Ch. 146..150: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 146-150
Chapter 146: Olivia Tries to Take Charge
"What experiment, Abby? Can you speak plain words and explain everything at once?" Aurora demanded through gritted teeth as she lowered her voice.
She could feel Xander’s gaze on her back and was already beginning to think of ways to avoid his questions later on.
"I’ve been told a lot that I’m heartless and not capable of falling in love with anybody, so I’m trying to see if that’s true or not," Abigail explained. "Just for your information, my boyfriend knows that this is an experiment for me. And he doesn’t mind being the lab rat."
Aurora didn’t know how to react to that information but in the end, she had to say something. "Now, I don’t know if I should be happy or worried about it. You have put me in a state of confusion, Abby."
"I know, and that’s why you don’t have to worry about me. I just wanted to inform you about my plans. That’s all," Abigail assured her.
Aurora took a moment to recover from that before mentioning the invitation to her.
"Clear your schedule this weekend. We need to have fun and catch up properly and I think the best way to do it is in a group. Just come to my place, relax and enjoy from Friday."
"Let me guess, Asher Moore will be there?" Abigail probed, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Aurora admitted to her question. "Yes. He is Xander’s best friend. Is there a problem?"
"No," Abigail quickly refuted and slightly deviated from the subject. "I will be shooting on Friday at Palm Hills. I don’t know if I can make it to your place on time."
"I will let my husband make the arrangements to bring you over on time." Finally, a smile returned to Aurora’s lips. She hinted at Abigail on what to expect during this weekend together so she could pack properly.
Towards the end of their conversation, Abigail asked about the progress of finding her biological father and Aurora said they would talk about it that weekend.
After bidding goodbye to each other, Aurora hung up and put her phone away. And as soon as she turned around, she met Xander’s gaze head-on.
"Why are you staring at me?" she asked as the corner of her lips curved into a smile.
"Nothing much," Xander said as he slowly sat up on the bed. "Sometimes, I still can’t fathom how I managed to snag you."
"You deceived me into marrying you, remember?" Aurora said as she shifted to his side before settling down.
She could still remember when they first met and how well he treated her. He already knew who she was at that time and treated her with so much kindness, making her rely on him so he could marry her in the end.
"I didn’t deceive you." A sly grin appeared on Xander’s face as he grabbed her arm and pulled her into him. Immediately, they both fell on the bed together. "You felt something for me and you needed my help. So, how did I deceive you?"
Aurora slapped his chest gently as she watched him with knitted brows. "You still do not dare to admit your crime?"
"Sweetheart, I will be waiting for you to sue me if you can find any tangible evidence that I tricked you into this marriage." As Xander said that, he put his hands behind his head and looked at her with a smile that reached his eyes.
"Scammer!" Aurora accused as she sat on him and pretended to strangle him but in one swift move, he flipped her to the bed and switched their position. "Who has the power now?" he asked, looking her in the eyes as he pinned her body to the bed.
She gritted her teeth after failing to escape from his hold. Seeing as she couldn’t overpower him, she resorted to using her wits. "What is there to be proud of in physically overpowering your wife? You must be really shameless."
Xander refused to fall for her trick and said with a smirk, "Let me show you what shamelessness is." Almost immediately, he grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head with one hand and then tilted his head to the side. "This is just the beginning."
"What are you trying to do?" Aurora asked as his free hand went to her chest to cup her left boob.
"What does it look like I’m trying to do to my wife?" As Xander asked that question, he moved his hand to the rope of her night robe to undo it. "Don’t forget we have some unfinished business and this is how I plan to finish it."
As Aurora’s robe came undone, Xander pushed it out of his way and tugged the loose neckline of her inner dress so he could get a better view of her ample chest.
The way he stared at her body caused a sudden change in their mood. Instantly, Aurora relaxed under him. Fortunately, he wasn’t sitting on her with his entire body weight otherwise she would have been uncomfortable.
"Are you not going to let me participate?" Aurora inquired and immediately, a soft moan involuntarily escaped her lips as he leaned in to lick her nipple that protruded through her thin silky night dress with his tongue.
Hearing her question, Xander lifted his soft gaze. "No. I feel like torturing you tonight." And with that, he leaned in to capture her mouth in a hungry kiss.
He devoured her mouth like a man starved of sex from his wife.
---
Vintage Cellar.
The next day, Aurora arrived at work and went straight to her old office as she had an important file to review before an important meeting that morning.
She worked with her assistant, Lilian in her office and even talked about her new idea.
At the same time, Olivia trotted into the office area looking for Aurora having gone to her new office and was told that she hadn’t come in yet.
"Is my sister in her office?" She asked as soon as she saw someone leaving Aurora’s office.
"Yes, director," the person replied with a polite nod before walking past her.
Hearing that, Olivia made her way over but just as she lifted her hand to knock, she heard Aurora saying something about Fruit Punch Champagne and quickly withdrew her hand.
"What is she talking about?" she mumbled to herself. With her curiosity getting the best of her, she placed her ear on the door to listen.
On the other end, Aurora pointed at the image on the document she was holding and said to Lilian. "I’m thinking of going for the Citrus flavour."
