Ch. 1..5: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 1-5

Chapter 1: The Greatest Betrayal

"Hey, Aurora! I have been meaning to tell you this all along. I no longer see a future in our relationship. You are holding me back, and I don't love you enough to continue.

Don't bother reaching out to me. I have already moved on with someone bigger and better, who understands me.

Congratulations on your first LIVE interview by the way."

Aurora stared at her phone screen, her heart sinking with each passing second as she stared at the message her boyfriend had sent.

She had just finished removing her makeup in the powder room after her first business interview and decided to check her phone when she saw the text from Owen.

Aurora's vision blurred as tears flooded her eyes. She felt like she had been punched in the gut. Five years, gone. The memories, laughter, and their future together – all discarded like trash with just a simple text.

How could he do this to them?

Aurora quickly dialled Owen's number, her heart thumping furiously. The phone rang once and went straight to voicemail. She tried it a few more times and got the same result. Owen had blacklisted her.

Before she could process it, her phone rang. Her best friend's name flashed on the screen and she immediately slid her shaky finger across the screen to answer her call.

"Aurora, I have something to tell you," Abigail said, her voice laced with urgency. "Owen's getting engaged to Olivia tonight! Susu congratulated them on their engagement on her Instagram story! You know, that new social media influencer I talked to you about?"

Aurora's world crumbled further. Engagement? Tonight?

The thought of her boyfriend and her half-sister going behind her back to have a relationship was something Aurora never imagined.

Olivia was very good at snatching opportunities from her but never had she snatched a person from her life. But the breakup text from Owen suggested that he might just be her first successful attempt.

The nerve of him to two-time her and pick her sister for that matter instead of any other woman out there. And to think he casually sent her a breakup text when he was already getting engaged.

That bastard!

Aurora ground her teeth. "Where is the location?" she demanded, already on her feet and grabbing her bag from the vanity table.

"Garden City Hotel Ballroom, downtown. But Aurora, please—"

Aurora hung up, already racing toward her car.

Twenty minutes later, Aurora arrived at the Garden City Hotel Ballroom. She took a deep breath and stepped out of her car, her eyes scanning the entrance. A red carpet led to the venue, flanked by security guards, and she quickly made her way over. But surprisingly, her path was blocked.

"Why won't you let me in?" Aurora asked the two men in black with white earpieces in their ears. They stood tall checking the invites of the other guests and letting them in except for her.

"Don't you know who I am? Olivia is my sister!" Aurora felt a sour taste in her mouth as soon as she addressed that evil human as her sister. But what could she do? She just wanted to make her way inside by any means.

Just as she was about to plead again, her stepmother stepped out through the doors with an irritated look on her smooth face. The lack of frown lines on her face indicated the several botox injections and facelift treatments she had received.

Stella Swift, 55 years old, was dressed in expensive attire from head to toe and not even a single strand of her hair was out of place.

"You are not welcome here. Your presence is a nuisance. Go back to the slums where you belong!" Stella barked as her annoyed gaze raked Aurora from her head to her feet before stopping at her face.

It took everything in Aurora not to lose her mind and scream out her anger and frustration to her face. At first, she had come to the hotel for the benefit of the doubt but to her greatest shock, the adulterous couple were really having a feast behind those doors.

And there was her stepmother, the headline sponsor of the greatest betrayal that had befallen her.

"Did you know about Olivia dating my boyfriend?" Aurora asked carefully through gritted teeth.

"Yes, I did." The corner of Stella's lips lifted in a smirk. "I encouraged her to snatch him from you. Now, get lost!"

With a cocky smile, Stella cast her glance at the bodyguards. "If this woman here dares to cause trouble, drag her out and call the police."

Aurora watched in frustrated misery as Stella went back into the hall.

Her heart bled with excruciating pain and tears welled in her eyes. Her stepmother had never been nice to her, but this was beyond anything she had ever done!

"Would you like to go in with me?" Suddenly, a deep male voice offered kindly.

Aurora slowly turned around to see the stunningly tall handsome man with piercing blue eyes staring at her. At first glance, she was instantly bewitched.

