Ch. 106..110: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 106-110
Chapter 106: Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Scott
"TEA TIME GOSSIP BLOG: The Mystery of Mrs. Alexander Scott
Tonight, the enigmatic Mr. Alexander Scott is poised to unveil the woman he’s vowed to spend his life with, hosting an exclusive masquerade ball in her honour. But here’s the catch—no one knows who she truly is.
Speculation has run wild, with whispers in high society suggesting Aurora Swift, long rumoured to be Mr. Scott’s mistress, might play a role in tonight’s dramatic reveal. Could this extravagant event finally put an end to the swirling rumours, or will it ignite an entirely new scandal?
Our sources hint that tonight’s gathering promises a spectacle of intrigue and glamour, with guests cloaked behind ornate masks. But the real question is; will Aurora Swift dare to attend, and if so, what role will she play in the narrative Mr. Scott is about to write?
Dearest readers, do you think Mr. Scott’s grand reveal will silence or fuel the whispers? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below and stay tuned for more updates."
~Tea Time
---
Olivia’s lips curled into a satisfied smile as she read the Tea Time Gossip Blog article for the third time, savouring each line. She slipped her phone into her purse, her gaze shifting to the car window.
"It was easier than I thought to get the media to dance to my tune," she mused, her thoughts brimming with self-satisfaction.
When the car pulled up to the Hilton Top Hotel where the masquerade ball was in full swing, Olivia and Owen stepped out together. The cool night air brushed against her, but the tension between them crackled even more.
Just as Olivia moved to link arms with Owen, he stepped aside with a scoff, turning to her with a biting tone.
"Don’t tell me you’re planning to act like we’re the perfect couple tonight," he said, his words dripping with disdain.
Olivia’s eyes narrowed. "Shouldn’t you be grateful I’m protecting your reputation?" she shot back, her tone sharpened by her rising anger.
Owen let out a ridiculing chuckle, shaking his head as he dismissed her. "I’m not here to stroke your pride. Stay in your lane," he muttered before striding ahead without a backward glance.
Olivia bit her lip, suppressing a retort. She watched him for a bit, her frustration evident, then hurried to catch up. Reaching the entrance, Owen handed over their invitation card to security, and she took the opportunity to latch onto his arm once more.
Though his jaw tightened in irritation, Owen knew better than to shove her off in public. Together, they entered the ballroom, where extravagantly dressed guests mingled behind ornate masks, the air buzzing with the melodies of a live band.
At the entrance, the waitstaff offered champagne flutes and delicate canapés.
"How long do you plan on clinging to my arm?" Owen asked under his breath, his frustration barely contained.
Olivia ignored him, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on her mother, Stella, making her way toward them. A smile replaced her scowl, and she released Owen’s arm to embrace her warmly.
"Good evening, Mrs. Swift," Owen greeted politely, masking his annoyance with a cordial tone.
"Good evening, Owen," Stella replied with a smile, though her focus was entirely on her daughter. She stepped back from the hug, appraising Olivia’s ensemble. "You look stunning."
"I know. Thank you," Olivia said smugly, her confidence glowing under her mother’s approval.
With the two women now deep in conversation, Owen took his leave, mumbling an excuse as he disappeared into the crowd.
"How’s the baby?" Stella asked, adjusting the intricate mask perched on her face as they strolled further into the ballroom.
"I’ve been feeling better—little to no morning sickness lately," Olivia replied, her voice softening before steering the topic elsewhere. "Has Mr. Scott and his wife arrived yet?"
Stella sighed, her eyes scanning the room. "Not yet. But I’m sure their entrance will be worth the wait."
Olivia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. She was eager to see the mysterious Mrs. Scott herself.
"And Aunt Stephanie?" Olivia asked, her tone dropping as she referenced her father’s sister.
Stella’s lips curled into a disdainful sneer. "She’s still mourning her brother—too preoccupied to attend social functions but not too busy to interfere with our family matters or the company."
At the mention of Adam, a shadow passed over Olivia’s features, her shoulders sinking slightly under the weight of her grief.
---
Moments later, the band’s music faded, and the MC’s voice rang out, cutting through the lively chatter.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to announce the arrival of our hosts for the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Scott."
