Ch. 236..240: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 236-240
Chapter 236: A Warm Morning with Soft Kisses
At the same time, Xander sat behind his desk in his home study when a knock sounded. "Come in," he called.
Liam entered, carrying a folder of documents. "Sir, I have new findings regarding Stella’s disappearance."
Xander’s gaze sharpened as Liam placed the files before him.
Liam began his report. "We’ve confirmed the ownership of the spa building. It has ties leading back to the Major. Also, the underground tunnel doesn’t just connect to another random building—it leads to an underground parking lot ten blocks away."
Xander nodded. "Now, I see how they easily took her without leaving traces."
Liam hesitated for a moment before asking, "What’s our next move?"
Xander leaned back in his seat, folding his hands. "We wait," he stated casually without a flicker of emotion.
Liam’s brows furrowed. "Wait?"
Xander smirked. "I’m not in a hurry to rescue that woman. Let the Major vent his anger on her. We’ll give him two weeks before we demand her release and hand her over to the police."
Liam nodded. "Understood, sir."
---
After finishing with Liam, Xander headed to the living room, only to find Aurora dozing off on the sofa. The servant, having just finished the foot massage, carefully packed up her things.
Xander smiled, watching his wife’s peaceful expression. "You look beautiful when you sleep," he muttered under his breath.
Without waking her, he carefully scooped her up in his arms and carried her upstairs, towards their bedroom.
Aurora stirred slightly, her head resting against his chest. "Mmm... Xander?" She smelt his fragrance and felt his firm muscles under her.
"Shh," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Sleep, sweetheart."
A small smile graced Aurora’s lips as she snuggled closer to seep his comforting warmth.
***
~The Next Morning~
Aurora stirred awake, feeling warmth cocooning her from behind. The familiar scent of Xander surrounded her, and she slowly blinked her eyes open to find herself tucked securely in his arms. His breath was soft against her hair, and his strong arms wrapped around her waist protectively.
A lazy smile stretched across her lips as she shifted slightly, tilting her head to meet his gaze. "Good morning," she murmured, her voice still laced with sleep.
Xander’s lips curved into a slow, affectionate smile. "Good morning, my love," he replied, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
Aurora let out a pleased hum and snuggled closer, savouring the tranquility of the moment. But before she could fully relax again, she felt Xander shift. He pulled back slightly, then lowered himself, resting his head against her belly.
With utmost tenderness, he pressed a gentle kiss to her abdomen, his palm splaying over the slight curve protectively.
"I am your father," Xander spoke softly, his deep voice laced with warmth and love. "Your mother and I love you very much, and we can’t wait to meet you. But until then, continue to be obedient, alright? Don’t trouble your mother too much."
Aurora’s heart melted at the sight. She reached down and ran her fingers through his thick hair, her smile growing. "You’re going to be an amazing father," she whispered.
Xander lifted his head, locking eyes with her before nodding. "And you’re going to be an even better mother," he countered, leaning up to capture her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.
As their lips parted, Xander’s expression turned more serious. "I have something to tell you," he said, brushing stray strands of hair from her face.
Aurora’s brows furrowed slightly. "What is it?"
"I need to take a business trip," he informed her. "I received an invitation to the opening of the new China Tech City, and there’s a three-day workshop seminar attached to it. I’ll be speaking on the third day."
Aurora frowned instantly, hating the fact that he would be leaving her side. "When?"
"This Thursday morning," Xander answered. "I’ll be gone for five days and will return on Monday."
Aurora pouted like a child, her expression shifting into one of exaggerated sadness. "That’s too long," she complained.
Xander chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled her into his embrace. He placed soft kisses on her forehead, comforting her. "Sweetheart, don’t be sad. I would have loved to take you along, but you have work at Vintage Cellar," he reminded her, rubbing slow circles on her back. "You can’t just abandon your responsibilities to follow me."
Aurora let out a dramatic sigh and rested her head on his chest, her fingers intertwining with his. "Still... it’s unfair."
Xander’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he played with her fingers. "Alright, tell me what you’d like me to bring back for you."
Aurora perked up slightly, tapping her chin in thought before answering, "Mooncakes, flower tea, dumplings, and Mianhua (dough flowers)."
Xander chuckled and nodded. "Consider it done. And you can invite your best friend over to spend the weekend with you."
