Chapter 79

The group arrived at the mansion, their eyes taking in the familiar surroundings with a renewed sense of awareness. The lush gardens, the elegant architecture, and the gleaming cars in the driveway welcomed them home.

As they stepped inside, they spotted Reginald sitting on the couch in the grand foyer, a newspaper in his hands. He looked up, his piercing blue eyes settling on each of them in turn. A flicker of surprise crossed his face at the sight of them, but he quickly schooled his features into a neutral expression.

"Welcome back," he said, setting aside the newspaper and rising to his feet. His gaze rested on Vivi for a moment longer, and she held his stare, her resolve strengthening.

"It's good to be back," Sophia replied, her voice bright and cheerful as she moved towards Reginald and kissed him on the cheek. Marcus followed suit, offering a handshake and a warm greeting.

Vivi lingered near the entrance, her heart pounding in her chest as she steeled herself for what was to come. Damien remained by her side, his presence a source of comfort and support.

"How was your trip?" Reginald asked, his eyes scanning the group, his tone pleasant, but with a hint of curiosity.

Vivi took a step forward, her voice steady and clear. "It was enlightening." She met his gaze directly, her eyes unwavering. "And I've come to a decision."

Reginald's eyebrows rose slightly, his interest piqued. "Oh?"

"Yes," Vivi continued, "I've realized that our marriage is beyond repair. I no longer wish to remain in a loveless union. I want a divorce."

A charged silence filled the room. Reginald's eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened, the only signs of the emotions coursing through him. The air hummed with anticipation as everyone held their breath, awaiting his response.

After what felt like an eternity, Reginald inclined his head, his expression unreadable. "I see. And may I ask what brought about this decision?"

Vivi took a deep breath, summoning her courage. "I am aware of your affair, Reginald. It's time for us to part ways amicably. No drama, no scandals. Just a simple divorce."

His eyes widened imperceptibly at her use of the word 'affair,' but he quickly masked his reaction. "I see," he repeated, his voice carefully controlled. "Well, if that is what you want, we can certainly discuss the terms of a divorce. I assume you have already consulted with your lawyers?"

Vivi's eyes locked onto Reginald's, unflinching. "Yes, I've spoken to my lawyers. But I don't want fifty percent of what you have, Reginald," she said firmly.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face before it hardened into a steely mask. "You'll also lose what I did for your family," he countered, voice low and measured.

"That's fine," Vivi responded without hesitation. She took a step closer to Damien, her hand brushing against his. "I found someone who can love me."

Reginald's eyes widened, disbelief and a hint of betrayal flickering in his piercing blue gaze. He glanced between Vivi and Damien, the realization settling like a weight in the room.

"Damien?" His voice cracked slightly on his son's name, a rare slip in his otherwise controlled demeanor.

Damien met his father's gaze with an unyielding stare, his jaw set in determination. "Yes, Father."

For a moment, the silence was deafening. Reginald’s mind raced to grasp the implications of what he had just heard. His wife, his trophy wife, had fallen for his own son.

"You... love him?" Reginald's voice was almost a whisper now, tinged with something unrecognizable, hurt? Anger?

Vivi nodded slowly, her fingers entwining with Damien’s. "Yes. I do."

Reginald's expression shifted through a range of emotions: confusion, anger, and finally settling on cold calculation. He turned away from them both, his posture rigid as he struggled to regain control over the situation spiraling out of his grasp.

Reginald took a deep breath, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing as he exhaled. He turned back to face Vivi and Damien, his expression now one of resignation rather than defiance.

"You're right," he said quietly, the words seeming to cost him a great deal. "I have been having an affair with my secretary."

The room seemed to hold its breath, the admission hanging heavily in the air. Reginald's piercing blue eyes met Vivi's once more, but this time they were softened by something almost like regret.

"I never wanted it to come to this," he continued, his voice steady but filled with an underlying sorrow. "But now that everything is out in the open, I have no choice but to agree to the divorce."

Vivi stood tall, her hand still entwined with Damien's. The strength she felt from him bolstered her resolve as she nodded in acknowledgment of Reginald's admission.

"Thank you for being honest," she said, her tone firm but devoid of malice. "It's for the best."

Reginald gave a small nod, his eyes briefly flickering to Damien before returning to Vivi. "I'll make sure our lawyers handle everything smoothly," he promised. "We can finalize this as quickly and painlessly as possible."

With that, he turned away once more, his steps measured and deliberate as he walked toward the grand staircase leading to his study. The weight of his decision seemed to press down on him with each step.

Vivi watched him go, a mixture of relief and sadness washing over her. She had never imagined it would come to this when she agreed to marry Reginald for the sake of her family. But now, standing beside Damien with their hands clasped together, she felt a newfound sense of freedom and hope for the future.

Damien squeezed her hand gently, grounding her in the moment. They had taken a significant step forward, and though challenges undoubtedly lay ahead, they would face them together.

For now, at least one chapter of their complicated lives was drawing to a close.

And with that thought, they turned away from the grand staircase and toward whatever came next.