Chapter 32

Vivi found herself drawn to Caroline's warmth. The older woman led her to a quiet corner of the ballroom, away from prying eyes and ears.

"So, tell me, dear. How are you really doing?" Caroline asked, her voice low and sympathetic.

Vivi hesitated, weighing her words carefully. "It's... complicated. Everything happened so fast."

Caroline nodded knowingly. "I remember those early days. It's not easy, stepping into this world."

"How did you manage it?" Vivi asked, genuinely curious.

"One day at a time," Caroline replied with a soft laugh. "And a lot of wine."

Vivi couldn't help but smile. It felt good to talk to someone who understood.

"Listen," Caroline continued, "I know it's not my place, but I've been where you are. If you ever need someone to talk to, or just a friend who gets it, I'm here."

Vivi felt a lump form in her throat. "Thank you. I might take you up on that."

They chatted for a while longer, Caroline sharing stories of her early days as a society wife. Vivi found herself relaxing, laughing at Caroline's witty observations about the other guests.

As they talked, Vivi's gaze drifted across the room. She caught sight of Damien, his arm around Ava's waist. Something twisted in her gut, but she pushed the feeling aside.

"Are you alright?" Caroline asked, following her gaze.

Vivi quickly looked away. "Yes, I'm fine. Just... taking it all in."

Caroline squeezed her hand gently. "Remember, dear. In this world, we all wear masks. The trick is not losing yourself behind yours."

Vivi nodded, mulling over Caroline's words.

Vivi excused herself from Caroline's company, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease. As she made her way through the crowded ballroom, she couldn't shake the older woman's words from her mind. The mask metaphor hit close to home, reminding her of the façade she'd been maintaining since her marriage to Reginald.

She found herself at the bar, ordering a glass of champagne. As she sipped the bubbly drink, her eyes scanned the room. Reginald was deep in conversation with some business associates, his booming laugh carrying across the space. Damien and Ava were still wrapped up in each other, looking every bit the perfect couple.

Vivi felt a pang in her chest. She tried to push it aside, reminding herself of her decision to prioritize her family's needs. But seeing Damien with Ava stirred something in her she couldn't quite name.

A waiter passed by with a tray of hors d'oeuvres. Vivi grabbed one, more for something to do with her hands than out of hunger. She took a small bite, barely tasting it.

"Mrs. Blackwood?" a voice called out. Vivi turned to see one of Reginald's business partners approaching her. She plastered on a smile, ready to play her part as the dutiful wife.

As she engaged in small talk, Vivi's mind wandered. She thought about her life before all this - her dreams, her aspirations. How quickly they had been set aside for the greater good of her family. She wondered, not for the first time, if she had made the right choice.

The conversation droned on, but Vivi's attention was split. She nodded and smiled at the appropriate moments, all while her inner turmoil raged. The weight of her decisions, the complexity of her feelings for Damien, the pressure of maintaining appearances - it all threatened to overwhelm her.

Vivi excused herself from the conversation, feeling suffocated by the endless small talk. She made her way to a quiet corner of the ballroom, desperate for a moment of solitude. Leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

When she opened them again, her gaze fell on Damien and Ava across the room. They were laughing, their bodies close as they danced. Vivi felt a twinge of jealousy, which she immediately tried to suppress. She had no right to feel that way, she reminded herself. She had made her choice.

A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne. Vivi grabbed a flute, downing half of it in one gulp. The bubbles tickled her nose, momentarily distracting her from her tumultuous thoughts.

As she sipped her drink, Vivi's mind wandered to her family. She thought of her parents, how relieved they had been when she agreed to marry Reginald. The financial burden lifted from their shoulders, the worry lines on their faces smoothing out. She had done this for them, she reminded herself. Their happiness was worth her sacrifice.

But was it really? The question nagged at her, refusing to be silenced. Vivi looked down at her left hand, the large diamond on her ring finger catching the light. It felt heavy, a constant reminder of the life she had chosen.

Her eyes drifted back to Damien. He was whispering something in Ava's ear, making her giggle. Vivi remembered how it felt to be in his arms, the passion and connection they had shared. She quickly pushed the thought away, feeling guilty for even entertaining it.

Reginald's booming laugh cut through her reverie. She saw him gesturing animatedly to a group of men, no doubt regaling them with one of his business stories. He caught her eye and waved her over. Vivi straightened her shoulders, put on her best smile, and made her way towards her husband.

As she walked, Vivi felt the weight of her choices pressing down on her. The mask she wore felt heavier than ever, threatening to crack under the pressure. But she held it in place, determined to play her part. After all, wasn't this what she had signed up for?

Vivi plastered on a smile as she joined Reginald's circle. The men's laughter grated on her nerves, but she nodded politely, playing the role of the attentive wife. As Reginald launched into another anecdote, Vivi's gaze drifted across the room.

Her eyes locked with Damien's for a brief moment. He quickly looked away, pulling Ava closer. Vivi felt a pang in her chest but forced herself to focus on the conversation at hand.

"Isn't that right, darling?" Reginald's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Of course, dear," Vivi replied automatically, having no idea what she'd just agreed to.

As the evening wore on, Vivi found herself increasingly restless. She excused herself from Reginald's side, claiming she needed some fresh air. Making her way to a secluded balcony, she leaned against the railing and took a deep breath.

The cool night air provided little relief from the turmoil in her mind. Vivi closed her eyes, trying to sort through her conflicting emotions. She had made her choice, hadn't she? This was the life she had agreed to, for the sake of her family. So why did it feel so suffocating?

The sound of footsteps behind her made Vivi tense. She turned, half-expecting to see Damien, but instead found herself face to face with Caroline.

"Hiding from the vultures?" Caroline asked with a knowing smile.

Vivi let out a small laugh. "Is it that obvious?"

Caroline joined her at the railing. "Only to those who know what to look for. You're doing an admirable job of keeping up appearances."

Vivi sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it."

Caroline gave her a sympathetic look. "The life we've chosen isn't easy, dear. But remember why you're doing this. Focus on the good you're accomplishing."

Vivi nodded, though the words rang hollow. She glanced back into the ballroom, catching sight of Damien and Ava dancing closely. The sight made her stomach churn.