Satisfied, Aurora relaxed against him once more, and Xander pulled her closer, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head once more.
---
Vintage Cellar.
Arriving at Vintage Cellar, Aurora entered the conference room where a brief meeting was being held, spearheaded by none other than Stephanie.
The room was filled with top executives and managers, all of whom turned their attention to the discussion at hand.
Stephanie, seated at the head of the table, addressed the group. "Let’s begin with an update on the performance of the Citrus Fruit Punch Champagne."
The sales manager stood up, clearing his throat as he adjusted his glasses. "The Citrus Fruit Punch Champagne has exceeded our projections. Sales figures indicate that it’s performing even better than the Original Fruit Punch Champagne at the time of its launch...," he announced with a satisfied smile.
A murmur of approval rippled through the room.
Another manager chimed in, "Given the recent turmoil surrounding Director Olivia, we initially feared her scandals might negatively impact our brand’s image. But surprisingly, the Citrus Fruit Punch Champagne remained unaffected. In fact, it seems public interest in Director Aurora’s product has only increased."
Aurora sat still, listening carefully as more reports came in. She wasn’t surprised. The product had been designed meticulously with consumer appeal in mind. However, hearing it validated in numbers still gave her a sense of accomplishment.
The room soon broke into applause, directed at Aurora. Stephanie, looking pleased, nodded in approval.
"Well done, Aurora," one of the board members praised.
Stephanie raised a hand, signalling for attention again. "Since both of Aurora’s champagne flavours are performing exceptionally well, we will proceed with increased promotion. Marketing has drawn up three new strategies to further boost visibility and sales. We’ll go over them shortly."
Chapter 237: Her Reality
Aurora took a sip of water as the team went through each promotional idea. By the time they were done, the future looked promising.
Towards the end of the meeting, Stephanie shifted gears. "Now, for the next phase of business—Aurora’s red wine project. We’ve been in talks for weeks, and I am pleased to announce that the launch has been scheduled for next year."
Another round of applause filled the room.
Stephanie turned her gaze towards Aurora with a slight smile. "Aurora, do you have any concerns or input?"
Aurora leaned forward slightly, meeting her gaze. "I have no issues with the timeline. I believe starting promotional campaigns three months from now will set the right momentum for the launch."
Stephanie nodded. "Good. Then, let’s make it official."
With that, the meeting was adjourned. Aurora leaned back in her chair, exhaling softly. It had been a productive session, and though work was demanding, she found a certain thrill in seeing her efforts come to fruition.
She was also beginning to believe more in herself with the powerful mindset she has developed.
---
Stephanie entered her CEO office, her posture straight, her expression unreadable. She moved to her desk and sat down, exhaling softly before picking up her phone. Her sharp nails tapped against the screen as she scrolled through her contact list, her gaze unwavering until she found the name she wanted.
Without hesitation, she dialled the number, bringing the phone to her ear. The line rang twice before the call connected.
"We haven’t met since our divorce was finalized," Stephanie said, her tone neutral, void of emotion. "Let’s meet at Michael Gardens restaurant by 6 PM for dinner and a little chat."
She didn’t wait for a response. Instead, she ended the call and placed the phone back on her desk, exhaling deeply.
Her fingers drummed against the armrest as her mind wandered to the things she must do next.
---
Aurora’s Office.
At the same time, Aurora entered her COO office with Lilian following closely behind, a tablet in her hands.
"Ma’am, your schedule for today includes a client meeting during lunch break," Lilian reported. "After that, there’s a visit to the winery to inspect the next production phase."
Aurora took her seat behind her desk, listening attentively. When Lilian finished, she nodded. "You will accompany you to both."
Lilian bowed slightly. "Okay, Ma’am." With that, she exited the office, leaving Aurora alone.
Aurora let out a soft sigh before picking up her phone. She quickly typed out a message to Xander, updating him on the increasing sales of her Citrus Fruit Punch Champagne. And a few seconds later, her phone chimed.
Xander:"Congratulations, Sweetheart! Your hard work has paid off. Keep soaring."
Aurora’s lips curled into a smile, warmth spreading through her chest. She typed a quick response. "Thank you, Darling."
Just as she was about to place her phone on the desk, another message came in.
Xander:"Sweetheart, I heard a new restaurant headed by a three-star Michelin chef opened five blocks away from my office. Would you like me to send lunch to you?"