As if under a spell, Aurora nodded. "Yes, please," she said and quickly moved to stand next to him.

"She's with me," the man said to the men blocking the door as the younger man he came with moved to pass their invitation card to them and immediately, the doors opened to them.

Not even a glance or a word was uttered by the security men to Aurora. And these were the same men who had adhered to her stepmother's instruction by keeping her locked out.

As Aurora stepped through the doors, she pondered over the identity of this man who seemed to have so much authority in the palm of his hands.

Soon, the loud cheers and the clapping of hands attracted Aurora's attention to the stage. She watched her boyfriend of five years cup her half-sister's face and capture her lips softly.

Owen had never kissed her so gently. He always attacked her lips without mercy as if he was at war with them. Yet, he held Olivia as though she was a delicate flower.

A hot tear slipped from the corner of her left eye. She was late. Owen and Olivia were already engaged, and she could do nothing about it.

Aurora watched in agony as those two people separated and stared lovingly into each other's eyes. She felt her heart tearing into a million pieces. She was an emotional wreck as her eyes turned red, with a mixture of pain and anger coursing through her veins.

Aurora couldn't stand the scene any longer and backed away. However, as she turned around, she met head-on with a waiter carrying two trays of champagne flutes. She was too late to avoid the collision and directly bumped his elbows.

The crystal flutes toppled and released the golden liquid and the loud sound of shattering glass on the floor.

Instantly, all heads turned in Aurora's direction.

 

Chapter 2: Her Scum Boyfriend's Uncle

Aurora's face burned in shame. She wished she could disappear.

Olivia and Owen choked back their surprise at her presence. They were not expecting her; she was supposed to be doing her interview right now! They quickly turned their nervous gaze away, in search of someone.

The guests began whispering amongst themselves having recognized Aurora. Some remembered that she used to be with Owen Scott. Come to think of it, there was never a breakup scandal between the two. Their eyes widened as they looked back and forth, soaking up the drama.

Stella ground her teeth seeing Aurora inside the hall and trying to disrupt her daughter's celebratory atmosphere.

'Who the hell let her in?!' She thought to herself as she marched towards her.

"I'm so sorry!" Aurora quickly apologized and didn't dare to relax with so many pairs of eyes fixed on her back.

"Are you all right?" a man's smooth voice automatically cut through the turmoil in Aurora's head.

She slowly locked her gaze with him and was surprised to see the same man who had helped her gain entrance, back at her side and this time around, offering his handkerchief.

"Thank you." Her fingers brushed against his, sending heat up her cheeks as she took the crisp cotton fabric and dabbed the back of her hand where the golden liquid left a trace.

When she was done, she lifted her head, her gaze softening into an apologetic smile, realizing his handkerchief was stained now. "I'm so sorry," she said, her voice barely a whisper as she handed it to him.

"It's fine," he said, stuffing it inside his inner jacket pocket before sticking out his right hand to introduce himself while maintaining eye contact with her. "I'm Xander Scott."

Aurora hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. "I'm Aurora Swift." Her small soft hand contrasted his large warm hand. She liked how it made her feel safe and protected.

Xander's expression remained calm, but his piercing blue eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, hinting a subtle smile. "I am delighted to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is mine," she replied as he released her hand and immediately, she missed his warmth.

"I'm so sorry about the mess," she continued, gesturing to the shattered glass and spilt champagne. Xander waved his hand dismissively. "Accidents happen. You're shaken. Take a deep breath."

Aurora inhaled, feeling a fraction of her tension dissipate under Xander's soothing tone as he led her away from the mess.

She was still basking in his kindness when suddenly, Stella appeared in front of them with two men in black. Instantly, the warmth in her eyes disappeared.

"Apologies, Mister, for the disturbance my stepdaughter has caused. I'll ensure she doesn't trouble you further," Stella said, her tone dripping with forced politeness as she attempted to curry favour with Xander, whose calm yet commanding presence intimidated her.

