Chapter 15

Vivi hurried to the front door, smoothing her hair and taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. She opened it just as Reginald was about to enter, plastering on a smile.

"Welcome home, darling," she said, her voice only slightly strained.

Reginald beamed at her, pulling her into an embrace. "My beautiful wife," he murmured, kissing her cheek. "I've missed you."

Vivi stiffened imperceptibly before relaxing into his arms. "How was your trip?" she asked, leading him into the living room.

As Reginald launched into a detailed account of his business dealings, Vivi's mind wandered. She couldn't shake the lingering sensation of Damien's touch, the heat of his kiss. Guilt gnawed at her, mingling with an undeniable longing.

"Vivi? Are you listening, dear?" Reginald's voice cut through her thoughts.

She blinked, refocusing on her husband. "I'm sorry, I'm just a bit tired. Please, continue."

Reginald frowned slightly but resumed his story. Vivi nodded at appropriate intervals, all the while acutely aware of Damien's presence upstairs. The air felt charged, as if a storm was brewing just beneath the surface of their seemingly normal family dynamic.

Later that evening, as Vivi prepared for bed, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her seemed like a stranger – torn between duty and desire, struggling to reconcile her heart with her obligations. She touched her lips, remembering Damien's kiss, and quickly dropped her hand as if burned.

A soft knock at the door made her jump. "Come in," she called, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil.

Reginald entered, smiling warmly at her. "I thought we could spend some quality time together, my dear," he said, approaching her.

Vivi's stomach twisted with a mix of guilt and resignation. She forced a smile, pushing thoughts of Damien from her mind. This was her life now, the choice she had made for her family's sake. She had to make it work, no matter the cost to her own happiness.

Reginald stepped closer, his gaze intense, and placed a hand on Vivi's shoulder, gently massaging her taut muscles. "You seem tense, my dear," he remarked, his voice a low rumble. "Let me help you relax."

Vivi forced herself to relax under his touch, willing her body to betray no sign of her inner turmoil. "That sounds lovely," she replied, her tone suggestive.

As Reginald leaned in, Vivi turned her head slightly, offering her neck in a tacit invitation. He took the hint, planting soft kisses along her sensitive skin, his breath warm against her. She closed her eyes, steeling herself, as his hands began to wander, gently caressing her curves.

His touch was gentle, his advances measured, and Vivi couldn't help but compare it to Damien's passionate urgency. She knew she should feel grateful for Reginald's tenderness, but instead, a pang of disappointment coursed through her.

She let out a soft sigh as his lips found hers, their kiss lingering. Vivi responded mechanically, her mind elsewhere. Reginald's hands slid down to cup her buttocks, pulling her against him. She could feel his arousal and knew what was expected of her.

Vivi deftly undid the buttons of his shirt, her movements practiced, while Reginald nuzzled her neck. Her lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she guided his hands, subtly encouraging his exploration.

They undressed each other slowly, and Reginald led her to the bed. Vivi let herself be guided, her eyes half-lidded, feigning desire. As their bodies intertwined, she bit her lip to stifle any noise that might give away her true emotions.

Reginald's movements were methodical, his technique honed through years of experience. Vivi arched her back, feigning pleasure, as he found a familiar rhythm. She knew the script and played her part well, whispering words of encouragement and desire, all the while wishing she were anywhere else.

As Reginald's breath quickened and his grip tightened, Vivi let herself get lost in the physical sensation, trying to separate the act from the man. She sought her own release, using her knowledge of her body to reach a pinnacle of satisfaction that had nothing to do with the man above her.

In the aftermath, as Reginald lay spent beside her, Vivi forced herself to stroke his chest, her breath steadying. "That was wonderful, darling," she lied, her voice laced with false affection.

Reginald smiled, his eyes closing in contentment. "You're quite the vixen, my dear Vivi," he murmured, his hand trailing down her bare arm. "I'm a very lucky man."

Vivi offered him a sultry smile, her heart heavy with the weight of her deception. "We both are," she purred, leaning in for a kiss.

As she lay awake long after Reginald had fallen asleep, Vivi berated herself for her betrayal. Tomorrow, she vowed, she would be a better wife. Tomorrow, she would find a way to forget Damien and embrace her new life.

The next morning, Vivi woke early, her mind still clouded with guilt and confusion. She slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Reginald, and made her way to the kitchen. As she prepared breakfast, she heard footsteps approaching.

Her heart skipped a beat when Damien entered, his hair tousled from sleep, wearing only a pair of low-slung pajama bottoms. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air crackled with unspoken tension.

"Morning," Damien mumbled, averting his gaze as he reached for a coffee mug.

Vivi swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure. "Good morning. Would you like some breakfast?"

He shrugged, pouring himself coffee. "Sure, why not?"

As Vivi busied herself with cooking, she could feel Damien's eyes on her. The silence between them was thick with unsaid words and suppressed desires.

Finally, Damien broke the silence. "How long are we going to keep this up, Vivi?"

She turned to face him, spatula in hand. "Keep what up?"

"This charade. Pretending nothing happened between us." His voice was low, intense.

Vivi's grip tightened on the spatula. "We agreed it was over, Damien. I'm married to your father now."

Damien stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. "And are you happy? Does he make you feel the way I do?"

Vivi's breath caught in her throat. She wanted to push him away, to reaffirm her commitment to Reginald, but her body betrayed her. Her eyes flickered to Damien's lips, remembering their passionate encounters.

Just then, they heard Reginald's voice calling from upstairs. "Vivi, darling? Where are you?"

The spell broken, Vivi stepped back, putting distance between herself and Damien. "This conversation is over," she whispered firmly, turning back to the stove.

Damien retreated, frustration evident in the set of his shoulders.

"Sure then Vivi, as you say"