Aurora’s heart swelled at the thoughtful gesture. Just how much she would have loved that if that was possible. Exhaling, she bit her lip before replying.
"I’d love to, but I have a lunch meeting with a client during my lunch break. Let’s do it another time?"
His response was immediate.
Xander:"Understood. I’ll send you lunch from there tomorrow then. No excuses."
Aurora chuckled softly before sending him three red heart emojis.
---
Swift Family Private Residence.
Meanwhile, Olivia sprawled across the two-seater couch in the grand yet eerily quiet living room. A medium-sized bucket of fried chicken drumsticks sat on her lap, and a large can of Coke rested on the side table.
She absentmindedly tore into a drumstick, her eyes fixed on the television screen, where a romantic drama played.
Halfway through the movie, she tossed a picked-clean bone onto the bucket, wiped her greasy fingers on a napkin, and reached for the Coke. She took a long sip, letting the carbonated drink fizz in her throat.
But as the movie credits rolled, boredom crept in.
Olivia sat upright with a huff, drumming her fingers on her knee. "Ugh, this is unbearable." Staying at home all day with nothing better to do was sickening.
Needing a distraction, she picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts before selecting Ella. Pressing call, she waited as the line rang.
After several rings, the call finally connected.
"Heh, Ella!" Olivia forced a bright tone. "Are you free to hang out?"
Ella’s response was sluggish. "Ah... Olivia, I’m exhausted today. I just got home, and I was about to take a nap."
Olivia’s forced smile dropped slightly. "Oh... I see."
"Maybe another time?" Ella added, her voice almost indifferent.
"Yeah, sure," Olivia muttered before ending the call.
Irritated, she scrolled again and dialled Caro. This time, the phone rang endlessly before going to voicemail.
Olivia clenched her teeth, annoyance flashing in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she decided to try Rita instead. And to her relief, Rita picked up on the first ring.
"Olivia!" Rita greeted, though her voice sounded distant and muffled.
"Hey, Rita! Are you free to hang out?" Olivia asked, trying to sound cheerful.
Rita sighed. "I’m still at work, and honestly, I’ll be too drained afterward."
Olivia’s jaw tightened. Just as she was about to snap at her, Rita continued, "Hey, why don’t we plan something for Saturday instead?"
Olivia paused. "Saturday?"
"Yeah. The others and I were thinking of hitting the spa and then shopping for some new collections. What do you think?" Rita inquired.
Silence hung in the air before Olivia forced out a response. "...Fine. I’m in."
"Great! I’ll text you the details later," Rita replied quickly.
The call ended, and Olivia tossed her phone onto the couch with a scowl. Her nails dug into her palms as realization sank in.
They’re avoiding me.
Ever since she was booted out of Vintage Cellar and her divorce scandal became public, everyone had been keeping their distance. And she was so ignorant to only realize it now.
Olivia clenched her fists. "I hope it’s not what I’m thinking," she mumbled but deep down, she knew exactly what was happening. And she hated it.
Chapter 238: No Regrets
Stephanie arrived at Michael Gardens at precisely 6 PM, her sharp heels clicking against the polished marble floor as she made her way toward the private section she had reserved.
The restaurant exuded an air of exclusivity, its dim lighting casting a soft glow over the elegant dining booths.
At their table, Gabriel was already seated, his silver-streaked hair neatly combed back and his suit crisp as ever. Despite their years apart, he still carried that composed, unreadable expression—the same one she used to despise.
He didn’t bother to stand when she approached, but he gave a slow nod in acknowledgment. "It’s good to see you after several weeks," he said, his gaze following her as she settled into her chair.
Stephanie, setting her Kelly designer bag aside, met his gaze coolly. "I can’t say the same about you."
Gabriel didn’t react, merely leaning back in his chair. "I assume this isn’t a social call, seeing that air of arrogance around you. How do you feel assuming the role of Chairwoman of the board of directors and Vintage Cellar’s CEO?
She smirked slightly. "I feel more like myself in this new position and I’m going to enjoy every bit of the perks that comes with it."
Then, a waiter approached, greeting them politely as he placed two glasses of water on the table and handed them their menus.
"I’m too famished to entertain any of your questions and remarks," Stephanie announced, flipping through the menu. "Wait until I’m done eating, then I’ll feed your curiosity."