"It's fine. She is with me," Xander stated, fixing a strong gaze on Stella who had no choice but to back away, but not without giving Aurora a death stare.

Aurora released a deep sigh of relief as she quickly turned to Xander. "Thank you so much."

"Will you be fine on your own?" He asked, looking at her with worry.

"Yes," Aurora managed a smile. "Thanks to you, no one will throw me out."

With her words, Xander gave a nod and returned to his table.

She, on the other hand, wasn't going to leave without giving those two scums a piece of her mind.

When her gaze found them again, they had three bodyguards following them as they marched toward the VIP tables to greet their guests.

'Cowards!' Aurora spat, knowing the reason those two had people following them around.

Owen took Olivia straight to Xander's table. His tone was filled with respect and admiration that Aurora had never seen from him before, especially as he made introductions. "Babe, meet my uncle, Xander Scott. He recently returned to take over our family's tech company."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Scott! I had no idea that Owen had such a handsome young uncle!" Olivia gushed as she reached out her hand for a handshake, but Xander refused to take it, only giving her a casual nod.

Stella who overheard the introduction immediately came over to make her presence known. "Thank you for coming," she said, sounding overly familiar as she assessed Xander with eyes narrowed.

"Owen is family," Xander said curtly like it would kill him to add a few words.

After realizing Xander Scott's identity and the fact that he was unmarried, Stella wished regrettably that he had shown up on time so she and Olivia would have aimed for him instead of his nephew as she could tell that he was a hundred times more valuable than Owen.

On the other hand, Aurora, who had been listening to their conversation, widened her eyes in shock. It turned out that the man who had helped her earlier was her scum boyfriend's uncle.

Aurora refused to take her eyes off the cheating couple and finally, they decided to make their way towards her while acting all loved-up with arms linked, intending to inflict emotional pain on her.

"There you are, sister!" Olivia raised her glass of champagne to her. "Why do you look so uptight? You are here for me and Owen's engagement, not your mother's funeral."

If it weren't for the fact that Aurora arrived with Xander Scott of all people, Olivia would've wanted her gone as soon as possible. However, since she was here, Olivia might as well come to gloat in her face.

Something snapped in Aurora and she took a step forward before she could think about it and immediately, the bodyguards Olivia and Owen had surrounded themselves with took a step as well.

Olivia clicked her tongue. "I would be mindful if I were you."

The security team had a role to play with the smug smile on Olivia's lips and the confident look on Owen's face.

"You will regret hurting me," Aurora said, her eyes were cold and sharp.

Olivia leaned into Owen properly and lightly brushed her big boobs on his chest with a pout on her lips as if asking him to defend her.

It's now that Aurora understood this context 'I have already moved on with someone bigger and better' in Owen's message having seen Olivia's exposed cleavage from her white dress. And she bets the blind fool doesn't know it's all plastic.

Olivia was just 23, yet had such a voluptuous figure for someone her age, all thanks to the BBL surgeries she embarked on in the past.

She was just an insecure brat obsessed with keeping up with societal beauty standards just like her mother. While Stella believed ageing was shameful and had to be covered up, Olivia was convinced that a banging body was all she needed to attract and keep any man she wanted.

"Aurora, I understand you are very mad about the timing of the breakup text but you can't blame me for it as I was busy chasing my dream woman," Owen stated. "At least I was human enough to break up with you before slipping the ring into your sister's finger."

Aurora stood, slightly agape, wanting nothing more than to curse his soul out. "W-What?"

"Move on, Aurora!" Olivia suddenly leaned away from Owen, looking slightly pissed. "Do you think you deserve someone like Owen or your current position in Dad's company?! You really have no idea, do you?"

Aurora simply thought Olivia was just spewing gibberish to upset her and no longer wanted to continue their conversation. She had a more important goal to pursue.

Therefore, overlooking her rudeness she said, "Wait until Dad comes back."

Olivia's eyes flashed with fury. As Aurora turned, her eyes caught the trail of her dress and without thinking twice about it, she stepped on it with her stiletto, and the sound of fabric ripping echoed around them.