A round of applause erupted, and all heads turned toward the grand entrance as Xander strode in, his commanding presence drawing the crowd’s attention. Aurora clung to his arm, her silver butterfly mask glittering under the lights. Her ginger waves cascaded over her shoulders, complementing the elegance of her gown, which shimmered like moonlight.
Aurora’s heart raced as she scanned the crowd through her mask, their curious gazes settling on her. This is real, she thought, a surreal feeling washing over her.
Sensing her nerves, Xander leaned in, his voice a soothing murmur. "Are you nervous?"
"A little," she admitted, her voice soft.
He gently patted her hand on his arm. "Don’t be. I’m here with you, every step of the way."
His reassurance eased her tension, and she gave him a grateful smile.
From across the room, Olivia and Stella couldn’t tear their eyes away from the couple.
"Mum, we’re finally meeting the hidden Mrs. Scott," Olivia whispered, her gaze fixed on Aurora. "Her dress is exquisite, and look at that hair—it’s almost unreal."
"I see everything," Stella replied coolly, her eyes narrowing as they studied Aurora intently. Unlike Olivia, her reaction wasn’t excitement but calculation. "Find Owen. He needs to make introductions immediately."
Olivia nodded, her gaze reluctantly shifting away from Aurora as she moved through the crowd in search of her husband.
---
As guests swarmed to greet the Scotts, Xander introduced Aurora simply as ’Mrs. Scott,’ purposefully withholding her first name. Aurora kept her responses polite but minimal, offering warm smiles and clinking glasses while exchanging pleasantries.
Meanwhile, Olivia finally located Owen, grabbing his arm to pull him aside. "Mum wants you to introduce us to your uncle’s wife," she explained curtly.
Owen frowned, irritated by her insistence. "You and your mother haven’t told me why you’re so obsessed with her."
Olivia smirked, her tone dripping with arrogance. "Because it’s none of your business."
Owen rolled his eyes but followed her anyway, his irritation simmering beneath the surface.
Stella intercepted them halfway, her sharp gaze flicking between her daughter and son-in-law.
"It’s my first time meeting your uncle’s wife," Stella said to Owen with a practised smile. "Please, be a gentleman and introduce us."
Owen sighed inwardly, his patience wearing thin. He knew this encounter was bound to bring more trouble, but he had little choice. Leading them toward the Scotts, he prepared himself for the inevitable chaos.
Chapter 107: Skills & Schemes
Aurora tilted her head slightly, watching as Nene poured more champagne into her glass. Nene had tagged along as her assistant tonight to ensure her plans went smoothly.
"Ma’am, would you like anything else?" Nene asked, her voice low and composed.
Aurora offered a small smile and shook her head. "No, thank you."
Before she could take a sip, Xander leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. "The targets are approaching."
Aurora’s eyes darted subtly across the ballroom, and sure enough, Owen, Olivia, and Stella were making their way toward them. Nene, sensing the tension, gracefully excused herself and melted into the crowd, leaving the stage set for the inevitable confrontation.
"Good evening, Uncle," Owen greeted Xander enthusiastically, a grin spreading across his face.
Xander patted him twice on the shoulder, his casual demeanour masking the sharpness of his mind. "Your parents couldn’t make it?"
"They were too tired," Owen replied quickly before his eyes shifted eagerly to Aurora, his curiosity piqued by the mysterious woman standing by his uncle’s side.
Xander caught the hint and smirked, deciding to make the introductions in his own dramatic style. "Owen, meet your aunt-in-law," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "And you’ll address her as Aunty."
Owen blinked, his surprise quickly replaced by a polite smile. Without hesitation, he extended his hand toward Aurora. "It’s an honour to finally meet you, Aunty."
Aurora gracefully transferred her champagne glass to her other hand, making sure the light caught the brilliant diamond wedding ring on her finger. She took Owen’s hand, shaking it lightly for a brief moment. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Owen," she said in a soft, foreign-accented tone that added an air of mystery.
As their hands parted, Aurora struggled to suppress a laugh. Xander’s playful cruelty was on full display tonight. The absurdity of Owen addressing her as "Aunty"—his ex-girlfriend, no less—was almost too much to bear. She could already imagine his explosive reaction when he discovered her true identity later in the future.
