CHAPTER 273: RAW AND UNSTOPPABLE (7)

Benjamin’s POV

Vicky finally turned to face me. Her eyes shimmered, heavy with unshed tears.

"Please? My princess..." I said softly—the same way I used to when she was little, when she’d scrape her knees and come running into my arms.

That was all it took. The dam broke. My little girl collapsed into sobs, her voice cracking as she buried her face against my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight. It had been so long since I’d held her like this.

"I’m so sorry, Daddy," she choked out between sobs. "I didn’t know... I didn’t know all of you have been living through such a miserable, sad life."

I shook my head, brushing a hand through her hair. "No, don’t say that. My life isn’t sad, Vicky. I have my children. That’s enough reason to be happy."

She cried harder, her tears soaking through my shirt, but I kept rubbing her back in slow circles. "Both Violet and Prudence knew what they were getting into," I continued. "We all made our choices because of love—for our children. We just didn’t want any of you to grow up with hate in your hearts."

"I-I just..." My voice caught, my chest tightening. "I just want to see all of you living good lives before I go. When that time comes, when I see my kids happy, I’ll leave this world without regret. Every mistake, every bad memory... it’ll all fade away."

I looked her in the eye, my voice trembling. "So please, sweetheart. Help me a little. Accept Reagan’s decision. You don’t have to be friends or close to Sarah, just accept your brother’s choice."

Vicky nodded right away, sniffling as she wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "Yes, Dad. I’m sorry I acted like a brat. I was just scared... scared that Sarah might destroy our family."

I smiled faintly, cupping her cheek. "Darling, no one can destroy this family. I made sure of that. I raised all of you to understand what family means, and I’ll teach Sarah the same thing. If anyone could ever tear us apart, then that means I failed at building our foundation from the start."

I paused, my voice softening. "And don’t worry about Nick and Georgia. Haven’t you seen how strong they are? I envy your brother sometimes. He had the courage to fight for his love—something I couldn’t do. He got that fire from your mother, not me. Whatever life throws at them, I know those two will only grow stronger."

Vicky nodded slowly. "Alright. I think I understand now. I’ll apologize to Reagan—and even to Sarah."

She stood, took a deep breath, and glanced at herself in the mirror. A quick touch-up to her makeup, a shaky smile, and then she reached her hand out to me. "Come on, Dad. Let’s go downstairs."

I took her hand, the familiar warmth of it grounding me. Together, we walked out of that room, father and daughter, side by side, ready to face whatever waited below.

When we finally made it downstairs, Sarah’s parents were already by the door, coats in hand, ready to leave. Their smiles were polite, but the sadness beneath them was obvious—like they were trying to convince themselves everything was fine.

Violet stood beside them, speaking softly, as if she could hold the moment together a little longer. Standing behind them were Reagan and Sarah.

Then Vicky’s voice broke the quiet. "Wait! Uncle Dwayne, Aunt Lisa, please—before you go, let me apologize."

All eyes turned to her. Her voice wavered at first but steadied as she went on. "I was out of my mind and scared. I’m sorry for how I acted."

For a moment, I just stood there, watching her. Proud. Finally, she was facing it head-on.

She turned to Reagan and Sarah next. "I owe you both an apology, too. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have humiliated Sarah in front of everyone. I’ll shut my mouth next time and respect your decision. Please forgive me."

Reagan’s lips curled into a genuine smile, one that reached his eyes. "Come here," he said, pulling her into a hug. "I knew it. You were just jealous because your big brother’s getting married and you’re not the only princess in my life anymore. Don’t worry, you’ll always be my princess. Sarah’s just the queen."

"Ugh, I’m not jealous!" Vicky shot back, giving him a playful punch on the arm.

Laughter rippled around the room, and for the first time that night, the tension seemed to ease. Even Dwayne and Lisa finally looked relieved.

"Thank you, Vicky, for accepting our daughter," Lisa said, her tone soft but sincere as she hugged her. "We were worried you’d go against this. You made us very happy tonight."

Dwayne smiled and added, "Well then, we’ll get going. Early meeting tomorrow." They waved goodbye and stepped out into their car.

The air felt lighter until Sarah spoke. "Vicky... Thank you."

"Don’t thank me yet," Vicky told Sarah, crossing her arms. "Yes, I accept your marriage to Reagan, but I still don’t like you. It’s going to take time. You’ll have to prove you’re trustworthy. I’ll be watching. Don’t you dare break Reagan’s heart, got it?"

Sarah blinked in surprise before laughing softly. "Got it. And I’ll prove to you I mean no harm. I’ll be loyal and faithful to him, I promise."

Violet chimed in teasingly, "That’s supposed to be the man’s line."

Reagan grinned. "Don’t worry, Mom. I promise to be loyal and faithful too."

The foyer filled with laughter again, but the exhaustion in everyone’s faces was clear.

"Where are the others?" I asked, rubbing my temples.

"Chairman, Nick and Georgia are still in your office," Alfie replied. "Oliver, Liam, and Ella are in the game room."

"Good. Call everyone, Alfie. Let’s wrap this up, it’s been a long night."

As we headed back inside, the warmth of the house couldn’t quite chase away the heaviness still lingering beneath the laughter. The peace felt fragile, like it could shatter with one wrong word.