 

Chapter 3: Spiking Her Drink

Aurora paused for a moment as the sound of ripping fabric reached her ears.

At first, she didn't want to believe it was her dress, but the collective gasps and sharp inhale of air around her, plus the chill she felt under her thighs suggested otherwise. Immediately, she spun around.

"You!" Aurora accused, her voice, seething with rage.

"Oops!" Olivia clasped her mouth. "I'm so sorry," she said, eyeing her tentatively, but she wasn't sorry at all. "I think you should go fix your dress before you flash everyone your thighs," she pointed out.

Aurora's cheeks burned with humiliation as she awkwardly grasped the torn fabric and hurried to the bathroom.

She was breathing heavily by the time she got into one of the stalls and locked it.

"That fucking idiot!" Aurora cursed as she took off her dress and examined the extent of the damage. The tear was long. Thankfully, she could do something about it and go back to the party.

Aurora opened her purse and searched through the pile of random knick-knacks for a needle and thread.

Fortunately, the ruffles on her dress from the waist down would conceal any sloppy stitching. She only needed to mind her steps.

Ten minutes later, Aurora stepped back into the hall. She found Xander chatting with someone and noticed an empty chair to his right before making her way over with all the confidence she could muster.

"Mr. Scott," She called lightly and came into his view.

"Ms. Swift." Xander's face relaxed into a warm smile. Excusing himself from the other guest, he offered her the empty seat next to him. He had been scanning the room for her, and her presence at his table was a reassuring surprise.

"Thank you." Aurora's face lit up with a smile as she settled herself next to him. "I hope you don't mind my presence."

"I would never," Xander chuckled softly. "What do you want for dessert?" He asked, picking up the menu. He looked ready to order whatever she wanted.

Aurora shook her head. He cocked his head to the side, closing the menu. "You don't want anything?" She nodded.

Xander nudged his plate of dessert toward her, his eyes sparkling with persuasion. "Try this mini blueberry mousse cake." Meeting her curious gaze, he added, "If you don't mind, I've only had a bite, but I think you will enjoy it."

Aurora beamed, thinking that she shouldn't disappoint his kind gesture, she picked up the new fork and took a small bite of the dessert. Immediately, her eyes sparkled with delight.

"I knew you would like it." Xander looked satisfied.

Aurora had a few more bites. "Sweets really help with the stress."

Xander chuckled heartily. "That seems to be the case," he mused. He seemed to be enjoying her company.

"I must admit, I don't like sweets much, however," Xander confessed. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket before using it to dab clean the mousse clinging onto Aurora's lips. "But you're making it very tempting."

The way he smiled caused Aurora's eyes to widen before she quickly averted her gaze. For some strange reason, the way Xander looked at her caused her face to flush.

Olivia caught this scene and wrinkled the side of her dress out of jealousy. She couldn't sit still and left Owen's side to go find her mother to complain.

"Mum, I don't care how that loser got into the good books of Xander Scott, we have to do something about it!"

Stella's gaze darkened. "I will take care of her, but you have to help me with something first."

Aurora was still all smiles when Stella arrived at the table and flashed Xander an apologetic smile.

"Mr. Scott, I'm sorry to cut this conversation short, but Aurora's dad wants to speak to her now."

Hearing this, even if Xander thought it was a lie, there was no way he could prevent Aurora from leaving, so he just told her to come to him if she needed anything.

As soon as they were out of earshot and several tables away from Xander's, Stella stopped in her steps and eyed Aurora.

"Stay away from Xander Scott! He is way out of your league!" She warned.

Aurora scoffed. "You didn't invite me to this party, and neither did you let me in, therefore, you don't have any right to tell me who to and who not to speak to."

"How do you think you got the invitation for your first business LIVE interview?" Stella asked.

It took a moment before realization dawned on Aurora. It was a set-up to keep her away from the engagement party.

"Stay away from Xander Scott and you will still have legs to walk home with." As soon as Stella gave her final warning, she gestured to the security men and ordered them to keep a tight watch on Aurora. "...Do not let her get close to Xander Scott."