Gabriel said nothing, watching her as she swiftly made her selection. Less than a minute later, she handed the menu back to the waiter, and he followed suit.
When the waiter left, Gabriel leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping against the table. "I take it you are adjusting well to your new role?"
Stephanie reached for her glass of water, taking a slow sip while peeking at him. "Why not?" She asked. "Who doesn’t like power?"
Gabriel scoffed, shaking his head. "I forgot—this is what you’ve always wanted. It’s no wonder you chose it over family."
Stephanie’s lips curled into a smirk. "And I don’t have any regrets," she retorted.
Neither of them spoke another word until the waiter returned with their food, placing their plates in front of them.
Stephanie picked up her cutlery, cutting into her meal without missing a beat. "Bon appétit."
Gabriel simply nodded, and for several minutes, they ate in silence.
When Stephanie finally finished, she set her cutlery down, wiped the corner of her lips with a napkin, and fixed her gaze on him.
"I want our children to come live with me," she said bluntly.
Gabriel’s fork froze midway to his lips before he slowly set it down. His brows furrowed slightly. "Why?"
Stephanie leaned back in her chair. "They are ambitious, Gabriel. Let’s face it—you can’t give them the kind of future they need."
Gabriel scoffed, his lips curling in disbelief. "And what exactly is that future? You want them to follow in your footsteps?"
Stephanie didn’t flinch. "Of course. My plan is for them to join Vintage Cellar and resume managerial positions. That’s where their real future lies."
Gabriel exhaled, shaking his head with a dry chuckle. "Let me guess. You plan to push your nieces out eventually and replace them with our children?"
Stephanie’s gaze remained unshaken. "You don’t need to concern yourself with matters relating to my company." She sounded defensive.
He let out another chuckle, but this one carried a sharp edge. "Ah, I see. You’ve always been ruthless, but I never imagined you’d go this far."
Stephanie stood up, grabbing her bag. "I’ll be reaching out to our children soon to share my vision with them."
Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away, leaving Gabriel staring after her with narrowed eyes.
---
DANTE Group.
In the sleek, modern office of DANTE Group, Xander sat behind his expansive desk, his fingers skimming through a report when a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in," he called.
The door pushed open, revealing Asher, dressed sharply in a tailored navy suit. A grin spread across his face as he stepped inside.
"I was around the area and figured I’d drop by," Asher said as he approached.
Xander stood, clasping Asher’s hand in a firm handshake before they exchanged a quick brotherly hug. "It’s been a while since you came by unannounced."
"I had a feeling you’d miss me," Asher joked, settling onto the leather chair across from Xander.
Before they could get into conversation, Liam entered with a secretary trailing behind, carrying a tray with a pot of coffee and two white ceramic cups. After setting the drinks on the table, Liam led the secretary out, leaving the two men alone.
Asher picked up his coffee, inhaling the rich aroma before taking a sip. "I heard Major Walker plans to retire next year," he mentioned casually. "Did you know about that?"
Xander shook his head. "No, but it makes sense. The man has spent more than half of his life in the military. It’s about time he retires and gets some rest."
Asher leaned back. "And what about you? Any plans to retire from Arsenal?"
Xander set his coffee down, fingers interlacing. "Yes. After two more missions, I’m done. I signed the contract already."
Asher’s brows lifted in surprise. "You’re really leaving?"
Xander nodded in confirmation. "I need to take better care of my family. I can’t keep putting my life on the line."
A small smile tugged at Asher’s lips. "I can’t argue with that. But won’t you miss it? The adrenaline? The thrill?"
Xander chuckled. "I’ll miss the action, but not the constant danger. I don’t want my wife to worry about me every time I disappear."
Asher smirked, shaking his head. "So, does this mean you’re officially going soft?"
Xander raised a brow. "I prefer the term matured priorities."
Asher laughed before taking another sip of his coffee. "Fair enough."
Xander glanced at him. "What about you? Any thoughts about quitting?"
Asher exhaled through his nose. "Maybe when I’m ready to settle down."
Xander tilted his head, amusement flickering in his gaze. "And you haven’t found the right woman yet?"
Asher shrugged, a smirk playing at his lips. "Not yet."
Xander leaned forward slightly. "Or maybe you have, but you’re just not admitting it." He had forgotten about his intuition regarding Asher and Abigail at Aurora’s new champagne launch event.
