Ch. 46..50: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 46-50

Chapter 46: Promoting Peace and Unity

Aurora arrived at her family home, the familiar setting doing little to ease the storm of emotions swirling inside her. The weight of betrayal pressed down on her chest, leaving her both angry and deeply hurt.

Aurora stepped through the front door, trying to compose herself, but her mind raced with the bitter truth she was now forced to confront.

When she entered the sitting room, she was met with an unexpected scene—Owen and his parents seated comfortably, engaged in marriage talks with Adam, Stella and Olivia. Aurora’s stomach twisted as she caught sight of them.

"Good evening," Aurora greeted, her voice steady despite the whirlwind inside her.

"Welcome, daughter," Adam smiled, happy she kept her word in returning that weekend.

Stella took her looks in with a satisfactory smirk sitting on her lips. "You are quite early." She pointed out.

On the other hand, Owen’s mother, Patricia, lit up at the sight of her. "Aurora, dear! It’s so good to see you," she said warmly, her gaze soft with affection. Olivia, seated beside Owen, stiffened, jealousy flashing in her eyes at the attention directed towards Aurora.

"How are you, dear?" Patricia continued, ignorant of Olivia’s tense expression. "We heard about your champagne launch—what a brilliant success! We’re so proud of you."

"Thank you, Aunty," Aurora replied and almost immediately, Owen’s father, Richard, jumped in, his tone laced with feigned disappointment.

"Although I must say, I’m a bit upset that we didn’t get an invite to your launch. After all, we consider ourselves part of the family."

Aurora forced a tight smile, feeling Olivia’s heated gaze burning into her. "I didn’t want to bother you, Uncle. I didn’t want to bother you."

Olivia’s grip on Owen’s arm tightened as she sat there, seething. Not a single word had been said about her own Spraying Champagne Launch. Her in-laws—soon to be official—hadn’t even mentioned it, as if it were beneath their notice. Instead, all their attention was on Aurora, and it was driving her mad.

’Don’t they realize I’m with Owen now? I’m the one marrying him, not her!’ Olivia thought to herself.

Unaware of the brewing tension, Patricia continued to gush, "Aurora, you’ve always been such a remarkable young woman, Aurora. Truly, you’re destined for great things."

Seeing Aurora rubbing off all the attention from her daughter, Stella intervened before the conversation could go any further, her voice breaking through the growing warmth, "Aurora, why don’t you join us? We’re having an important discussion about Olivia and Owen’s upcoming wedding."

Before she could respond, Olivia chimed in, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Yes, sister, why don’t you stay and hear about my wedding plans with Owen? Maybe you can help us with a few inputs."

"I’ll pass," Aurora quickly said, her tone cold but civil. "You don’t need me for that." Before leaving, she cast her glance at her father and as their gazes met, she turned away.

Dinner was brought to Aurora in her room where she ate alone, grateful for the solitude. The quiet gave her a chance to collect herself, but it was short-lived. As she finished her meal, the door to her bedroom creaked open without warning.

Aurora spun around, startled to see Owen slipping into her room, his face set in that smug, entitled expression she had grown to despise. He closed the door behind him with a soft click, an arrogant smile tugging at his lips.

"What the hell are you doing in here?" Aurora snapped, her heart racing in a mix of anger and unease. She stood up, glaring at him. "You better get the hell out of my room before I scream."

Owen didn’t flinch at her threat, his smile widening as he sauntered further into the room. "Scream all you want," he said, his tone low and mocking. "But if you do, I’ll just tell everyone you invited me here—to reconcile."

Aurora’s eyes flashed with fury. "Reconcile?" she spat, incredulous. "Are you out of your mind?"

Owen ignored the insult, moving closer with an air of confidence that made Aurora want to slap the smirk off his face. "There’s still time, you know," he said smoothly. "The wedding isn’t for another four weeks. If you want me back, all you have to do is say the word, and I’ll call the whole thing off. Olivia doesn’t mean anything to me."