Aurora found herself in a dilemma as she couldn't go back to Xander's table and wondered the odds of him coming to find her.

Overshadowed by anger and frustration, she grabbed the only champagne glass left in the tray a waiter brought to her and drank from it.

At the other end, Olivia stopped in front of a man her age with ears and lips piercings. He was a popular playboy in Wing City, known for his promiscuous way.

"You see my beautiful sister, over there?" She asked, pointing towards the spot where Aurora stood, with Owen steadily approaching her. "What if I tell you that you can have her for tonight?"

Almost immediately, the playboy licked his lower lips as his eyes on Aurora narrowed with interest. "Are you sure?"

"You only need to listen to my instructions," Olivia smirked.

---

The last person Aurora wanted to see was Owen, especially when she started to get uncomfortable.

"Looks like I was right about dumping you." Owen taunted with a smirk. "You can't even win against a fight with your sister. You are indeed a pretty face, too bad you don't have what it takes to keep a man."

"Who asked for your opinion?" Aurora rolled her eyes and immediately regretted it. Her vision began to blur, her head spinning.

Unsatisfied with her remarks, Owen continued, "I can give you a second chance if you finally agree to sleep with me..."

The rest of the words he was saying zoned out as Aurora felt the room tilt, and she stumbled.

She couldn't continue listening to Owen's gibberish and quickly turned to flee for the bathroom.

On the other hand, Xander finally caught sight of her fleeing and felt something was off with her. His brows furrowed.

At the same time, the playboy Olivia contracted downed the remaining content of his glass and quickly followed Aurora.

On getting to the bathroom, Aurora turned the faucet and quickly splashed some water on her face, but that did nothing to stabilize her vision.

"W-What i-is happening to me?" She stuttered, breathing heavily.

Just then, the playboy from earlier entered the women's washroom and caught sight of Aurora trying to steady herself in front of the sink and smiled to himself. He turned to lock the door before making his way to her side, and that was when she noticed him.

"W-What are you doing in the lady's room?" Aurora slurred, trying to move back but immediately, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace.

"I came for you," the playboy smirked, gazing into her hazy eyes. His alcoholic breath almost threw Aurora off balance.

"Get away from me!" She tried pushing him away but found his grip so strong on her arms. It was then she understood that she was in real danger.

"Help me!" She screamed, but he quickly palmed her mouth and laughed drunkenly.

"No one is coming for you," he said and leaned in to kiss her.

Suddenly, when Aurora thought all hope was lost and she was going to be taken advantage of, she heard someone call her name from outside and the next moment, the door burst open.

Chapter 4: A One-Night Stand

"What do you think you are doing?" Xander stood in the doorway, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Y-You are here!" Aurora looked relieved to see him with tears in her eyes.

The Playboy regained some courage after jumping away in fright seconds ago. He stood in front of Aurora, trying to block Xander's sight.

"She is my girlfriend, I should be asking what you are doing by interrupting–"

The Playboy had yet to finish his words when Xander strode towards him and targeted his jaw with his fist. His head snapped to the side, causing a total blackout.

"Are you okay?" Xander quickly pulled Aurora into his arms just as she slipped from the sink.

She shook her head and felt worse. Left without a choice, she leaned her head on his shoulder, relying on him for support.

"I'm seeing two men and three women laughing at me. Make them stop!" She pleaded desperately.

Two lines appeared on Xander's forehead as he peered at the woman in his arms. "Two what? There is no one in front of you."

"But I can still see and hear them!" Aurora swung her arm, trying to point at the door, but ended up pointing to one of the stalls.

"What the fuck did you drink, Aurora?" Xander asked, leading her out of the convenience room. He couldn't get any whiff of alcohol in her breath and that got him even more confused.

"I can't hear you! What did you say?" Aurora's voice was louder than normal, proof that she was really out of it.

Xander abandoned his inquiries and swept Aurora into his arms, lifting her effortlessly. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and nestled her face into the crook of his neck, her warm breath caressing his skin as he carried her outside the building.