Asher merely chuckled, neither confirming nor denying the speculation.
Xander shook his head, grinning. "You’ll let me know when that changes, won’t you?"
"We’ll see," Asher said, lifting his coffee cup with a knowing look.
Chapter 239: Treated Like A Rogue
The Underground Dungeon.
A sharp crack echoed through the damp, stifling air.
Stella’s scream pierced the silence as the leather belt lashed against her bare back once more, searing her skin with fresh agony. She bit down on her swollen lip, her body convulsing from the relentless blows.
Her wrists, bound high above her head, throbbed from the pressure of the iron cuffs digging into her flesh.
The beating continued—merciless, methodical—until her captor finally stepped back, breathing heavily.
A long, suffocating silence followed. Then, with a loud clank, the chains holding her up were loosened.
Stella collapsed onto the cold, grimy floor, her body crumpling like a broken doll. Every nerve in her body screamed, but she barely had the strength to whimper. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her tattered dress clinging to her bruised and sweat-soaked skin.
She didn’t move. She couldn’t.
Then a sudden clang startled her.
A dented stainless bowl clattered onto the floor a few feet away from her. The sickly scent of cold, overcooked rice wafted into the air.
"Eat." The gruff voice of one of her captors cut through the silence, void of sympathy.
With the little strength she had left, Stella dragged herself forward, her trembling fingers reaching for the bowl. The sight of the food—a pathetic portion of plain white rice drowned in a tasteless white sauce with scattered chunks of overcooked carrots and cauliflower—would have repulsed her once.
But hunger was a cruel master.
Without hesitation, she scooped up the mushy food with her filthy hands, stuffing it into her mouth, chewing frantically. It tasted bland, almost sour, but she didn’t care. It was food. It kept her alive.
She was no longer a woman of wealth or status. She was an animal in their eyes—a rogue dog thrown scraps to survive.
And she accepted it.
She ate with desperation, swallowing large mouthfuls before the chance to do so was taken away.
Minutes later, as the last bite slid down her throat, a sudden heat burned through her skull.
Stella groaned, clutching her forehead as an unbearable headache pulsed behind her eyes. Her entire body tensed, her teeth gritted in pain.
"I need... I need to use the restroom," she croaked, her voice hoarse.
A pair of heavy boots stopped in front of her. Without a word, a rough hand yanked her up by the arm. Her legs wobbled beneath her, barely able to support her weight, but she forced herself to move as she was dragged out of the dungeon.
The "restroom" was nothing more than a filthy, rust-stained hole in the ground inside a cramped, dimly lit space. The stench alone made her stomach churn, but Stella had long since learned not to complain.
The guard stood by the door, arms crossed, watching her every move.
When she stepped out, weak and unsteady, he wasted no time in grabbing her again, leading her back to her prison like a piece of livestock.
Once inside, she sank onto the cold floor, her breathing shallow, her entire body screaming in exhaustion.
A shadow loomed over her.
She looked up, her swollen eye barely able to make out the rough-looking man standing before her.
He held out two white pills and a battered stainless cup filled with lukewarm water.
Stella hesitated.
The man scoffed. "Take it or don’t. Makes no difference to me."
Her gaze flickered to the pills. Painkillers. A flicker of relief crossed her face.
She didn’t know why they cared enough to ease her pain, but it meant something—they weren’t planning to kill her. Not yet.
With shaking hands, she grabbed the pills, tossing them into her mouth before gulping down the stale water.
Two minutes. That was all the relief she got.
Before she could even let her body rest, the chains were pulled up again, locking her wrists back into their cruel embrace.
A fresh wave of despair washed over her.
Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision as she whimpered softly. She didn’t dare cry louder. She knew the price of defiance.
So, she hung there once again, weak, broken, humiliated.
Waiting.
For the next round of punishment to begin. With each passing day, she felt less of a human. And at this point, she would rather serve the prison sentence she deserved than be subjected to this humiliation that traumatized her and almost left her mentally deranged.
’I will never forget this season in my life. Never!’ Stella promised with agonizing pain in her heart.
---
The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall was the only sound filling the otherwise silent office.
Major Walker sat behind his expansive wooden desk, his sharp eyes scanning a classified report in front of him. The dim lighting in the room cast long shadows, giving the space an ominous feel.
A sharp knock on the door interrupted his concentration.