"Why not tropical flavour?" Lilian suggested. "I think a lot of people prefer tropical fruits to citrus since it’s sweeter."
"You are right, I already had my research done," Aurora admitted. "But my goal is to deliver something different from the first version..."
Outside the door, Olivia straightened her back and glanced at the door. "You should take a break this time around," she said and walked away.
Some minutes later, every leader and head of department gathered in the conference room for a meeting chaired by Stephanie.
"Director Aurora returned from France with two new ideas. One is a fresh idea which will be talked about another time while the second idea is for the Fruit Punch Champagne." Stephanie addressed the room then turning to Aurora, she said, "Director, please talk about your proposal.
Aurora nodded at Stephanie and turned on her mic. She first talked about the ever-growing success of her Fruit Punch Champagne before sharing her idea for a new flavour.
"I decided to go with Citrus after a lot of deliberation." She mentioned a few reasons and then turned to Stephanie for her input.
"That’s not a bad idea," Stephanie said, meeting her gaze. "You used plums for the first one. Trying citrus this time around should be fun."
Just then, Olivia who had been watching and listening patiently turned on her mic and said into it, "I have an idea for Fruit Punch Champagne’s next flavour." As soon as she said that, all eyes turned to her.
"Let’s hear it," Stephanie gestured for her to go after she turned to meet her gaze. On the other hand, Aurora’s brows constricted in a frown. How dare Olivia have an idea about her product?
Being encouraged by her Aunt, Olivia smiled and turned towards the others while deliberately stealing a glance at Aurora to gauge her reaction.
"From my knowledge of dealing with fruits and flavours, I think tropical fruits which are sweeter and more flavourful will be a better bet than Citrus fruits. So, I strongly suggest that Tropical fruits be considered this time. After all, having a unique idea isn’t going to determine the success of any product. We have to consider the taste of the consumers."
Aurora’s gaze narrowed and without wasting a second, she leaned into her mic with her eyes on Oliver who had just turned to meet her gaze.
"Director Olivia, do you think I’m incompetent like others that I wouldn’t do a thorough research and market survey before presenting an idea? If you were paying attention, you would have heard me explain why I picked Citrus flavour in the first place."
Immediately, the room became charged with tension as both sisters stared daggers at each other.
Chapter 147: A Call from Vogue
Olivia leaned back in her seat, her lips curling into a smirk as she crossed one leg over the other. "I heard everything you said, and just so you know, I’m not deaf," she began, her gaze steady as she addressed the room. "My suggestions are harmless and deserve to be considered without bias."
Her words, laced with feigned innocence, shifted toward Stephanie as if hinting that their Aunt ought to remain impartial. But Aurora wasn’t one to let her sister’s antics slide.
"Director," Aurora said, her voice sharp, "Fruit Punch Champagne is my idea. You’re welcome to keep your ’harmless suggestions’ to yourself rather than impose them on me."
Olivia’s smirk deepened, enjoying the spark of anger in Aurora’s eyes. "You’re absolutely right. I don’t have the authority to impose anything on you," she conceded, her tone almost too agreeable. But before the room could settle, she leaned forward, her voice turning pointed.
"However, Fruit Punch Champagne belongs to Vintage Cellar in general, not just you even though you birthed the idea. And as a director who prioritizes the success of this company, my suggestions should hold some value. Surely that’s not too much to ask, is it?"
Her words hung in the air as she glanced around the room, letting the weight of her statement linger before her gaze landed squarely back on Aurora.
Aurora’s jaw tightened as she fought to rein in her rising frustration. She could see right through Olivia’s pretence; this wasn’t about helping the company—this was sabotage, plain and simple. Her sister’s insincerity was glaring, but Aurora reminded herself to keep her composure. She refused to let Olivia exploit any weakness.
If this sister of hers had been sincere from the beginning, she would have welcomed her idea even though they hadn’t gathered to brainstorm on a new idea in the first place.
Aurora turned to Stephanie, silently conveying her trust in their Aunt’s final decision. Stephanie, picking up on Aurora’s restraint, relaxed her own posture. "A successful product needs to explore new opportunities," Stephanie began diplomatically. "We will conduct some research and consult with the board to determine whether a Citrus or Tropical flavour would be best, though we will need to tread carefully since a tropical fruit was used in the original product."
Stephanie’s decision was tactful, aimed at diffusing tension while preserving the company’s integrity. After briefly discussing branding strategies, she ended the meeting and rescheduled a follow-up for the next day.
---
Later in Stephanie’s Office, Aurora entered, her steps purposeful, and closed the door behind her.
"Aunt, I don’t think a Tropical-flavoured champagne will work," she said, taking a seat across from Stephanie’s desk. "A single fruit keeps the identity of the champagne distinct. A Citrus flavour would preserve the champagne’s original essence, but Tropical might overwhelm it."
Stephanie listened thoughtfully, nodding as Aurora explained her reasoning. "I will take your points into consideration before finalizing anything with the board," Stephanie assured her.
Aurora studied her Aunt’s expression, finding solace in the older woman’s measured approach. If nothing else, she could trust Stephanie to put the company’s growth above personal biases.