Aurora’s lips curled into a bitter smile, a laugh escaping her before she could stop it. "You really are trash," she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "You belong exactly where you are now. Let your new owner keep you, or maybe she can recycle you for her next use."

Immediately, Owen’s smile faltered, anger flickering in his eyes. "You think you can talk to me like that?" he hissed. "Do you really think I can’t turn this around on you? I could walk out of this room right now and tell everyone you tried to seduce me. Who do you think they’ll believe?"

Aurora’s expression didn’t waver. "Go ahead," she said, her voice calm. "A fool will only be a fool forever."

Owen fisted his palms as he felt a blow dealt to his pride. But before could respond, the door swung open with a loud bang. Olivia stood in the doorway, her eyes wild with anger as she took in the sight of him standing in Aurora’s bedroom. Her face twisted in rage.

"What the hell is going on here?" Olivia demanded, her voice shrill, eyes darting between Owen and Aurora.

Aurora met Olivia’s gaze, unflinching. "Exactly what it looks like, Olivia," she said coldly. "Your fiancé decided to pay me an unwanted visit. You might want to keep a tighter leash on him next time."

Owen’s face paled, his confident facade cracking as Olivia’s rage zeroed in on him. His lips quickly parted, a fake chuckle covering his tracks.

"Babe, don’t read too much into the situation," he said with his gaze fixed on Olivia. "As you know, your family will become my in-laws soon, so I needed a moment to reconcile with your sister to promote peace and unity."

Chapter 47: On A Hot Seat

"Do you really need to reconcile with her?" Olivia’s eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on Owen. "What part of that is important?"

Owen sighed, feigning helplessness. "It’s for a greater cause. Your sister is going to be my sister-in-law, and it’s only right that we make peace."

Aurora scoffed, turning her back on both of them. She hadn’t returned this weekend to listen to any of this nonsense. The only reason she was here was to confront her father, to finally get the truth out of him. She didn’t have time to entertain a bunch of disloyal fools. They could wait their turn for her attention forever, for all she cared.

"Listen to me," Olivia hissed, her voice sharp as she glared at Owen. "As long as I’m here, she’s irrelevant. You don’t need to make peace with her. Understood?"

Owen opened his mouth to explain, but Olivia had already shifted her attention to Aurora, her jealousy bubbling over, barely contained. "Sister, don’t you think it’s inappropriate to be meeting your future brother-in-law in secret like this?"

Aurora’s jaw clenched at the absurdity of the accusation. Olivia, of all people, accusing me of sneaking around with Owen? How conveniently she forgot the countless times she had secretly met Owen behind her back when they were still together.

Aurora turned slowly, her dark gaze locking onto Olivia and Owen. "Get out," she said, her voice cold and commanding, pointing towards the door. "Both of you."

Olivia’s face twisted in anger. "Who do you think you are to—"

"Now!" Aurora’s voice cracked like a whip, her eyes burning with rage. Something shifted in her expression, a dangerous edge that made Olivia and Owen take a cautious step back. They had never seen her like this—her fury barely restrained, a warning that any further provocation would not end well for them.

Realizing they had pushed her too far, Olivia and Owen exchanged a brief glance, understanding that it was time to retreat. Without another word, they turned and left the room, their footsteps heavy with tension.

The door closed behind them with a loud thud, and Aurora’s body trembled with adrenaline. "Idiots," she muttered under her breath, cursing their audacity.

She sank back onto the bed, her thoughts racing. Tonight had been a disaster, and thanks to Owen and his family overstaying their welcome, she hadn’t even had the chance to speak with her father.

The next morning, Aurora woke early, her alarm pulling her out of a restless sleep. She had barely slept a wink, her mind constantly replaying her session with the neuropsychologist. The truth gnawed at her, questions swirling around her mind with no answers in sight.

Staring into the bathroom mirror, she ran a finger around the dark circles under her eyes. She looked exhausted, but she was determined. Today, she would finally confront Adam, no matter what.