"Did you get her bag?" Xander asked his Personal Assistant, Liam Robison who was waiting at the entrance for him.

"Yes, sir," Liam replied, holding up the bag Aurora had left behind.

Liam eyed the woman in Xander's arms, puzzled. "Sir, is she the one you mentioned two days back and had come to the party for?"

Xander glanced at Aurora, whose eyes remained closed. "Yes. Aurora Swift."

Just then, a Mulliner Bentley in the special Quartzite Gray Metallic stopped in front of them. Liam quickly opened the back passenger door without posing further questions.

"I don't want to go home!" Aurora made a big fuss the moment she found out she was sitting in a car.

"Who said I'm taking you home?" Xander retorted.

Five minutes into the ride, Aurora became restless.

"How come you are Owen's uncle? You look so young, and you are very good-looking." She palmed Xander's face and peered at him. The next second, she pushed him away. "How come you seem so well-behaved and that bastard isn't?"

From the front passenger seat, Liam saw how his boss was being treated through the rearview mirror and cleared his throat. But as soon as he met Xander's eyes, he shifted his gaze to the road.

"Do you know that asshole dumped me this evening with a text and got engaged to my little sis– No! There is no way that bitch is my real sister. We just share the same father," Aurora quickly corrected herself. "Anyway, your family didn't raise Owen properly. Should I teach you how? Guys like him should be left in jail to receive a beating for a week."

Aurora rambled on and on without catching a breath until the Bentley drove through a sweeping circular driveway and stopped at the entrance of a modern Mediterranean-style villa, nestled among lush gardens and towering palm trees.

The villa's creamy, limestone façade glowed warmly in the moonlight, exuding understated luxury and refinement. Unfortunately, Aurora wasn't in the best state to appreciate the beauty.

Xander helped Aurora out of the car and carried her princess-style inside the building with Liam following behind them. They passed through two living areas to take the curved glass staircase to the first floor before getting to the Master bedroom.

Liam set Aurora's handbag on the round table in the sitting area and left quietly as Xander took her shoes off and tucked her in his bed.

Just as Xander pulled back, Aurora suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him into a sudden passionate kiss. He leaned in, cradling her body with his arms.

A while later, he pried his lips off her. "You should go to bed," he suggested, meeting her disoriented gaze.

"I want to spend the night with you," Aurora revealed, holding his gaze longer than usual.

Xander stared at her for a moment. "You will regret everything by tomorrow morning. Ask me again when you are in your right senses."

"I know what I'm doing," she insisted. "If I end up regretting it, I won't bug you, or do you think I'm not attractive enough to be with, just like Ow–."

Xander immediately captured her soft lips. He wasn't going to let her mention any man's name apart from his.

His lips grazed Aurora's jaw, drifting down her neck and chest, leaving a trail of soft fluttering kisses that coaxed a moan from her.

His hand moved to the hem of her dress and slowly lifted it to her thighs.

"Remember this night, Aurora," he whispered, his lips reclaiming hers in a passionate kiss.

---

The next morning, Aurora woke up to find Xander lying beside her with a bare chest. Her dress had been changed; she now wore an oversized polo.

Memories of last night flooded Aurora's mind, stealing her breath. Despite no regrets about sleeping with Xander, she felt uneasy about surrendering her virginity so easily, especially after withholding it from Owen during their five-year relationship just to get back at him.

The longer Aurora stared at those broad muscular chest that stretched out before her, the more she wondered how it would feel to run her hands through them once again.

Suddenly, an idea jolted her upright. Panic set in as she scanned her bedside table for her bag and finally spotted it on the sitting area's round table. Relieved, she got out of bed and walked towards it to retrieve her phone.

Next, she settled back into bed and snapped a photo of herself and Xander in bed.

Xander's eyes opened, catching her gaze. Immediately, she jerked back, surprised to see him awake.

"Who is the photo for?" he asked, dragging his voice lazily.

Her cheeks flushed as she fumbled with her phone. "For a keepsake."

