… My throat… There’s a bone stuck…” she managed to choke out as tears streamed down her face. 

“Doctor! Get a doctor!” Damian shouted, his expression twisted from the panic as he rushed to her side. Ethan hurried after him. The room instantly descended into chaos. 

Doctors and nurses swarmed in, surrounding Vivian’s bed.