---
As Aurora still had other things to do in her COO office, she went there first.
Sitting behind her desk, Aurora scanned her schedule. A winery visit loomed later that afternoon, but for now, she allowed herself a brief pause to collect her thoughts.
Her phone buzzed with an incoming call from a private number. Her brow furrowed as she hesitated, trying to place the unfamiliar country code. Deciding to take the call, she swiped her finger across the screen and placed the one on her ear.
"Hello, this is Rachel Lee, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Magazine, Wing City. Am I speaking with Director Aurora Swift of Vintage Cellar?"
Aurora’s heart skipped. The name rang a bell—Asher had introduced Rachel during the Fruit Punch Champagne launch, leaving her a business card and hinting at a possible feature. And now that she was on the line, Aurora thought that she must have called because of the interview. Immediately, she composed herself.
"Yes, this is Aurora Swift," she replied warmly. "Good morning, Ms. Rachel."
"Good morning, Director Swift," Rachel returned, her voice pleasant yet professional. "I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time?"
"Not at all," Aurora assured her. "I have time to spare."
"Wonderful. First, let me congratulate you on your new position as COO and the success of Fruit Punch Champagne. It’s truly remarkable," Rachel began, setting a friendly tone before diving into the purpose of her call.
Aurora listened intently, her pulse quickening as Rachel spoke about an exclusive interview and the opportunity to grace the cover of Vogue’s next issue. Though she tried to remain composed, excitement bubbled beneath the surface.
When Rachel asked for a convenient date, Aurora chose a Saturday later that month.
"Thank you for your time, Director Swift. My assistant will communicate every detail regarding the interview and shooting to you," Rachel stated.
"Thank you for the opportunity," Aurora said, her voice warm with gratitude. "I’m truly honoured."
After the call ended, Aurora leaned back, her chest brimming with pride. She couldn’t wait to share the news. Grabbing her phone, she dialled Xander.
"Hello, Sweetheart," Xander greeted, his voice filled with affection. "How’s work?"
"I’m having one of the best mornings ever," Aurora said, her excitement spilling over.
Hearing the joy in her voice, Xander chuckled. "What happened? Tell me everything."
Aurora launched into the story, recounting her conversation with Rachel Lee and the plans for the Vogue feature. Her enthusiasm was infectious.
"Congratulations, Sweetheart," Xander said proudly. "Your hard work is paying off, and I know this is just the beginning. Keep it up."
His words filled Aurora with warmth. "Thank you, Darling," she said softly.
"Tell me," Xander continued, his voice teasing, "what do you want to celebrate this milestone? Name it, and it’s yours."
Aurora laughed lightly. "I will let you know when I think of something."
"Take your time," Xander said, smiling on his end.
Before hanging up, Aurora asked for Asher’s contact to thank him personally. Xander sent it immediately, and Aurora wasted no time texting Asher her gratitude.
"Hello, Asher! This is Aurora. Rachel Lee from Vogue Magazine contacted me for an exclusive interview and a cover feature. Thank you for introducing us! I’d love to treat you to a proper meal this weekend."
Asher’s response was swift and warm. "The pleasure is all mine. Always happy to help my best friend’s wife. Have a great day."
---
Aurora couldn’t resist calling Abigail next. The moment she shared the news, Abigail’s excited squeals nearly burst her eardrum.
"Aura, this is amazing! You better not keep calm about this!" Abigail exclaimed, her joy bubbling over.
Aurora laughed, picturing her best friend’s animated expression. "I will give you all the details later. For now, I need to get back to work."
"Kisses!" Abigail said before hanging up, her enthusiasm leaving Aurora smiling long after the call ended.
With the day’s earlier frustrations forgotten, Aurora returned to her tasks with renewed vigour, her heart lighter with the anticipation of what lay ahead.
At noon, she had lunch before leaving for the winery with her assistant Lilian, to check on her new wine.
~***~
The next day at Vintage Cellar, the follow-up meeting convened in the elegantly designed boardroom. Stephanie sat at the head of the table, her presence commanding attention as the directors and staff settled in. The tension in the room was palpable, especially for Aurora, who had spent the last twenty-four hours silently bracing herself for Stephanie’s final decision.
Across the table, Olivia wore a confident smirk, her fingers lightly drumming against the polished wood. She glanced at Aurora with a mix of triumph and satisfaction, convinced she had succeeded in rattling her rival, even if only temporarily.
Stephanie cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s focus. "Thank you all for joining me today," she began, her voice calm yet authoritative. "After much deliberation with the board, we’ve reached a decision regarding Fruit Punch Champagne’s next flavour."
Aurora’s heart skipped as she leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped together under the table.
"We’ve decided to proceed with a Citrus flavour," Stephanie announced firmly, her gaze sweeping across the room. "After reviewing our market analysis, we determined that Citrus not only complements the original product but also maintains the champagne’s sophisticated essence."
Aurora’s shoulders relaxed, a wave of relief washing over her. Her idea remained intact, untainted by Olivia’s interference.