She almost couldn’t wait for that time to reach. It would be an unforgettable moment worthy to be recorded in history.
Behind Owen, Olivia and Stella lingered, their gazes locked on Aurora as they absorbed every detail of her appearance. Olivia, growing impatient, pinched Owen’s back to prompt him. The young man winced before recovering quickly.
"Uncle, Aunty," he began awkwardly, gesturing toward the women behind him. "Allow me to introduce my wife, Olivia, and her mother, Mrs. Stella Swift."
Xander gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment, while Aurora lifted her champagne glass in a polite gesture, pretending like they had no idea of what was about to play out.
Stella, ever the opportunist, took a step forward, her face alight with practised charm. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Scott. I’ve heard so much about you and have been eager for this introduction. Thank you for hosting such a fine evening and inviting us."
Aurora tilted her head slightly, her poise effortless. "It’s nothing, really. My husband helped with the guest list, as I’m not yet familiar with everyone."
"Interesting," Stella murmured, her sharp eyes flitting briefly to Xander. "But it seems Mr. Scott forgot to include someone."
Aurora and Xander exchanged a glance, their brows furrowing in unison. Even Owen seemed puzzled, while Olivia barely contained her smirk behind a raised hand.
"I think everyone important is here," Aurora replied with a curious tone. "Who do you think is missing?"
Stella chuckled softly, letting a moment of mystery hang in the air. "My stepdaughter, Aurora. She and Mr. Scott seem to share a particularly close relationship."
"Really?" Aurora said, feigning intrigue as Xander’s grip on his glass tightened slightly, a reaction that didn’t escape Stella’s eyes.
"Yes," Olivia interjected quickly, her voice laced with mock innocence. "There was even a time when they appeared in tabloids together, mistaken for lovers. It’s surprising she isn’t here tonight."
Aurora fought the urge to laugh outright. Their pettiness was so transparent, it was almost laughable.
Meanwhile, Owen’s expression darkened as the realization hit him. This was why they had wanted the introductions. Fury bubbled beneath the surface, but he kept his composure for now.
Turning to Xander, Aurora said, "Darling, you never mentioned this friend of yours to me before."
Xander hesitated, then cleared his throat. "You’ve been so busy with your travels, I didn’t have the opportunity to bring it up," he said, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
Aurora’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before she smiled coolly. "I think we need to talk now," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. She shifted her focus back to Stella, her smile polite. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Swift. Please excuse us."
Taking Xander’s arm, she led him away, leaving Stella and Olivia standing together.
---
Stella looked unsettled as she watched Aurora and Xander disappear into the crowd. She muttered an excuse to Olivia and Owen before retreating to a quiet corner, pulling her phone from her purse.
Finding Aurora’s contact, she dialled quickly. The line rang a few times before connecting, but as soon as she said ’Hello,’ a sharp voice interrupted her.
"Why are you calling me at this hour? It’s past 10 PM, and everyone is asleep. We’re not close enough for late-night calls, Mrs. Swift. Call back at 8 AM if it’s important."
The line went dead before Stella could respond. She stared at her blank screen. Taking in a deep breath, she slipped her phone back into her purse, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
Meanwhile, back at Xander’s residence, a servant set down the two phones she had been holding and let out a deep sigh. One phone screen showed a recording that had just concluded, while the other remained blank following the call.
---
Back in the ballroom, Owen’s patience snapped. He turned to Olivia, his voice low but seething with anger. "Is this why you were so desperate to meet my uncle’s wife?"
Olivia’s face was the picture of innocence. "Did I do something wrong?"
"Are you happy now? Embarrassing my uncle? You won’t ever drag me into one of your schemes again!" he hissed.
Olivia simply smiled, her confidence unshaken. "Thank you," she said sweetly, watching him storm off. She didn’t care about his feelings after achieving her aim.
Chapter 108: A Promise Meant to be Kept
Stella returned just in time to see Owen storming off, his rigid back giving away his frustration. "Why did he leave?" she asked, her tone sharp with curiosity.
Olivia chuckled lightly, withdrawing her gaze from Owen’s retreating figure to focus on her mother. "He’s upset that we used him to embarrass his uncle," she said, the smugness in her tone unmistakable.