After quickly washing up, she threw on a pair of tight jeans and a printed shirt. With her phone in hand, she left her bedroom and made her way downstairs, determined to speak to her father before breakfast.

But as soon as she stepped into the living room, she froze. Stella and Olivia were chatting with an older woman, their conversation flowing smoothly. Aurora’s brows lifted in surprise as she recognized the older woman.

’Aunt Stephanie’ she thought.

"Sister’s here," Olivia announced smugly, snapping Aurora out of her confusion. Both Stella and Stephanie turned to look at her, their gazes locking onto her.

Aurora had no choice but to step further into the room. "Good morning, Aunty," she greeted politely, completely ignoring Stella’s presence as she addressed Stephanie.

"Good morning," Stephanie replied, her sharp eyes assessing Aurora. "Why are you standing? Sit down."

Aurora sighed softly, resigned to the situation, and took a seat on the sofa across from them.

Stephanie, Adam’s junior sister by two years with her resemblance to him, had always carried an air of authority, and despite the tension in the room, Aurora couldn’t help but respect her presence.

"You’re just in time," Stephanie said, her tone serious as she turned her full attention to Aurora. "We were just discussing the rumours circulating about you online. Do you care to explain?"

Aurora’s gaze flicked between Stella and Olivia before resting on Stephanie. She straightened in her seat, determined not to let them rattle her. "There’s nothing to explain, Aunty. I’m not anyone’s mistress."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "Your words alone won’t make this issue disappear. Although, Mr. Scott took care of it by setting an example for others with those bloggers. You are still making waves under the comment section. Something about your action must have triggered this rumour."

Stella nodded, pretending to be deeply concerned. "This could become a real problem later. How do we ensure the rumours vanish for good? We can’t file another lawsuit after what Mr. Scott already did."

Before Aurora could respond, Adam entered the room, his presence immediately drawing the conversation toward him. Stephanie seized the opportunity, her voice firm. "Adam, Aurora needs to get married. It’s the only way to kill this mistress rumour for good."

Adam frowned, lines appearing on his forehead as he processed her suggestion. "That’s not a good enough reason for her to marry."

"This is necessary," Stephanie insisted, her voice brimming with confidence. "I’ll find her a good match, someone reputable. Aurora’s the eldest daughter and it’s time for her to settle down. She’s already past the age for marriage."

Aurora bristled at the remark, but before she could react, Stephanie’s attention shifted to Olivia, her gaze sharp. "Now, why are you rushing to marry? Are you pregnant?"

Olivia’s face drained of colour, her eyes widening in fear. "No! Of course not," she stammered, horrified by the question.

Stephanie raised a sceptical eyebrow. "I just don’t see the point in all this rushing. What are you and your mother trying to achieve?"

Stella, clearly flustered by her sister-in-law’s bluntness, quickly intervened. "It’s just that Olivia and Owen have been together for a while now, and we see no reason to delay their marriage. Their relationship is serious."

Stephanie’s scrutinizing gaze lingered on Olivia for a moment longer before shifting again. "And does that Owen know your body is all plastic?" she asked casually. "That could cause problems later in the marriage."

"Sister Steph!" Stella’s voice was filled with disbelief, her face pale. This was not the conversation she had expected when she invited Stephanie over. She had hoped to sway the conversation against Aurora, but instead, Stephanie had turned her sharp claws toward them.

Aurora couldn’t help but scoff quietly to herself. Crossing one leg over the other, she watched the drama unfold with a hint of satisfaction.

For once, Olivia and Stella were the ones in the hot seat, and she had no intention of interrupting her Aunt. If anything, it felt good to see them squirm, especially in front of Adam.

For a moment, Aurora forgot about her anger, the betrayal, and the confrontation she had planned for Adam. Watching Olivia and Stella try to wriggle out of Aunt Stephanie’s line of fire was more than enough entertainment for now and a good distraction.