Olivia, on the other hand, balled her fists under the table, her knuckles turning white. The smile she had worn earlier was gone, replaced by a stiff expression. While the decision didn’t go her way, she found a small consolation: at least she had managed to put Aurora on edge, even if it was for just a single day.
Stephanie continued, her tone turning upbeat. "Production and advertising will commence immediately after the marketing team finalizes the label design. Let’s aim for a successful launch, just as we did with the original flavour."
Chapter 148: Something Unexpected
The room erupted in light applause. Aurora joined in, her expression calm but pleased. Olivia barely moved, her applause half-hearted as bitterness settled in her chest.
Stephanie’s expression grew more animated as she added, "Before we wrap up, there’s one more piece of news I’d like to share. We will be hosting a very special visit next week—Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Octavia, and a few other members of the royal family will be touring our winery."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the room. The prospect of a royal visit was a monumental opportunity for Vintage Cellar, and the directors exchanged eager glances.
Olivia’s lips parted into a wide grin. A royal visit could open doors for her to forge new connections, something she desperately craved. Ideas of networking and personal advancement filled her mind as Stephanie elaborated on the details.
But Stephanie’s next words shattered Olivia’s excitement. "I heard Her Royal Highness especially loves our Fruit Punch Champagne," she said, her gaze falling on Aurora. "She’s specifically requested that you, Director Aurora, give her a tour of our winery."
Aurora’s brows lifted in surprise as she instinctively pointed to herself. "Me?"
Stephanie nodded with a small smile. "Yes. Fruit Punch Champagne is your creation, and the princess herself asked for you by name."
Aurora blinked, unsure how to respond. While the news was flattering, she remained neutral. "I will do my best to make the visit worthwhile," she replied, her tone measured.
Across the table, Olivia’s chest tightened as if someone had just punched her. Her mind reeled. The Princess hasn’t even arrived, and Aurora’s already won her favour? The sting of jealousy was unbearable.
She clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms, the pain grounding her enough to hold back the tears threatening to form.
---
Back in her office, Aurora leaned back in her chair and tapped her fingers thoughtfully on her desk. "Lilian," she called. Moments later, her assistant appeared at the door.
"Yes, ma’am?"
"Get me a family chart of the Royal Family of Octavia," Aurora instructed.
Lilian nodded and left, returning a few minutes later with a neatly printed document. "Here you go, ma’am."
Aurora took the chart and scanned it, her eyes lingering on the photos of the main members of the royal family. Her gaze rested on the Princess Royal, her elegant features radiating grace and authority.
Aurora noted her name, age, and a few personal details, all while wondering, Is my champagne really that popular to attract the attention of royalty?
---
That evening, Aurora returned home and headed straight to the shower to wash off the day. Afterward, she made her way to the in-house glass flower garden, a tranquil space where she often retreated to think.
She sat amidst the vibrant blooms, nibbling on fresh fruit while her tablet displayed more information about the Royal Family of Octavia.
When Xander arrived home, he handed his jacket to the butler and his briefcase to Liam before asking, "Where’s my wife?"
"In the flower garden, sir," the butler replied.
Xander smiled faintly, thanked him, and made his way outside. As he approached the glass structure, he caught sight of Aurora seated amidst the blossoms, her focus on the tablet in her hand.
"Sweetheart," he called warmly, stepping inside.
Aurora looked up and smiled as he approached. He leaned down to kiss her lips, his gesture soft and unhurried. "How was your day?"
"Eventful," Aurora admitted with a chuckle.
Xander’s gaze fell on the tablet in her lap. "The Royal Family of Octavia?" he asked, his brow lifting in curiosity. "What sparked your interest in them?"
Aurora explained how the princess liked her champagne and even reached out to Vintage Cellar.
"Victoria?" Xander asked, his tone unreadable as he tilted his head.
Aurora’s smile faded, and she narrowed her eyes. "You know her personally?"
Xander hesitated before nodding slowly. "Yes. Sweetheart, she’s my ex-girlfriend."
The air in the garden grew heavy with stunned silence. Aurora stared at him, her heart thudding in her chest as the revelation sank in.
"You dated the Royal Princess of Octavia?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and apprehension.
Xander nodded again, his expression serious. "It was a long time ago before I met you."
Aurora set the tablet aside, her emotions swirling. The calm she had felt moments ago was replaced with a whirlwind of confusion and unease. She met Xander’s gaze, waiting for him to explain further, but his silence spoke volumes.
Aurora finally broke the silence, her voice steady but sharp. "This royal visit just got a lot more complicated."
"What Royal visit?" Xander inquired immediately, his tone calm but edged with curiosity as he slowly settled down next to her, his gaze searching hers.
Aurora set her tablet down and met his eyes. "The Princess Royal of Octavia likes my Fruit Punch Champagne and has requested a personal tour of our winery during her visit next week. Aunt Stephanie announced it during the meeting this morning."
Xander’s brows furrowed slightly, his thoughts turning inward as he wondered if the Princess had a hidden motive for liking Aurora’s Fruit Punch Champagne and wanting to make a personal visit. He mulled over that possibility.
Noticing his silence, Aurora tilted her head. "You’re deep in thought. Does her request seem odd to you?"