Stella shook her head dismissively. "That doesn’t matter. We need to focus on the next step—gaining Mrs. Scott’s trust and using her to deal with your sister."
Meanwhile, across the ballroom where Stella and Olivia’s scheming eyes couldn’t reach, Aurora finally let out the laughter she had been suppressing. It started as a chuckle and grew into a hearty laugh that made her eyes glisten with tears.
"I can’t believe how ridiculous those two are," she said, pressing a hand against her stomach. "What do they think we are, clueless amateurs?"
Xander smirked, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his black tailored pants. "You’re smarter, and that’s why you can see through their pathetic attempts. They don’t stand a chance against you."
Aurora nodded, her lips quirking into a mischievous grin. "I didn’t realize it was this easy to uncover their plans."
Xander leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. "Your sister, though... she’s the one we should target directly. She’s desperate enough to reveal the secrets you want just to win your favour. That desperation makes her an easier tool to work with."
Aurora hummed thoughtfully. "I’ve already decided to use her. Olivia will be my key to uncovering my biological father’s identity."
"Just be cautious," Xander warned, his gaze turning serious. "Stella is sharp, and I saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes earlier. If she catches wind of who you truly are before we get the answers, our plans will be ruined unless you want me to capture and torture the answers out of her."
Aurora’s expression hardened slightly, but her confidence didn’t waver. "For now, let’s keep this identity intact," she replied, gesturing toward her mask and refusing to comment on his last statement.
---
On the other side of the ballroom, Abigail and Asher entered with a subtle flair. Abigail’s urgency was palpable as she tugged Asher forward. "Can you walk a bit faster?" she whispered harshly, glancing around the room with a sense of purpose.
Asher sighed, shaking his head. "Who was the one who kept me waiting outside her door for over thirty minutes?" he retorted, though his tone held more amusement than annoyance.
Their arms were loosely linked as Asher scanned the room, finally pointing toward a familiar figure. "Our best friends are over there," he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
Abigail’s brows furrowed slightly in surprise. "How can you even recognize them with those masks on?"
"That’s a trade secret," Asher replied slyly as he began leading her toward Aurora and Xander. Years of experience and familiarity made it easy to identify Xander despite his disguise.
When they finally reached the couple, Abigail’s eyes widened in awe. Even knowing about Aurora’s plan, she couldn’t help but marvel at her transformation. "Wow, Aura! You look incredible," she gushed, moving instinctively for a hug.
Xander raised a brow in mild amusement while Asher quickly intervened, catching Abigail’s arm and pulling her back. "It’s Mrs. Scott," Xander corrected smoothly, a teasing edge in his tone.
Asher leaned in close to Abigail, whispering, "Tone your excitement down. You will blow her cover if you’re too obvious."
Abigail’s face flushed with embarrassment, but Aurora quickly diffused the tension, her voice light and inviting. "Abby, would you like more champagne?" Her smile twinkled behind her silver butterfly mask, instantly putting Abigail at ease.
---
As the evening progressed, the music shifted, signalling the start of dinner. Guests moved to their assigned seats around a lavish banquet table.
Xander led Aurora to the seat beside his at the head table, pulling out her chair before settling her in. With practised ease, he removed her butterfly mask and placed it on a tray that Nene held out, then removed his own.
The murmurs began almost immediately as guests turned their attention to the head of the table. For many, this was their first unobstructed look at Mrs. Scott’s face. Conversations buzzed quietly as people noted her striking beauty, her graceful demeanour, and an almost unplaceable familiarity.
Even Olivia and Stella couldn’t help but stare. Olivia leaned in toward her mother, her voice low but tinged with curiosity. "She’s stunning, isn’t she? Doesn’t she feel a little... familiar?"
Stella, however, wasn’t as impressed. Her sharp gaze studied Aurora intently, but eventually, she shook her head. "It’s nothing. We’ll have to work harder to earn her trust," she muttered, watching Xander’s attentive gestures toward his wife. She could tell he was completely smitten, which would make sowing discord between them a significant challenge.
Olivia followed her mother’s gaze and sighed, her gaze shifting to Owen seated far away. A pang of bitterness twisted in her chest. Gone were those days when Owen used to worship her feet. Now, he didn’t even want to have anything to do with her.