"You enjoyed last night that much?" He teased with a subtle glint in his eyes.

Aurora pushed the strands of hair that covered her face behind her ears and didn't dare to meet his gaze.

"Aurora, I have a proposal," he said, his voice low and measured. "A marriage of convenience. I need a wife to solidify my position in my family's company."

Aurora's eyes widened, shock and curiosity mingling. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

She had only wanted to take a picture evidence to taunt Owen with, how did everything resort to a marriage proposal?

Xander sat up, his eyes locked on hers.

"My family's reputation and resources would protect you from your enemies, and I will help you get revenge."

Aurora's mind reeled.

Marriage?

To Xander Scott?

Owen's uncle??

"Think about it," Xander continued and took her phone to save his contact before dialling it to get her number on his phone. "And get back to me."

Aurora nodded, still dazed.

"I'll drive you home after breakfast." Xander stood, offering his hand, but she refused him.

"I need to leave now, and I'm taking a cab."

Aurora couldn't stop thinking about Xander's proposal, up until the moment the car pulled up in front of the house.

Releasing a deep breath, she stepped out of the cab and walked straight towards the entrance.

The moment she pushed the door open, she bumped into her stepmother who seemed to be waiting for her. Before she could get over the surprise of her sudden presence, the latter swung her hand on her cheek.

"Where the hell were you last night, and who were you with?!" Stella demanded, her eyes blazing.

 

Chapter 5: The Secret

Aurora's hand instinctively rose to cradle her stinging cheek, her ears ringing from the sudden impact.

Stella's slap had been vicious, aimed to sear her palm print into Aurora's skin.

"Did the cat get your tongue?!" Stella interrogated, her eyes flashing with anger. "You stayed out all night, who were you with?"

Stella seethed, fuelled by the failed plot against Aurora, reported to her that morning. The Playboy's memory loss – blackout in the women's restroom was the final blow. Now, Stella's anger was targeted at Aurora, the one person who had slipped through her fingers.

Aurora scoffed as her hand slowly dropped to her side. "Since when do I need to report my whereabouts and who I was with, to you?"

"From today," Olivia said, joining her mother. "You shamelessly threw yourself at Xander Scott at my party. I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up in his bed last night."

Aurora actually wanted to applaud Olivia's brilliance over her correct guesses, but now was not the time. She had to escape her stepmother's prying eyes first. She can't let her find out about their relationship ever.

"Someone spiked my champagne last night and sent a man after me," she revealed without missing the fleeting emotions that floated in the eyes of the mother and daughter pair. "Luckily, I escaped before he could harm me."

"Where is your evidence?" Stella asked confidently. "You are just here spewing lies to get away."

Aurora didn't fret, instead, she said confidently, "I still remember what that man looked like. I will find him and bring him before you."

As soon as she left, Olivia turned to her mother with a tinge of fear in her tone. "Mum, what if she discovers we are behind everything when she finds him?"

"Not when I silence him before then." Stella ground her teeth.

Unknown to them, Aurora would never be able to recognize the playboy even if he was standing in front of her right now. The hallucinogenic drug they spiked her champagne with had already kicked in before they met.

Aurora had lied to distract them.

---

Aurora stared at her red face in the mirror and was relieved not to see any palm prints or scratches on her delicate cheek.

As she washed her body in the tub, she relived Xander's warm large hands stroking every inch of her body. Even though he was gentle with her, she could still feel the impact of their love-making in between her legs, plus his marriage proposal still ringing in her ears.

Aurora got out of the tub and changed into a casual two-piece clothing before stepping back into her bedroom.

She remembered seeing a lot of missed calls from Abigail on her way back home and decided to leave her a text.

"Abby, you were right about Owen all along, but I refused to listen until he hurt me so badly. I have so much going on in my head at the moment. I will give you a call soon. When are you rounding up with filming?"

Aurora dropped her phone after sending out the text and laid back on the bed. Owen's betrayal was too much for her to tell the tale through a phone call. It required a one-on-one conversation.

