Chapter 72

As the days turned into weeks, Vivi and Damien found themselves growing closer, their stolen moments together becoming more frequent and more passionate. They would sneak away to secluded corners of the mansion, their bodies entwined in a dance of desire that neither of them could resist.

Sophia, who had become like a sister to Vivi, was their biggest ally in their clandestine affair. She would cover for them when they disappeared, creating elaborate stories to explain their absence. And when they were together, she would offer them advice and encouragement, helping them navigate the treacherous waters of their forbidden love.

One evening, as they lay tangled in each other's arms on a plush velvet couch in the library, Damien traced his fingers along Vivi's bare shoulder. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," he murmured, his voice heavy with longing. "I want to be with you, Vivi. I want to wake up next to you every morning and fall asleep with you in my arms every night."

Vivi's heart swelled at his words, but she knew that it was impossible. "We can't, Damien," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You know we can't."

"But why not?" he asked, his eyes pleading. "We love each other. That should be enough."

"It's not that simple," Vivi sighed, sitting up and pulling the blanket around her. "Your father...our families...it's too complicated."

Damien sat up beside her, his expression determined. "Then let's make it simple. Let's run away together. We can start a new life somewhere far away from all of this."

Vivi's heart raced at the thought, but she knew it was impossible. "We can't just leave our families behind," she said, shaking her head. "And what about Sophia? She's been through so much already. I can't ask her to give up everything for us."

Damien's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just...I can't stand the thought of living without you."

Vivi reached out and took his hand, her eyes filled with tears. "And I can't stand the thought of losing you," she said softly. "But we have to be strong. We have to find a way to make this work."

They sat in silence for a moment, their fingers intertwined as they tried to come up with a solution. But as the minutes ticked by, it became clear that there was no easy answer. They were trapped in a web of secrets and lies, with no clear path to freedom.

Just then, Sophia burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. "You guys won't believe what I just found out," she said breathlessly. "I think I might have found a way to help us all."

Vivi and Damien exchanged a hopeful glance, their hearts racing with anticipation.

Sophia's revelation hung heavy in the air as Damien and Vivi stared at her in disbelief. "What are you talking about?" Damien asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm talking about your father," Sophia replied, her eyes flashing with anger. "He's not the man you think he is. He's been hiding a huge scandal from everyone, and I think it's time the truth came out."

Vivi's heart raced as she listened to Sophia's words. She had always suspected that there was something off about Reginald, but she had never imagined that he could be capable of something so terrible.

"What kind of scandal?" Damien asked, his voice laced with concern.

"I can't say too much right now," Sophia said, glancing around nervously. "But I can tell you that it involves some shady business dealings and a lot of money. And if it ever gets out, it could ruin his reputation and his business."

Damien's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know all of this?" he asked.

"I have my sources," Sophia replied cryptically. "But that's not all. I also found out that he's been seeing another woman. He's been having an affair with her for months now, and I think it's time that Vivi knew the truth."

Vivi felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. She had always suspected that Reginald wasn't faithful, but she had never imagined that he would be so brazen about it.

"Are you sure?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"I'm positive," Sophia replied. "I have proof. And I think it's time that you both knew the truth about the man you're supposed to be loyal to."

Damien and Vivi exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy with betrayal. They had always known that their relationship was complicated, but they had never imagined that it would lead to this.

"What do we do now?" Damien asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"We expose him," Sophia replied, her eyes blazing with determination. "We show the world who he really is, and we take back our lives. Together."

Vivi's heart swelled with gratitude as she looked at Sophia. She had always known that she could count on her, but she had never imagined that she would be so fiercely loyal.

"Thank you," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for being here for us."

Sophia smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "Always," she said. "We're family, after all."

The study door swung open, and Reginald strode in with his usual confident swagger. His expensive suit was immaculate as always, and a pleased smile played across his lips.

"There you all are," he said, looking between Damien, Vivi, and Sophia. "I've been looking everywhere."

The three exchanged quick glances, their previous conversation dying instantly. Vivi straightened her posture, adopting the dutiful wife persona she had perfected.

"I have wonderful news," Reginald continued, either oblivious to or choosing to ignore the tension in the room. "I've arranged a yacht vacation for the three of you next week. The Mediterranean, seven days of pure luxury."

"What about you, father?" Damien asked, his tone carefully neutral.

Reginald waved his hand dismissively. "Unfortunately, I have some pressing business matters that require my attention here. But I insist you all go and enjoy yourselves."

Sophia caught Vivi's eye, a knowing look passing between them. This perfectly aligned with what they had just discovered about Reginald's affair.

"That's very generous of you," Vivi said smoothly, playing her part.

"Yes, thank you, father," Damien added, his lips curving into a slight smile.

As Reginald outlined the details of the trip, Damien and Vivi shared another look. For once, Reginald's infidelity worked in their favor. A week away from the mansion, away from pretense, away from guilt - it was more than they could have hoped for.

When Reginald finally left the study, satisfied with their apparent enthusiasm, the three let out a collective breath. None of them felt the slightest remorse about their deception. If Reginald planned to spend the week with his mistress, why shouldn't they take advantage of the freedom he'd handed them?