Chapter 37

Damien and Vivi stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their complicated history hanging between them. Finally, Damien cleared his throat.

"We should head back," he said. "There's a lot to prepare before the family meeting tonight."

Vivi nodded, grateful for the shift back to practical matters. "You're right. I'll talk to the staff, make sure they're discreet and prepared for any unexpected visitors."

As they walked back to join Sophia, Vivi's mind raced. The scandal threatened everything she'd sacrificed for – her family's security, her new position in society. But a small part of her couldn't help but wonder if this upheaval might lead to something unexpected.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of hushed phone calls and tense discussions. Reginald returned home early, his usual commanding presence somewhat subdued. The family gathered in his study, joined by their lawyers on a large screen.

As the meeting began, Vivi found herself studying each face around her. Reginald, looking older than she'd ever seen him. Sophia, still visibly shaken but holding it together. And Damien, his jaw set with determination as he laid out their strategy.

Vivi realized that, for better or worse, these people were her family now. Whatever came next, they would face it together.

The lawyers outlined potential scenarios and advised on how to respond to various lines of questioning. Reginald's PR team had already begun damage control, working to get ahead of the story before it broke in the mainstream media.

As the meeting wound down, Reginald addressed them all. "I know this isn't easy for any of us," he said, his voice gruff with emotion. "But we're Blackwoods. We'll weather this storm like we have every other."

Vivi felt Damien's eyes on her as Reginald spoke. When she glanced his way, she saw a flicker of something in his expression – respect, perhaps, or a shared resolve. Whatever their past, in this moment they were united.

As the family meeting concluded, Vivi felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. The scandal looming over them was daunting, but she was surprised by the sense of unity that had emerged. She watched as Reginald poured himself a drink, his hand trembling slightly. Sophia excused herself, muttering about needing some air.

Damien lingered, his eyes meeting Vivi's across the room. For a moment, the air between them felt charged with unspoken words. But then he nodded curtly and turned to leave.

"Damien," Vivi called out, surprising herself. He paused at the doorway, looking back at her. "Thank you for... for handling this so well."

A ghost of a smile crossed his face. "We're family now, right? That's what families do."

As he left, Vivi found herself alone with Reginald. Her husband - the word still felt strange - sank heavily into his leather armchair.

"I'm sorry you've been dragged into this mess, my dear," he said, his voice weary.

Vivi moved to stand beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get through this together," she said, echoing his earlier words.

Reginald patted her hand, a gesture of gratitude. "I think I'll turn in early tonight. Tomorrow will be... challenging."

After he left, Vivi wandered the halls of the mansion, feeling restless. She found herself in the kitchen, surprised to see Damien there, nursing a cup of coffee.

"Couldn't sleep?" she asked, reaching for a mug of her own.

He shook his head. "Too much on my mind. You?"

"Same," Vivi admitted, leaning against the counter. They sipped their coffee in companionable silence for a few minutes.

"Listen, Vivi," Damien began, his voice low. "I know things have been... complicated between us. But I meant what I said earlier. We're family now, and I've got your back in this."

Vivi felt a warmth spread through her chest that had nothing to do with the coffee. "Thank you, Damien. That means a lot."

Vivi and Damien stood in the kitchen, the silence between them no longer as tense as it had been in recent weeks. As they sipped their coffee, Vivi found herself studying Damien's profile. The sharp line of his jaw, the furrow in his brow as he stared into his mug - she realized how much she'd missed these little details.

"So," Damien said, breaking the silence. "What do you think our next move should be?"

Vivi sighed, setting her mug down on the counter. "I'm not sure. This scandal... it's bigger than anything I've dealt with before."

Damien nodded, understanding in his eyes. "We'll need to be united, that's for sure. Present a strong front to the media."

"You're right," Vivi agreed. She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Damien, I... I appreciate how mature you've been about all of this. It can't be easy for you either."

He turned to face her fully, a wry smile on his lips. "Well, I figured it was time I grew up a bit. Besides, we're all in this together now, aren't we?"

Vivi felt a flutter in her chest at his words. She pushed it down, reminding herself of the boundaries they'd set. "Yes, we are. And I'm glad... I'm glad we can count on each other."

Damien's gaze softened. "Always, Vivi. Whatever happens, I've got your back."

For a moment, they stood there, eyes locked. The air between them seemed to crackle with unspoken emotions. Vivi found herself taking a step closer, drawn by some invisible force.

Damien's breath hitched, and he set his mug down with a clatter. "I should... I should probably get some sleep," he said, his voice rough.

Vivi blinked, coming back to herself. "Right, of course. Big day tomorrow."

As Damien turned to leave, he paused at the kitchen door. "Goodnight, Vivi," he said softly.

"Goodnight, Damien," she replied, watching as he disappeared down the hall.

Left alone in the kitchen, Vivi leaned against the counter, her heart racing. She'd thought these feelings were behind her, but tonight had proven otherwise. As she stared into the depths of her coffee, she wondered how she was going to navigate the stormy waters ahead - not just with the scandal, but with her own conflicted heart.