Xander shook his head slowly but didn’t immediately respond. Instead, Aurora leaned forward, her curiosity now piqued. "Xander, what was your relationship with her like? Why did you break up?"
His jaw tightened momentarily before he sighed, leaning back on the couch. "We had different views about life. She didn’t understand me most of the time, and we argued often. It became exhausting, and I ended it. We haven’t spoken since."
Aurora studied him, her expression neutral, though her heart swelled slightly at his admission. "Did she know about your... other life?" she asked cautiously.
"Only that I worked for the government," Xander admitted his tone even. "She never knew anything beyond that."
Aurora nodded, a small wave of satisfaction washing over her. ’I know more about him than she ever did,’ she thought, inwardly relieved.
Still, a troubling thought lingered in her mind. "You don’t think the Princess is still hung up on you, do you?"
Xander turned to her, his lips quirking into a faint smirk. "Should I be worried about that?"
"Should I?" Aurora countered, arching a brow.
"I can’t control her emotions," Xander replied matter-of-factly. "But whatever she feels is irrelevant. My life is with you now."
Aurora allowed herself a soft smile, though the seed of doubt remained. She would have to wait until the Princess arrived to understand the reason she was really invested in her champagne.
~***~
Friday arrived quickly, and Asher found himself on the way to pick up Abigail. She had given him the location of her film set, nestled on the outskirts of Wing City’s capital towl in Palm Hills.
Opting for speed, Asher took his private helicopter, flying across the city skyline before switching to a car to cover the final stretch.
When he arrived, the filming site sprawled out before him—a bustling hive of cameras, crew, and actors. Parking his car at a distance, Asher retrieved his binoculars to get a better look.
Through the lens, he spotted Abigail in the middle of a scene, her poised demeanour shining as she engaged with her co-actor. His gaze lingered as she leaned in to kiss the man for the scene. Asher’s expression remained unreadable, though his fingers tightened slightly on the binoculars.
He put the binoculars away, pulling out his phone to text her. I’m here at the parking lot. Come whenever you’re ready. Without waiting for a reply, he started the car and drove to a quieter spot.
---
Abigail hurried to the parking lot a while later, her gaze scanning for Asher. The moment she spotted his sleek car, its window rolled down slightly, she broke into a smile and approached.
Asher stepped out, taking her small travel luggage and stowing it in the back seat. "You’re here quickly," Abigail remarked as she slid into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. "Did you drive all the way here, or—"
Asher interrupted her with a faint smile. "Let’s just say I had my ways."
As they drove, he cast her a sidelong glance. "I saw you kissing your co-actor earlier," he commented, his tone light but probing. "How do actors manage that without getting... emotionally involved?"
Abigail chuckled, her fingers brushing her hair away from her face. "It wasn’t always easy. When I started, I’d either feel awkward or, sometimes, even develop a crush. But over time, I learned to separate work from emotions. Now, it’s just business."
"Just business?" Asher pressed, his eyes flicking to her briefly.
"Yes," Abigail replied firmly. "I see it as part of my job and nothing more."
He smirked, unconvinced. "So, you’re saying you can kiss a man like that and not feel even a spark of emotion?"
Abigail turned to him with a mischievous smile. "Do you doubt me?"
Asher shrugged, his gaze steady on the road. "Maybe a little."
"Want me to prove it?" Abigail challenged, a glint of mischief lighting her eyes.
Caught off guard, Asher spared her a sceptical glance. "You’re serious?"
"Dead serious," Abigail replied, her voice laced with amusement. "Pull over, and I will show you."
Curiosity got the better of him, and Asher complied, easing the car to a stop at the side of the road.
Before he could say another word, Abigail unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned over, and captured his lips in a kiss. Her soft lips moved against his, confident and unyielding.
Chapter 149: Proving A Point
Asher froze, completely stunned by her boldness. By the time she pulled back and settled into her seat, he was still processing what had just happened.
"There," Abigail said with a satisfied grin. "Point proven."
Asher stared at her, his brows furrowed. "Are you out of your mind? You kissed me out of nowhere!"
"Didn’t I do it well?" Abigail teased, blinking at him innocently. "On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate it?"
Asher muttered something under his breath, shaking his head as he restarted the car. "What a crazy woman," he said, though his tone betrayed a mix of irritation and amusement.
Abigail smirked, leaning back in her seat as they continued their journey.
---
When they reached the park where Asher had left his helicopter, Abigail’s eyes widened in surprise. "So, this is how you got to my set so fast," she said, watching as a staff member retrieved her luggage.
"You thought I drove here?" Asher retorted, the faint annoyance in his voice reminding her he was still miffed about the kiss.
Abigail chuckled. "Well, thank you for coming to get me, even if it was with a helicopter."
Asher shot her a look but said nothing as they walked toward the waiting aircraft. Inside, Abigail’s grin widened as the memory of her bold move replayed in her mind, while Asher silently wondered how he had let himself get caught off guard.
---
The evening air carried a faint chill when Abigail and Asher finally arrived at Aurora and Xander’s estate. Soft lights illuminated the expansive driveway as the butler greeted them with a warm nod, efficiently collecting their suitcases and escorting them to their guest bedrooms.
