Chapter 80

Months later.

The room buzzed with the hum of eager reporters and the relentless click of camera shutters. Flashbulbs went off like mini explosions, casting sharp, staccato shadows across the sleek conference table where Vivi and Damien sat. Both dressed impeccably, they exuded a calm confidence that belied the whirlwind of emotions beneath the surface.

Damien leaned into the microphone, his deep brown eyes scanning the room. "Thank you all for coming today," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "We understand there's a lot of interest surrounding recent events, and we want to address your questions openly."

A hand shot up from the crowd, and a reporter with a press badge labeled "The Herald" stood. "Mr. Blackwood, you've recently made significant strides in your business ventures independent of your father's influence. Can you speak to how you've achieved this?"

Damien nodded, his tousled dark hair falling slightly over his forehead. "It's been challenging but rewarding. I focused on areas I'm passionate about—photography and travel—and leveraged those interests into successful business ventures. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it."

The reporter scribbled furiously in her notebook before another voice cut through the din. "And Ms. Sinclair," a different reporter called out, leaning forward with a determined look in his eye. "Your divorce from Reginald Blackwood was recently finalized and made public. Can you comment on that?"

Vivi took a deep breath, her porcelain skin almost glowing under the harsh lights. Her deep brown eyes met the reporter's gaze directly. "Yes, it's true that Reginald and I have divorced," she said calmly. "It was a mutual decision that we both felt was best for us individually."

A murmur ran through the crowd as cameras clicked more fervently.

"Can you elaborate on why?" another reporter pressed.

Vivi glanced at Damien for support before continuing. "Our marriage was based on circumstances that no longer align with our personal goals and desires. We both deserve to pursue happiness in our own ways."

Damien added, "Our focus now is on moving forward positively—both in our personal lives and in our professional endeavors."

Another hand shot up, this time from a reporter in the back with a sly smile and a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Damien, could you clarify your current relationship with Ms. Sinclair? Given that she was your stepmother, the public is quite interested in what she means to you now."

Damien glanced at Vivi, a silent understanding passing between them. He took a step forward, the confidence in his stride unmistakable. "Vivian Sinclair is more than just my ex-stepmother," he began, his voice unwavering. "She is the woman I love, and I'm proud to announce that Vivian Sinclair is going to be my wife."

A collective gasp rippled through the room, followed by a barrage of camera flashes that lit up their faces like fireworks. The reporters leaned forward, pens poised over notepads, eager to capture every word.

Vivi felt her heart race but maintained her composed exterior. She glanced at Damien, who gave her a reassuring nod. The truth hung heavy in the air, electrifying the atmosphere.

"How do you respond to those who might find this relationship controversial?" another reporter called out.

Damien met the reporter's gaze head-on. "I understand that our relationship might raise eyebrows, but love doesn't follow rules or expectations," he said firmly. "Vivian and I have faced many challenges together, and we choose to focus on our future rather than what others might think."

The room buzzed with murmurs and scribbles as reporters digested this bold declaration. Damien stepped back slightly but kept his hand near the microphone, ready for any further questions. Beside him, Vivi felt a wave of relief wash over her; the truth was out, and there was no turning back.

A final click of a camera captured the moment.

The drive back to their private mansion felt like a dream. The car hummed softly as it wound through the tree-lined driveway, the late afternoon sun casting golden hues over the sprawling estate. Damien's hand rested gently on Vivi's, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin. She turned to look at him, her deep brown eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and trepidation.

They stepped out of the car and made their way through the grand entrance, the heavy wooden doors closing behind them with a soft thud. The mansion felt alive with possibilities, each room a testament to their shared dreams and unspoken promises.

In the quiet of the grand hall, Damien took Vivi's hand and led her to the spacious living room. The large windows framed a breathtaking view of the garden outside, where the flowers swayed gently in the breeze.

"Vivi," Damien said softly, his voice filled with emotion.

She turned to him, her heart pounding in her chest. He looked deeply into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. Without breaking eye contact, he slowly lowered himself onto one knee.

"Vivi," he began again, his voice steady but filled with intensity. "You are the most incredible woman I've ever met. You've shown me what it means to truly love and be loved in return."

Tears welled up in Vivi's eyes as she listened to his heartfelt words. She could hardly believe this was happening.

Damien reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Opening it, he revealed an exquisite ring that sparkled in the soft light of the room. "Vivian Sinclair," he said, his voice breaking slightly with emotion, "will you marry me?"

Vivi's tears spilled over as she looked down at Damien, overwhelmed by a rush of love and joy. She nodded, unable to speak for a moment. Finally finding her voice, she whispered, "Yes, Damien. Yes, I'll marry you."

Damien slipped the ring onto her finger and rose to his feet, pulling Vivi into a tender kiss that sealed their promise.

…

Vivi stood by the grand window of their bedroom, watching the sun paint the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink. Her engagement ring caught the light, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the walls. She traced the diamond with her finger, a small smile playing on her lips.

"If someone had told me a year ago that I'd end up here," she mused quietly to herself, "I would have laughed in their face."

She turned away from the window, her eyes scanning the luxurious room that now truly felt like home. Her wedding dress hung in the corner, waiting for tomorrow's ceremony.

"I came into this mansion as Reginald's bride, trapped in a marriage of convenience to save my family. I never expected to find love here, especially not with my stepson." She let out a soft laugh. "Damien Blackwood - the man who turned my world upside down from that very first night at the club."

Moving to sit on the edge of the bed, Vivi continued her reflection. "Through all the scandals, the lies, the threats from Ava, and the constant battle between duty and desire, somehow we made it. My family is secure now, but that's not why I'm staying anymore."

She touched the ring again, feeling its weight - not as a burden, but as a promise. "I fought it for so long, tried to be the perfect wife to Reginald, the proper stepmother to Damien. But in the end, I was already trapped - trapped by my stepson. Trapped by Damien's love and his unwavering faith in us."

Standing up, Vivi walked to her dress and ran her fingers along the delicate lace.

"And you know what? Being trapped has never felt so much like freedom. Tomorrow, I'll walk down that aisle not because I have to, but because I want to. Because somehow, my ex stepson's trap turned out to be exactly where I belonged all along."

THE END