Meanwhile, Aurora maintained her poise, exchanging polite smiles and light conversation with the guests who managed to muster the courage to address her.
---
After dinner, the masks returned as the guests moved to the dance floor. A live band played a melodic tune as couples glided into the centre, their movements synchronized and elegant.
Xander extended a hand to Aurora, his eyes gleaming with warmth. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Scott?"
Aurora slipped her hand into his, allowing him to guide her to the centre of the floor. With one arm securely around her waist, he pulled her close, their movements smooth and effortless as they swayed to the rhythm.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Mrs. Scott?" he asked, his lips brushing close to her ear.
Aurora tilted her head, her eyes sparkling behind her mask. "Of course, I am. Mr. Scott made sure of that."
Xander chuckled softly, spinning her gracefully before drawing her back into his embrace. Around them, the other couples blurred into the background, leaving only the two of them locked in their shared moment.
"Thank you," Aurora murmured as she rested her head lightly against his chest.
"For what?"
"For standing by me," she whispered. "And helping me."
Xander’s grip around her waist tightened slightly, a quiet promise in his touch. "Always," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering. "I promised to help you get revenge, and I will," he finished.
In that moment, surrounded by music and masked faces, it felt as though nothing else mattered but the bond they shared.
Chapter 109: Finding an Opportunity
Asher clasped Abigail’s hand firmly, guiding her toward the dance floor with purpose. Halfway there, however, she planted her feet and tried to tug her hand free, her eyes meeting his daringly.
"I don’t want to dance with you," she said, her tone calm but resolute.
He arched a brow, his grip tightening briefly before he released her hand. "Perhaps next time, we shouldn’t pair up if you’re so against it dancing with me," he said smoothly, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "Or would you prefer I find someone else to dance with?"
Not to his surprise, Abigail agreed immediately, her chin lifting. "Go ahead." Her disinterest was as clear as day, and her nonchalant shrug only fuelled his determination.
Asher’s smirk deepened. "No chance. I’m a man of honour and I will only dance with my partner tonight." Without waiting for her agreement, he took her hand again, his grip firm yet careful, and continued toward the dance floor.
Despite her protests, Abigail found herself swept into the swirl of music and movement. Her frustration simmered beneath the surface as she begrudgingly followed his lead. She would be causing a scene if she tried to force herself out of his grasp.
---
Meanwhile, Olivia wandered through the crowd, her sharp eyes scanning for Owen. Her patience was running thin. "Where could he have gone?" she muttered under her breath as she weaved through the elegantly dressed guests.
Just as she was about to give up, she caught sight of him near the door, his unmistakable figure accompanied by another woman. Olivia’s steps faltered, and a cold knot formed in her stomach.
Her gaze darkened as she trailed them quietly, exiting the ballroom and stepping into a dimly lit small hallway that led to a sculptured balcony. The narrow space stretched out in silence, save for the faint sound of giggles echoing from the balcony. Olivia’s fists clenched at her sides as she followed the sound, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.
What she saw made her breath hitch. There, partially concealed by the shadows, was Owen, his lips pressed firmly against the woman’s as his hands cradled her face. Their masks were still on, but there was no mistaking the heated intimacy of the moment.
Olivia’s heart thundered in her chest, a mixture of fury and humiliation surging through her veins. Backing into the shadows, she swallowed hard and clenched her fists. "That scum," she hissed under her breath.
Unable to watch any longer, Olivia turned and hurried back to the ballroom, her mind racing. This wasn’t just betrayal; it was blatant disrespect. Every ounce of self-worth she clung to felt like it was being chipped away by Owen’s shameless actions.
That man just didn’t know how to hold back as long as he was disrespecting her in public without caring that she was there.
---
Stepping back into the ballroom, Olivia forced herself to straighten her spine, masking her agitation behind a composed façade. Her gaze landed on Aurora, who sat at a table alone with Nene, standing quietly behind her.
Drawing in a steady breath, Olivia smoothed her dress and approached with a fawning smile. "Hello, Mrs. Scott. We meet again," she greeted warmly.
Aurora glanced up, her surprise masked by polite curiosity. "Good evening," she replied, her tone neutral but civil.