"This way, madam," the butler gestured to the first room for Abigail.
Abigail glanced back at Asher with a teasing smirk. "Don’t miss me too much."
"Not a chance," Asher replied dryly, stepping into the adjacent room.
After a quick freshen-up, both guests made their way to the living room. Abigail arrived first. Moments later, Asher joined her, adjusting the sleeves of his shirt with casual grace.
Just as they started to chat, Aurora and Xander entered, their hands interlinked. Aurora’s face lit up at the sight of her best friend, and she rushed forward to embrace Abigail.
"Aura, I’m so glad you’ve recovered!" Abigail exclaimed as she pulled back to study her friend. "You look so much healthier now." She was genuinely happy that her friend had recovered as the last time they met was two weeks after the brain surgery. And Aurora was completely out of it.
Aurora chuckled, her smile warm. "All thanks to you and everyone who kept me going. It’s good to see you again."
Xander greeted Asher with a brotherly hug, patting him on the back. "Thanks for bringing her."
"I was free," Asher replied with a nonchalant shrug, masking the effort he had made to rearrange his schedule.
Xander led the way outside to a beautifully arranged candlelit dinner by the pool. Tiny fairy lights hung from trees, and the soft glow of lanterns reflected off the water, creating a serene ambience. Abigail’s jaw dropped as she took it all in.
"This is exactly the kind of treatment I need right now," she declared, pulling out a chair for herself before anyone could offer.
Xander pulled out a chair for Aurora, ensuring she was settled comfortably before taking his own seat at the head of the table.
The four of them chatted over the clinking of glasses and the occasional scrape of cutlery. Abigail suggested a future vacation, perhaps on a yacht.
"Good idea," Aurora agreed, her eyes twinkling.
"Asher has a yacht," Xander revealed casually.
Abigail turned to Asher, her grin playful. "Now, that’s interesting."
Asher raised a brow but said nothing, taking a sip of his wine.
As the evening unfolded, Aurora observed the subtle changes in Abigail and Asher’s relationship. They were calmer, almost friendly—an unusual shift from their usual bickering.
"It seems like you’ve finally reconciled your differences," Aurora remarked, smiling knowingly. "I’m happy for you both."
"Of course! After all, you turned him into my chauffeur," Abigail quipped, her tone lighthearted but her smirk mischievous.
Laughter rippled across the table, but the moment was cut short when the sharp crack of a gunshot echoed faintly in the distance. Aurora and Abigail froze while Xander and Asher exchanged knowing glances.
The sound repeated, louder this time, and Abigail visibly flinched. Her brows furrowed as she looked around. "What was that?"
Aurora was quick to mask the situation, her expression neutral. "It’s just our security team. They do this occasionally as part of their drills." She turned to Xander, her voice calm but firm. "Darling, could you ask them to keep it down? We have guests tonight."
Xander nodded immediately, pulling out his phone to text Liam.
Asher, however, coughed awkwardly and sent Xander a sly text. "Your wife just saved you. Why do I feel like you’re in trouble?"
Xander shot him a sidelong glance, typing back. "Pray she doesn’t bring it up later. If she does, I’m doomed."
"Go to bed early. Case closed," Asher suggested with a smirk.
"And if she remembers in the morning?"
"Confess your sins, and apologize to her," Asher replied before putting his phone away, thoroughly amused.
---
Meanwhile, at the Swift residence, Olivia sat in the dimly lit bedroom, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She had spent the evening avoiding questions from her mother-in-law about Owen’s whereabouts, lying through gritted teeth about his work obligations.
But immediately after she entered their bedroom, she tried calling Owen, but he didn’t pick up. She tried his number a few times more and in the end, the call went to voicemail.
A few seconds after that, her phone buzzed suddenly, and her heart leapt, but it wasn’t a call. Instead, it was a text from Owen: "Stop calling. I won’t be home tonight."
Anger flared in her chest, her hands trembling as she stared at the screen. "Irresponsible fool," she muttered.
A sharp cramp in her lower belly made her gasp. She clutched her bump, her face twisting in pain. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she whispered desperately, "Not now. Please, not now. Stay in there. It’s not time yet."
The pain gradually subsided, leaving Olivia drained but resolute. She refused to let her useless husband ruin her plans for the future.
---
Back at Xander’s estate, morning broke with the sound of chirping birds. Xander and Asher were out for a brisk run along the estate’s winding paths.
As they jogged, Asher broke the silence. "Do you know how crazy Abigail is?"
Xander raised a brow but kept running. "What did she do this time?"
"She kissed me," Asher said flatly.
Xander stopped abruptly, staring at him in disbelief. "You’re telling me, as a trained agent, you had no idea she was about to kiss you?"
"I was distracted! I let my guard down," Asher defended, though the flush on his cheeks betrayed him.
Xander gave him a thumbs-up. "Nice one," he said and resumed running.
"Is that all you’re going to say?" Asher huffed, running to catch up.
"I have nothing more to add since it seems you enjoyed it," Xander quipped.
Asher glared at him, his lips twitching in annoyance.
Meanwhile, in the in-house garden, Abigail recounted the same incident to Aurora, who stared at her in wide-eyed disbelief.
