Chapter 81. A Growing Divide

Ethan’s POV

The house was chaos. Lily’s voice ricocheted off the walls, sharp and relentless as she grilled the wedding planner about floral arrangements. I sat on the couch, my head buried in my hands, trying to tune her out. The air was thick with tension, and all I wanted was silence.

“Ethan, are you even listening to me?” Lily’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked up, forcing my eyes to meet hers. She stood across the room, arms crossed, her perfectly styled hair framing a face twisted in frustration.

“What is it now?” I asked, my voice flat.

I wanted her to shut the fuck up for once.

“I said,” she began, drawing out each word like I was a child, “we need to increase the flower budget. Roses and lilies are too basic. We need orchids, something exotic that will really make a statement.”

I sighed. “Orchids are ridiculously expensive. Do we really need to spend that much on flowers?”

Her eyes narrowed, the fire in the