"May I sit?" Olivia asked, and without waiting for her permission, she pulled out the chair beside her and settled in. "You seem a little tired. Has the activities tonight been too much?"
Aurora’s expression didn’t shift, though her gaze briefly flicked away as if uninterested. "You could say that," she replied simply.
Olivia wasn’t discouraged by Aurora’s distant demeanour. Instead, she saw this as a rare opportunity to plant a seed and clutched onto it with everything in her. After a calculated pause, she began, her tone casual yet intentional. "Mrs. Scott, I’m not sure if you’ve heard of my family—the Swifts."
Aurora’s gaze returned to her, a spark of intrigue in her eyes. "Go on."
"My family owns the renowned wine company, Vintage Cellar," Olivia continued, a hint of pride colouring her voice. "It was built from the ground up by my father, who we lost about five weeks ago. And the champagne served at your ball tonight is from Vintage Cellar, specially crafted by my older sister, Aurora."
Aurora’s lips curled slightly at the irony. "Your sister’s product? That’s impressive! But how so?" she asked with a tinge of surprise and curiosity in her tone.
"Yes," Olivia said eagerly, sensing an opening. "Fruit Punch Champagne is her creation. Your husband has always been a major sponsor of her product, which makes it surprising that he didn’t invite her tonight to introduce you two at least."
The subtle jab wasn’t lost on Aurora, though she maintained a calm expression. Behind her mask, she suppressed a laugh at Olivia’s transparent attempt to stir tension.
On the other hand, Olivia hid a smug smile as she continued filling Aurora’s ears with words that should provoke her spirit. She believed that no woman, no matter how learned and composed she was, would tolerate another woman being so close to her husband. And Olivia knew this through what was happening between her and Owen currently.
Meanwhile, Nene stepped forward as Olivia reached into her purse and presented her complimentary card. "Here’s my contact information in case you’d like to learn more about our products," she said with a hidden meaning behind her statement while expecting Aurora’s card in return.
But Nene intercepted the card smoothly, her voice firm but polite. "I am Mrs. Scott’s assistant. Here’s my card if you’d like to get in touch."
Though slightly irked, Olivia masked her disappointment with a tight smile. She extended her hand toward Aurora. "It was a pleasure meeting you tonight, Mrs. Scott."
Aurora raised her champagne glass instead, the subtle dismissal clear. Olivia nodded stiffly and rose to leave, her mind already churning with plans to gain Mrs. Scott’s trust.
As Olivia walked away, Aurora’s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Xander was right," she mused silently, watching Olivia retreat. "It’ll definitely be easier to work with someone this desperate."
---
Back on the dance floor, Asher twirled Abigail with surprising grace, earning a reluctant smile from her. "Not bad," she admitted grudgingly just as the song ended. Then without waiting she left his side and grabbed a cocktail from a passing waiter.
"This is your tenth glass tonight," Asher said, stopping beside her. "If I were you, I would stop drinking now."
Instantly, Abigail snapped her gaze to him. "I didn’t know you were keeping count, Mr. Moore," she said, taking a sip while peering at him through her glass.
"Don’t worry, time will tell on you soon," he said with his hands crossed behind his back as his gaze settled on her drink.
Chapter 110: Basking in Sunlight by the Pool
2:00 AM.
The ride home from the masquerade ball was stiflingly silent. Olivia stared out the window, her face set in a cold, unreadable expression, while Owen, slightly intoxicated, leaned against the car door, his head lolling.
Despite the seething anger brewing in her chest from witnessing his betrayal, Olivia forced herself to endure the awkward closeness. They had arrived together, and leaving in separate cars would only invite suspicion.
When they reached the Scott Family Residence, Olivia stepped out briskly, not sparing Owen a glance as she made her way inside. The male house-help hurried to Owen’s side, helping the drunken man stagger to the bedroom he shared with her.
In the bathroom, Olivia stood in front of the mirror, the vapours clinging to its surface blurring her reflection. With a swipe of her hand, she cleared the glass, revealing her own hardened gaze staring back at her.
She caressed her growing belly and whispered darkly, "I promise, you will pay for my pain, my tears, and my humiliation, Owen. I won’t let you off so easily."