"Enter." His voice was steady, controlled.
The door swung open, and a soldier stepped inside, his posture rigid with discipline. He snapped a sharp salute, his expression unreadable as he stood at attention in front of the desk.
"Sir," the soldier reported crisply, "we’ve received intel. Xander Scott has uncovered evidence against us."
The Major’s fingers, which had been idly tapping against the desk, came to a halt.
A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his fingers over his abdomen.
"As expected of him," he murmured, more to himself than to the soldier. His sharp gaze darkened slightly. "Though, I must say... it took him longer than I anticipated."
Despite his outward composure, a flicker of unease ran through his mind. Xander had the evidence. That wasn’t surprising. What was surprising was the silence that followed.
Why wasn’t he making a move yet?
The soldier shifted slightly. "Sir, should we proceed with countermeasures? Do you have any further instructions?"
Major Walker exhaled slowly before leaning forward, resting his muscular arms on the desk. His eyes locked onto the soldier’s, his expression unreadable.
"If Xander Scott attempts to force his way in... put a bullet through his leg." His tone was calm, almost casual, but the weight behind the words was anything but.
The soldier blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the directness of the order. But he quickly recovered, giving a sharp nod. "Understood, Sir."
"Good." The Major dismissed him with a flick of his fingers.
The soldier saluted once more before turning on his heels and marching out, closing the door with a firm click.
As soon as the soldier was gone, Major Walker leaned back in his chair once again. His fingers resumed their rhythmic drumming against the polished wood of his desk.
Xander had the proof. He knew that much. But he wasn’t acting—yet.
What was he waiting for?
A smirk ghosted over the Major’s lips, his fingers tapping against the desk once more.
"Let’s see what your next move is, Lex."
Chapter 240: They Deserve to Burn!
Xander’s Private Residence.
The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the room as Xander stirred awake at precisely 4 AM. He turned to his side, watching Aurora sleep peacefully, her face relaxed, her long lashes resting gently against her cheeks.
His lips curled into a soft smile before he leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss on her cheek, then another on her bare shoulder.
Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of bed, naked, padding across the room in silent steps.
He freshened up and dressed in casual jeans and a fitted black shirt before retrieving his travel suitcase from the dressing room which he had packed the previous night. Setting it down beside the bed, he grabbed a pen and a small notepad from the nightstand.
With precise strokes, he scribbled a note, leaving it where she would see it.
Once done, Xander moved back to the bed, crouching slightly as he brushed a few strands of hair away from her face.
"I’m leaving now, Sweetheart," he whispered softly. "See you on Monday."
He pressed one final kiss against her forehead before placing a protective hand over her belly, feeling a strange sense of peace.
Then, with a quiet sigh, he grabbed his suitcase and exited the bedroom.
Downstairs, Liam was already waiting, standing near the door with an attentive posture.
"Good morning, Sir," Liam greeted, stepping forward to take the suitcase from him.
Xander nodded in acknowledgment before walking ahead as Liam followed, leading the way toward the waiting car.
---
Around 6:15 AM, Aurora stirred awake, her hand instinctively reaching for the warmth beside her, only to be met with an empty space. She blinked groggily before realization hit her.
Xander had left for his trip.
Letting out a soft sigh, she shifted to his side of the bed, burying her face into his pillow and inhaling his lingering scent.
"I will miss you," she mumbled against the fabric, eyes fluttering shut for a moment.
As she turned to sit up, her gaze landed on the nightstand, spotting the folded note. She reached for it immediately.
Her lips curled into a smile as she read his words:
"Sweetheart, I already miss you and our little one. Make sure to let Nene know if you need anything. We’ll talk every day, and don’t forget to flood my phone with your photos."
At the bottom of the note, he had drawn a small heart.
Aurora pressed the note to her chest, warmth spreading through her heart. ’I wonder when you are going to finally make that confession with your lips,’ she thought to herself.
Aurora quickly freshened up and dressed for work before heading downstairs for breakfast. As soon as she was done, Nene followed her to the car with a packed lunch.
"Ma’am, call me if you need anything," Nene reminded as she handed her the lunchbox when she settled into the car.
Aurora smiled, accepting it. "I will."
With that, she exited the premises with four bodyguards occupying the second vehicle behind her.
Even in Xander’s absence, he had made sure she was well protected.
---
Vintage Cellar.