"Abby, are you insane? What if he had dragged you out of his car?" Aurora scolded.
Abigail shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I lost my mind for a moment. Besides, I’m a professional actress. I covered it up well."
Aurora wasn’t letting her off so easily. "You hated the man not too long ago. Now, you’re kissing him?"
Abigail grinned sheepishly. "What can I say? I’m unpredictable."
Aurora pushed her away playfully, muttering, "You’re impossible."
---
By breakfast, the group sat around the table, the morning sunlight filtering through the windows. Abigail requested vinegar, puzzling everyone.
When it arrived, she mixed three spoons into a glass of water and downed it without flinching.
Asher raised a brow. "What on earth is that for?"
"Digestion, a flat tummy, and gut health," Abigail replied smugly.
Asher leaned back, crossing his arms. "Are you going to prove it by lifting your top like how you kissed me yesterday to make a point?"
The room fell silent. Aurora and Xander exchanged weary glances before shaking their heads in unison.
"I think we should ignore them," Aurora whispered to Xander, who nodded in agreement.
---
Later, at the pool, Abigail strutted out in a bikini, catching Asher’s eye.
"Why are you dressed in ropes and straps? This isn’t a beach," he muttered.
"If it bothers you, stop staring," Abigail shot back, grabbing her sunscreen. "Unless you want me to prove another point."
Asher scoffed, walking away. "Not a chance."
Aurora, floating lazily in the pool, sighed. "They’re at it again."
Xander smirked. "Let’s agree to stay out of it. They will figure it out... eventually."
Chapter 150: A Shocking Loss
The Scott Family’s Private Residence.
The faint hum of Olivia’s phone vibrating against the polished surface of her nightstand broke the silence of her bedroom. She glanced at the screen, her brows knitting together as she read the message:
"Owen’s at Skylight Nightclub partying with a woman. I thought you should know."
Her jaw tightened, and anger surged through her veins. Tossing the phone onto the bed, she grabbed her jacket and bag and stormed out of the room.
"Get the car ready!" she ordered the chauffeur as she stepped outside, her heels clicking against the stone driveway.
The car ride was tense. Olivia sat stiffly, her fists clenched in her lap, her mind replaying the humiliation she had endured at Owen’s hands. Tonight, she would not stay silent.
---
Skylight Nightclub was alive with strobe lights and deafening music. Olivia pushed past the crowd, her gaze scanning the room until she found a bouncer near the VIP section.
"I’m looking for Owen Scott. Where is he?" she demanded.
The bouncer hesitated before pointing toward a door. Olivia marched toward it, but another bouncer at the VIP door stepped in her path.
"You can’t go in," he said firmly, blocking her way.
Olivia’s glare was sharp enough to cut through steel. "My husband is in there," she snapped. "Let me through."
The bouncer didn’t budge.
"Do you even know who I am?" Olivia hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "Can you handle the consequences of stopping me?"
Her words made him pause. Reluctantly, he stepped aside and opened the door.
---
The VIP room was a haze of dim lighting, pulsing music, and the murmured conversations of socialites. But Olivia’s focus narrowed instantly on Owen. He was standing by the bar, his arm wrapped around a woman in a sequined dress. The sight made Olivia’s blood boil.
She stormed toward him, her steps deliberate and heavy. Owen’s back was to her, but the woman caught sight of Olivia’s furious approach too late.
Without hesitation, Olivia grabbed the woman by the arm and slapped her hard across the face. The loud crack of the slap cut through the music, silencing the chatter in the room.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. A social media influencer in the corner discreetly started recording the scene on her phone, her lips curving into a smirk at the drama unfolding before her eyes.
Owen turned, startled by the commotion, only for his surprise to shift into anger when he saw Olivia.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he shouted, stepping between his mistress and his wife. He held the other woman protectively, his hand checking her reddened cheek. "Who gave you the right to hit her?"
Olivia’s fury only grew at his words. "The right?" she spat. "You’re asking me about rights? I’m your wife! You’re openly cheating on me, your pregnant wife, in public! Do you have no shame? Do you want to be the headline of every gossip blog tomorrow? You are just a spoiled, worthless bastard with no self-control!"
"Enough!" Owen snapped, his brows furrowing as his voice lowered dangerously. "If you’re so tired of me, stop bothering about my affairs."
But Olivia wasn’t done. She glared at him, her voice rising. "You have no right to do this to me! I have been faithful to you, and all you do is humiliate me over and over again. You’re a disgusting excuse for a man!"
Her gaze flicked to the mistress still clinging to Owen’s side. Rage flared anew, and she lunged toward the woman, her hand raised to strike again.
Owen caught her wrist mid-air, his grip firm as he pushed her back. "Enough!" he roared, his face a mask of fury.
The force of the push sent Olivia stumbling backwards. She tripped on the edge of a carpet and fell toward a low wooden table in the centre of the room. The edge of the table struck her stomach hard, and she collapsed onto the floor with a pained gasp.
A horrified silence fell over the room as someone screamed, "Blood! She’s bleeding!"