Determined, she pulled open the drawer beneath the sink, retrieving a small container of supplements from under several neatly folded towels. Lifting the lid, she shook two capsules into her hand and washed them down with water from the glass on the counter.
Glancing back at her reflection, her lips curled into a sinister smile. "You won’t see this coming," she promised through gritted teeth.
When Olivia returned to the bedroom, Owen was sprawled across the bed, snoring softly. Her eyes narrowed in disdain. "Who said you could sleep here?" she muttered under her breath, her anger bubbling to the surface.
Climbing onto the bed, Olivia positioned herself deliberately before delivering a sharp kick to his side. Owen rolled off and landed on the rugged floor with a dull thud, groaning but remaining oblivious as he mumbled incoherently in his sleep.
Satisfied, Olivia slipped under the covers and shut her eyes, blocking out his presence entirely.
---
11:00 AM.
Xander’s Residence.
Xander awoke to an empty bed, his hand instinctively reaching out for Aurora, only to be met with cool sheets. Frowning, he quickly got up, freshened himself, and headed downstairs.
"Where is my wife?" he asked the house-help setting the dining table.
"She’s at the pool, sir," the girl replied politely.
Xander tilted his head slightly. "At the pool?"
Without waiting for further clarification, he made his way to the yard through the backdoor of the main house, his steps quick but composed. Stepping outside, he spotted Aurora lounging on a sunbed near the pool, her sunglasses shielding her eyes and a business magazine resting on her flat stomach.
Xander’s eyes swept the area, noticing the discreet presence of his bodyguards stationed at various corners of the property. His brows furrowed slightly. "How could you let them see you like this?" he thought more to himself than anyone else.
Aurora, sensing his presence, turned her head toward him and took off her sunglasses. "What are you staring at?" she asked playfully as she slowly sat up.
"Nothing," Xander replied with a smile as he approached her. "I was just wondering why the sun feels so hot today."
Stopping in front of her, he bent down to capture her lips in a soft kiss. "Good morning, sweetheart."
Aurora returned his smile warmly. "Good morning," she replied enthusiastically as she closed the page of the magazine she was reading.
Xander settled into the sunbed beside her, his sharp gaze not leaving her for a moment. "How long have you been out here?" he asked, still unable to get over the fact that his bodyguards had seen his wife in a bikini first. And he did bet that Aurora had no idea about their presence otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so comfortable.
He believed that the woman he knew would never bask in the sun in a bikini knowing that other men were watching her surroundings.
"Maybe ten, thirteen minutes," Aurora replied casually, setting her magazine aside. "I wanted to swim but felt too tired to actually get in the pool."
"That’s understandable," Xander said, though his eyes flicked to the sunscreen on the table between them. Grabbing the tube, he offered, "Let me help you with this."
Aurora chuckled softly, laying down on her stomach in agreement. "If you insist."
Xander sat beside her, squeezing a dollop of sunscreen onto his palm before spreading it across her back in slow, circular motions. As his hands worked gently over her skin, two things caught his attention.
First, the way her bikini bottom rode up slightly made him tense, knowing his bodyguards were nearby. He subtly raised his hand, gesturing for them to turn their backs. Without hesitation, the guards followed his silent command.
Second, the sunscreen was smearing the knotted strap of her bikini top. Without warning, he tugged it loose, letting the fabric fall away.
Aurora gasped and started to sit up, but Xander gently pressed her back down. "Relax," he said soothingly. "I’m not doing anything crazy. The strap was in the way."
Aurora sighed, her tension easing as she rested her head back on her folded arms. "You scared the heavens out of me," she mumbled. "I’m too famished to handle any surprises right now."
Xander laughed softly, his hands continuing their careful work. "I know. But one of these days, sweetheart, we’re going to do something more exciting right here by the pool."
"What?" Aurora exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and amusement. Turning over quickly to face him, she inadvertently exposed the sides of her chest.
Xander’s eyes flicked down, following the soft curve of her movement before he bit his lip seductively. "Sweetheart," he said in a low, teasing voice, "you’re putting on quite the show for me right now."
Aurora frowned, her confusion evident. "What show are you talking about?"
His gaze lingered pointedly, and when her eyes followed, she finally understood. "You pervert!" she yelped, crossing her arms over her chest as her cheeks flushed a bright pink.