Chapter 51

Vivi smoothed down her dress and opened the door. Damien stood there, looking devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo. Their eyes met briefly before both looked away.

"I'll be ready in five minutes," Vivi said quietly.

"I'll let Dad know." Damien turned to leave but paused. "You look beautiful, by the way."

Before Vivi could respond, he strode away down the hall. Sophia watched the interaction with knowing eyes.

"The tension between you two is painful to watch," Sophia commented, helping Vivi with her jewelry.

"There is no tension," Vivi insisted weakly. "We're moving past it."

"Right. That's why you both look like kicked puppies whenever you see each other."

Vivi adjusted her earrings in the mirror. "It doesn't matter how we look. What matters is doing the right thing."

"And what exactly is the right thing here?" Sophia pressed.

"Being the wife your father deserves. Being the stepmother Damien needs. Nothing else can happen."

Sophia sighed. "You know, sometimes the right thing isn't the most obvious choice."

"Can we drop this?" Vivi asked tiredly. "We need to get going."

They made their way downstairs where Reginald and Damien waited. Reginald beamed at the sight of Vivi, while Damien became intensely interested in his phone.

"There's my gorgeous wife," Reginald said, kissing Vivi's cheek. "Shall we?"

As they headed to the car, Vivi caught Damien watching her, his expression unreadable. She quickly looked away, reminding herself that this was how things had to be.

The charity gala buzzed with energy as they entered. Camera flashes erupted, capturing the Blackwood family's arrival. After their recent scandal, all eyes tracked their movements.

Reginald guided Vivi through the crowd with a protective arm around her waist. Damien and Sophia followed, putting on their best society smiles.

"The Blackwoods! How wonderful to see you all here," Caroline approached, air-kissing Vivi's cheeks. "You must be relieved the unpleasantness is behind you."

"We're grateful for everyone's support," Reginald replied smoothly.

Vivi noticed Ava across the room, wearing a stunning red dress that drew attention. The blonde made her way over, sliding her arm through Damien's.

"There you are," Ava purred. "Dance with me?"

Damien cast a quick glance at Vivi before leading Ava to the dance floor. Vivi forced herself to look away as they moved together.

"Mrs. Blackwood, would you care to dance?" A business associate of Reginald's appeared at her elbow.

"Of course," Vivi accepted graciously, letting him lead her out.

As they rotated around the floor, she caught glimpses of Damien and Ava. The blonde was pressed close, whispering something that made Damien smile. The sight made Vivi's chest ache.

"Quite the lovely couple," her dance partner commented, following her gaze. "Young Mr. Blackwood seems quite taken with that girl."

"Yes," Vivi managed. "They suit each other well."

The music ended and Vivi excused herself, needing air. She stepped onto a quiet balcony, gripping the railing as she took deep breaths.

"You okay?" Sophia appeared beside her.

"Fine. Just needed a break from..." Vivi waved vaguely at the party inside.

"From watching my brother with someone else?"

"Sophia, please."

"Sorry." Sophia squeezed her arm. "I just hate seeing you both so miserable."

Vivi turned back to watch the party through the glass doors. Inside, Damien spun Ava gracefully across the dance floor. The blonde's red dress flared as she moved, drawing admiring glances.

"I made my choice," Vivi said quietly. "The family comes first. You all fought so hard to protect our reputation."

"But at what cost?" Sophia leaned against the railing. "Everyone's playing their part perfectly tonight. Father the dignified businessman, you the devoted wife, Damien the eligible bachelor with his glamorous date. It's all so..."

"Necessary," Vivi finished firmly. "Your father has been good to me. My family is taken care of. That has to be enough."

Inside, Ava threw her head back laughing at something Damien said. His hand rested possessively on her lower back as he guided her through the crowd.

"He's really trying with her," Sophia observed. "But I see how he looks at you when he thinks no one's watching."

Vivi's fingers tightened on her champagne glass. "Don't, Sophia. Please."

Reginald appeared in the doorway. "There you are, darling. Senator Williams would like to speak with us."

Vivi straightened her shoulders and fixed her society smile back in place. This was her life now - charity galas, business conversations, being the perfect Mrs. Blackwood. She'd chosen it with clear eyes. The rest was just... regret she'd have to learn to live with.

She took Reginald's arm and let him lead her back into the glittering crowd, not letting herself look for Damien again.

The party continued late into the night. Vivi circulated through the crowd with Reginald, playing her role perfectly as cameras flashed and society columnists took notes. The scandal that had threatened their family was behind them now, replaced by carefully crafted appearances.

Across the room, Damien and Ava commanded attention. She draped herself over him possessively while he charmed potential business partners. Their relationship had become a convenient shield, deflecting any lingering whispers about the family's recent troubles.

"Mrs. Blackwood, that dress is absolutely stunning," gushed one of the society matrons. "You must tell me where you found it."

Vivi launched into the expected small talk, her smile never wavering. But her gaze kept drifting to where Damien stood by the bar, his head bent close to Ava's as she whispered something in his ear.

Sophia appeared at her side with fresh champagne. "You're doing great," she murmured. "Just another hour or so."

"I'm fine," Vivi replied automatically. The words felt hollow, practiced.

The orchestra struck up another waltz. Reginald excused himself to speak with some board members while Vivi retreated to a quiet corner. She watched couples glide across the floor, including Damien and Ava. They moved together with easy grace, looking every bit the perfect match.

"Sometimes I forget you're still so young," Caroline said, materializing beside her. The older woman's shrewd eyes missed nothing. "All of this can't be easy."

Vivi took a careful sip of champagne. "I knew what I was agreeing to when I married Reginald. The social obligations are part of the package."

"That's not what I meant, dear."

But Vivi refused to acknowledge the knowing tone in Caroline's voice. She'd made her choice. The family's reputation was secure. Her own family was provided for. Everything else - every lingering glance, every remembered touch - had to be locked away and forgotten.

The evening wound down as guests began departing. Vivi's feet ached from hours in heels, but she maintained her perfect posture as she bid farewell to the last few socialites.

Reginald had disappeared into his study with some business associates, leaving her to handle the social niceties. She glimpsed Damien and Ava by the coat check, his hand resting possessively on her lower back as they prepared to leave.

"That went well," Sophia said, joining Vivi near the grand staircase. "The papers will be full of glowing coverage tomorrow."

"Mission accomplished then." Vivi's smile felt brittle.

"You don't have to pretend with me, you know." Sophia's voice was gentle. "I see how you look at him."

"Don't." Vivi shook her head sharply. "Please."

The sound of footsteps made them both turn. Ava was climbing the stairs, her expression unreadable.

"Mrs. Blackwood. Could we speak privately for a moment?"

Vivi's stomach clenched but she kept her face neutral. "Of course."

Sophia squeezed her arm before discretely withdrawing. Vivi followed Ava to a secluded alcove, her pulse quickening with each step.

"I know about you and Damien," Ava said without preamble.

The words hit Vivi like a physical blow. She opened her mouth but no sound emerged.

"Don't bother denying it." Ava's painted lips curved in a cold smile. "I've known for weeks. And now you're going to listen very carefully to what I have to say."