Hours later, when lunchtime arrived, Aurora sat at the sitting area in her COO office and opened her lunchbox. The moment the aroma hit her nose, her stomach growled in anticipation.
Three different varieties of food were neatly arranged before her, and a grin immediately stretched across her lips.
Remembering Xander’s request, she picked up her phone and snapped a quick selfie before taking pictures of the food.
With a playful smirk, she sent them to him along with a message:
"Don’t miss me too much. And call me as soon you arrive!"
Shortly after, she dug into her meal, savouring each bite. Within ten minutes, she was done. She leaned back, resting for a few minutes before returning to her desk to resume work.
As the day dragged on, exhaustion settled in. By the time she stepped into the car for the ride home, a long yawn escaped her lips.
Then suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. She was going home to an empty mansion.
A deep sigh left her as she realized how lonely the next few days would be without Xander. But then she recalled what he had suggested before leaving—she should invite Abigail over for the weekend.
Digging into her Chanel bag, she retrieved her phone and quickly dialled Abigail’s number. The call connected on the first ring.
"Aura!" Abigail’s cheerful voice greeted her. "What’s up?"
Aurora smiled at the energy in her best friend’s tone. "Hey, Abby! I’m good! Xander’s out of town for a business trip, and I was wondering if you’re free to spend the weekend with me."
Abigail let out an exaggerated gasp. "Your highness, it is with great joy that I accept this invitation. I shall tend to you and keep you company while your husband is away."
Aurora chuckled. "I’m taking that as a yes?"
"A hundred percent yes! I have no ongoing shoots, so I’m all yours."
"Perfect. Meet me at Vintage Cellar tomorrow at 3 PM, and we’ll head home together."
"Got it! And prepare yourself—I’ll be the best company you’ve ever had. Even better than your husband," Abigail teased.
"I look forward to it." Aurora laughed before ending the call.
---
As planned, the following day, Abigail arrived at Vintage Cellar, and the two friends left together for the beautiful serene villa.
During the ride, Abigail placed a hand on Aurora’s belly, grinning. "Hey, little one! It’s your godmother speaking. I promise to spoil you rotten once you arrive."
Aurora chuckled at her best friend’s antics. "You’re really taking this role seriously."
"Of course! I’m the best godmother you’ll ever have."
As their laughter faded, Abigail’s expression turned serious. "By the way, any news about Stella? Have the police found her yet?"
Aurora’s fingers slightly tensed around her phone, but she kept her expression neutral. "No news. And honestly? I don’t care. She can’t hide forever."
Abigail scoffed. "She’s only wasting her time if she thinks she can escape judgment. If anything, this will only make her prison sentence longer."
"That’s her business," Aurora replied with a shrug, masking the guilt that gnawed at her. She hated lying to Abigail, but there were some things she simply couldn’t reveal. For example, Xander’s secret business. That was a big NO.
Abigail exhaled, leaning back. "That woman deserves to rot in hell." Aurora remained silent, but Abigail wasn’t done.
"You know, if it weren’t for your reputation and Vintage Cellar’s image, I would’ve long exposed Stella’s crimes to the media. The world deserves to know that she’s a murderer. The only attention she needs right now is being dragged through the mud."
Aurora nodded in agreement. "If only things were that simple."
Abigail’s frown deepened. "And speaking of that woman—her wickedness knows no bounds. No wonder Olivia is so good at the games. I recently heard she made her ex-best friend leave Wing City after that first cheating scandal."
Aurora’s stomach twisted, but she maintained her composure. "You mean the fact that Casey lost an eye because of them?"
Abigail’s eyes widened in horror. "Wait, what?!"
Aurora sighed. "You didn’t know?" She thought it was what Abigail was unto.
Abigail shook her head, her fists clenching. "I knew Olivia was ruthless, but I didn’t think she’d go that far."
"She and her mother paid thugs to do it," Aurora muttered. "I know this because Casey told me the story and even took off her sunglasses for me to see the evidence after coincidentally meeting at the mall recently."
Abigail’s anger flared instantly. "This mother-daughter pair deserves to burn! No mercy!"
As silence settled in the car, Abigail clenched her jaw, seething with rage. But fortunately, before she could spiral further into her emotions, something outside the window caught her attention, shifting her focus.
And just like that, the tension in the car eased as their conversation drifted to lighter topics.