Chapter 31

The following morning, Vivi woke early, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Reginald's slumber, and made her way to the kitchen. As she brewed a pot of coffee, her thoughts drifted to the sounds she'd heard from Damien's room the night before.

The coffee machine gurgled, mirroring the churning in her stomach. She poured herself a cup and moved to the window, gazing out at the manicured lawn. The morning dew sparkled in the early sunlight, a stark contrast to the turmoil within her.

Vivi sipped her coffee, the bitter taste matching her mood. She'd made her choice, hadn't she? Her family's future was secure, and that's what mattered most. But why did it feel like she'd lost something irreplaceable?

Her fingers tightened around the warm mug as she recalled Damien's touch, his passionate kisses, the way he'd looked at her. It was different from anything she'd experienced before. But it was over now, she reminded herself sternly. It had to be.

The sound of footsteps startled her from her reverie. Vivi turned, half-expecting to see Damien, but it was only the maid, starting her morning routine. Vivi nodded a greeting and retreated to the study, seeking solitude.

As she settled into a plush armchair, her gaze fell on a family photo on the desk. Her parents smiled back at her, their eyes filled with pride. Vivi's chest tightened. This was why she'd agreed to the arrangement. This was why she had to stay strong.

But as she sat there, surrounded by the trappings of her new life, Vivi couldn't shake the feeling that she was living someone else's dream. The mansion, the wealth, the security - it all felt hollow without genuine love and passion.

She closed her eyes, allowing herself one moment of weakness. In her mind, she saw Damien's face, felt his arms around her. A single tear slipped down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away.

Vivi stood from the armchair, composing herself. She couldn't afford to dwell on what-ifs and maybes. Her new life demanded her full attention and commitment.

As she made her way back to the kitchen, she overheard Ava's lilting laugh from Damien's room. The sound pierced through her, but she steeled herself against the jealousy that threatened to surface.

In the kitchen, Vivi busied herself preparing breakfast for everyone. It was a task she'd never done before, having grown up with household staff, but she found an odd comfort in the routine of cracking eggs and toasting bread.

As she worked, her mind wandered to her family. She wondered how they were faring, if the financial pressures had eased. She made a mental note to call her mother later that day.

The sizzle of bacon in the pan almost masked the sound of approaching footsteps. Vivi tensed, recognizing Damien's gait. She kept her eyes fixed on the stove, refusing to turn around.

"Morning," Damien's voice was gruff, still thick with sleep.

Vivi nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She felt him move behind her, reaching for a coffee mug. His presence filled the kitchen, making it hard for her to breathe.

"You didn't have to cook," he said, pouring himself coffee. "We have staff for that."

"I wanted to," Vivi replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "It helps me think."

There was a pause, heavy with unspoken words. Vivi finally turned, meeting Damien's gaze. His eyes were guarded, but she caught a flicker of something - regret? Longing? - before it disappeared.

"Ava seems nice," Vivi said, the words tasting like ash in her mouth.

Damien's jaw tightened. "She is."

Another pause stretched between them. Vivi turned back to the stove, flipping the bacon. She felt Damien's eyes on her back, and it took all her willpower not to react.

"Vivi, I-" Damien started, but was cut off by Reginald's booming voice from the hallway.

"Something smells delicious!"

Vivi exhaled, both relieved and disappointed by the interruption. She plastered on a smile as Reginald entered the kitchen, followed closely by Ava.

As they all sat down to breakfast, Vivi couldn't help but feel like an outsider in her own home. She watched as Ava fawned over Damien, as Reginald discussed business, and she realized with a pang that this was her life now.

After the tense breakfast, Reginald addressed the group. "Tonight's social engagement is crucial. I expect everyone to present a united front. We're the Blackwood family, and appearances matter."

Vivi nodded, her new role as Mrs. Blackwood weighing heavily on her shoulders. She spent the day preparing, selecting an elegant emerald gown that complemented her dark hair.

As evening approached, Vivi stood before the mirror, adjusting her jewelry. Her reflection stared back, a stranger in expensive clothes. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the night ahead.

The Blackwoods arrived at the gala in Reginald's Rolls Royce. Cameras flashed as they stepped onto the red carpet. Vivi plastered on a smile, her arm linked with Reginald's. Damien and Ava followed, looking every bit the perfect couple.

Inside, the ballroom buzzed with the city's elite. Vivi felt eyes on her as Reginald introduced her as his new wife. She shook hands, laughed at jokes, and played the part of the devoted spouse.

"Mrs. Blackwood, you look radiant," a business associate of Reginald's complimented.

"Thank you," Vivi replied, the name still foreign on her ears.

As the night wore on, Vivi found herself by the bar, needing a moment alone. She sipped champagne, watching the crowd. Her gaze inadvertently found Damien across the room, laughing with Ava. Something twisted in her chest, but she quickly looked away.

A woman approached, introducing herself as Caroline, another executive's wife. "How are you finding married life, Mrs. Blackwood?"

Vivi hesitated, then smiled. "It's an adjustment, but I'm learning."

Caroline nodded knowingly. "It always is, dear. Especially in our circles. If you ever need someone to talk to..."

Vivi felt a flicker of gratitude. Perhaps she could find allies in this new world after all.