If only she'd listened to her best friend's reservations about Owen sooner. But now, her whirlwind encounter with Owen's uncle, Xander, and his irresistible proposal had shifted her focus. The passionate nights had left her drained, yet strangely, her desire for food had vanished.

Aurora ended up taking a forty-minute nap only to wake up to her stomach growling and the faint voices from a heated argument.

With furrowed brows and a scrunched-up nose, she got off the bed and walked to the door. The moment she opened it, she heard her father's familiar voice.

"What's this nonsense about Olivia and Owen?" Adam's roar echoed through the house. He had gotten off his flight about an hour ago only to receive a call from one of his business partners, congratulating him on the engagement of his second daughter with Owen Scott.

He had been confused and told the person he made a mistake. But when two more calls came in with the same congratulatory message, he knew it had to be the truth.

In the living room, Stella and Olivia cowered at his outburst and didn't dare say a word or try to get close to him. He had started wrecking havoc the moment he stepped through the entrance doors, not giving them the time to prepare themselves.

Adam was fifty-nine years old, yet looked like he had aged a few decades more overnight.

"Aurora was dating Owen. How did it switch to Olivia?!" He questioned, his gaze moving from the older woman to the younger one.

"Aurora and Owen broke up long ago," Stella replied, trying to sound casual to undermine the gravity of the situation.

Adam pointed a finger at her. "How come I didn't know about it? And even if they did break up, how could Olivia attach herself to a man her sister used to date? Where is the sense in all of this?!"

"Dad, I don't think your worries matter much with our generation moving quickly with new trends," Olivia said in her tiny voice.

"What did you say?!" Adam flared up. He took two steps forward and Olivia ran to hide behind her mother.

"Adam, you just came back from a business trip, you need to freshen up and get some rest first," Stella suggested, in a bid to distract him and also protect Olivia from his wrath, but she only ended up worsening the situation.

Adam's face reddened. "You knew quite well I was away on a business trip, still you went ahead to organize an engagement party. Do you two think you can make decisions without me?!"

Stella attempted to placate him, but he roared, "Don't you dare say another word or touch me!"

Aurora quickly slipped back into her room, totally forgetting the food her body needed. She just wanted to avoid the chaos outside and satisfied with the heat the mother and daughter were receiving for actually snatching a scum from her even though it caused her heart to break.

Aurora's phone buzzed, and a name flashed on the screen. She swiped her finger across the screen to take the call.

"Aurora," Xander's deep and relaxed tone reached her ears.

"Xander," Aurora called, suddenly realizing they were on the first name basis now. She had no recollection of when it started.

"I just wanted to make sure you got home safe and have had breakfast," he said. "Also, why didn't you mention that last night was your first time?"

Aurora paused, biting her lower lip. And at that moment she was still thinking of the response to give him, Olivia and Stella barged into her bedroom. Reflectively, her finger tapped on the red button on her phone screen.

"Who's that?" Stella demanded, snatching the phone to take a look at the screen.

Aurora's heart skipped a beat.

But Xander's cautious move of saving his contact with 'Pizza Delivery' saved her.

Stella's face twisted. "Are you trying to make your father more furious than he already is by ordering pizza from outside?" she spat.

Aurora shrugged, relieved when her phone was thrown back to her.

Stella's eyes narrowed. "Go tell Adam you and Owen broke up a long time ago, and that you don't mind your sister dating him."

"Are you serious right now?" Aurora asked with a look of disbelief spread across her face.

"Do I look like I'm joking with you?" Stella retorted.

Aurora scoffed and shifted into her bed. "I will never do that." The nerve of that woman to demand a request of that sort from her.

"Do you think you have any right to refuse my mum?" Olivia's face contorted. "Your mother stole Dad from mine. You don't belong here!"

Aurora balled her fists, her gaze, darkening.

At the same time, Stella's eyes flashed in panic. "Enough!" She ordered, but Olivia carried on.

She revealed with contempt as the feeling of satisfaction washed over her, finally getting the secret off her chest. "You're not even Dad's real daughter!"