Owen spun around, his eyes widening in shock as he saw the red stain spreading on the floor beneath Olivia.
"My baby!" Olivia cried, clutching her stomach, her voice strained and trembling. "Please, save my baby!"
Panic surged through Owen. He dropped to his knees beside her, shouting her name as he tried to help her up. His mistress tugged at his arm, her voice frantic. "Owen, do something!"
"Call an ambulance!" he yelled, his voice cracking.
The influencer recording the scene whispered to herself, "This just got real," as she kept filming.
---
At the hospital, Olivia was rushed into surgery. Owen paced the hallway, his shirt stained with her blood, his mind reeling with guilt and fear.
Minutes later, Stella arrived in a flurry of panicked steps. The moment she spotted Owen, her eyes blazed with fury.
Without a word, she raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
"Pray nothing happens to my daughter or my grandson," she seethed, her finger trembling as she pointed it at him. "Otherwise, I will destroy you and your entire family!"
Owen didn’t say a word. He couldn’t. His mind replayed the horrifying image of Olivia bleeding, her anguished cries echoing in his ears.
---
Fifteen minutes later, the light above the operating room door flicked off.
Stella and Owen rushed to the doctor as he stepped out in his scrubs, his face somber.
"How is she?" Owen asked, his voice strained.
"Doctor, what about my daughter?" Stella pressed, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
The doctor sighed heavily before replying. "Olivia is stable now. She lost a lot of blood, but she’s out of immediate danger."
As the nurses wheeled Olivia out on a stretcher, Stella stepped forward, her eyes brimming with tears. She stopped them briefly, taking Olivia’s hand in hers.
"My baby," Stella whispered, her voice cracking. "Mum is so sorry."
Owen stood back, watching helplessly as they wheeled Olivia away.
Just before the stretcher disappeared down the corridor, Stella turned back to the doctor. "And the baby? What about my grandson? Is he all right?"
Owen took a step closer, his breath hitching as he waited for the answer.
The doctor’s grave expression deepened. He released another heavy sigh, his silence loud enough to shatter their fragile hopes.
~***~
The next morning, Tea Time Gossip blog released a detailed article regarding what had transpired between Olivia and Owen at the club, sending netizens into shock.
---
"The Latest Scandal: Olivia Swift and Owen Scott’s Explosive Nightclub Drama
The gilded facade of the Scott family has cracked once again, and this time, Tea Time Gossip is serving the piping-hot tea you won’t want to miss. Last night, an unassuming evening at Skylight Nightclub turned into a spectacle that has left Wing City buzzing with shock and scandal. The main players? None other than Olivia Swift, the glamorous yet increasingly embattled wife of Owen Scott, and the scandal-plagued heir of the Scott fortune.
According to our exclusive sources, the night took a dramatic turn when Olivia stormed into the VIP section of the nightclub unannounced, her presence like a storm ready to wreck havoc. Dressed impeccably, but with fury blazing in her eyes, Olivia confronted Owen, who was seen in an intimate embrace with a mystery woman. What followed was a jaw-dropping confrontation that has social media spinning with speculations.
The Slap That Shook Skylight
Eyewitnesses claim Olivia didn’t waste a second making her point. In a move straight out of a high-octane drama, she slapped Owen’s companion across the face, stunning onlookers and halting conversations mid-sentence. Phones were whipped out faster than champagne bottles popped, with one social media influencer capturing the entire scene.
But Olivia didn’t stop there. Fuelled by what insiders describe as "pure, righteous rage," she lashed out at Owen in front of his entourage, calling him a "worthless cheating bastard" and berating him for his lack of decency and responsibility as a husband and father-to-be.
A Tragic Turn
As the verbal sparring escalated, things took a devastating turn. In a chaotic struggle, Olivia reportedly stumbled backwards, hitting her stomach against a solid wood table. Gasps filled the room as blood pooled beneath her, sending the crowd into panic.
Our sources reveal that Olivia was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. While the exact details of her injuries remain under wraps, an anonymous insider claims that the incident tragically resulted in the loss of her unborn child.
Heartbreaking Aftermath
The whispers in Wing City don’t stop there. A close confidant of the Swift family hinted at an even more devastating possibility: that Olivia may face difficulties conceiving in the future. This revelation, if true, could mark a turning point in the already strained relationship between Olivia and Owen.
Public Fallout
The scandal has already set social media ablaze. Clips from the night are circulating online, painting a grim picture of the couple’s fractured marriage. Some users are rallying behind Olivia, applauding her for standing up to Owen’s alleged infidelities. Others, however, have been less forgiving, criticizing her for airing her grievances so publicly and accusing her of not handling the situation more discreetly.
As for Owen, the silence from the Scott family has been deafening. Neither he nor his representatives have released a statement, leaving the public to speculate on the fallout.
The Bigger Question
What does this mean for Olivia and Owen? Will their already fragile marriage survive this storm? Or has this incident pushed them past the point of no return?
Tea Time Gossip will keep its ears to the ground and its teacups ready to spill. Stay tuned for updates on this ever-unfolding drama.
For now, all we can say is this: in the glitzy world of Wing City, not all that glitters is gold."
~Tea Time.