Chapter 48: No One Was Spared

"Are you trying to shush me? Did I lie?" Stephanie asked, batting her lashes at Stella, who shot her a sharp look, hinting at Adam’s presence.

Stephanie caught the silent warning, but instead of backing down, she leaned into it, a sly smile curling on her lips. "Oh, please. We’re all family here. We all know each other’s secrets. My brother knows exactly when and how his second daughter decided to get her body altered, so why act like it’s a shock now?"

Aurora sat quietly, watching the scene unfold with an odd mix of fascination and discomfort. She had always known Aunt Stephanie had a sharp tongue, but seeing her go after Adam with such casual cruelty was something else. Her aunt didn’t spare anyone.

Adam’s jaw tightened, and his gaze darkened at the reminder of Olivia’s decision to get plastic surgery. The shame of it still lingered, but he didn’t have the opportunity to speak before Stephanie continued.

"Stella," Stephanie turned her attention fully on her sister-in-law, her tone dropping to something far more serious, "You can’t really blame me for pointing it out. Your daughter is only following in your footsteps. If you hadn’t done the same, how would Olivia have thought of putting foreign implants in her body?"

Stella’s eyes flared with indignation as she shot to her feet, her voice tight with forced politeness. "Sister-in-law, breakfast is served. Let’s not waste any more time." Without looking back, she hurried out of the room, practically fleeing from the firestorm Stephanie had unleashed.

At the breakfast table, Aurora selected a light meal—a big red apple, three bacon strips, two sausages, and an omelette. She wasn’t hungry, but she knew she needed something in front of her to avoid drawing attention.

She took small bites, chewing slowly, pretending to eat while lost in her thoughts. Each chew felt like a countdown to the inevitable confrontation with her father.

Across the table, Stephanie turned her sharp eyes on Aurora, breaking the brief moment of calm. "Aurora," she said between bites, "I know someone who would be a perfect match for you. Matteo, the son of one of my best friends, just finished his PhD in Business Administration. He’s about your age and looking to settle down. I’ll arrange for the two of you to meet next weekend."

Aurora raised her head slowly, meeting her aunt’s gaze with a steady calm. "Aunty, don’t bother. I’m not interested."

The room went still as Stephanie leaned forward, her brows furrowing in displeasure. "What? You’re rejecting my kind gesture?"

Aurora didn’t flinch, her gaze steady as she picked up her cutlery, pretending to focus on her food. She knew better than to engage with Stephanie when she was in this mood.

Stephanie’s voice hardened, the tension growing. "Now you’re ignoring me?"

Before Aurora could respond, Adam let out a long, tired sigh. "She said she wasn’t interested, Stephanie. Why are you still pushing?"

Stephanie shot him a glare, clearly offended by her older brother’s intervention. She had always been protective of the family’s reputation, and seeing it crumble around her because of Aurora’s scandal was too much to bear. "Why wouldn’t I bother?" she snapped. "Who knows if she’s still hung up on Owen?"

The accusation cut through the room like a blade. Stella and Olivia exchanged quiet glances as a smirk subtly appeared on their faces, happy that the attention had finally been shifted away from them. Thankfully, there was someone else to receive the heat.

"Aurora, you better listen to me," Stephanie continued, pointing a finger at Aurora. "It’s all your fault that you couldn’t even keep a man and let other vixens steal him away from you."

Olivia suddenly choked on her food, her face reddening as she reached for her water. She gulped it down, trying to regain her composure while her mother stared in horror at Stephanie.

Why does this woman have to drag us into this drama again? Stella thought, grinding her teeth in frustration.

Stephanie wasn’t done. She turned her attention fully to Olivia, her eyes gleaming with sharp judgment. "Are you choking already? Let me tell you, you haven’t even started. You saw all the men out there, and yet you decided to keep your eyes on your sister’s boyfriend? Did your mother teach you that?"

"Stephanie!" Adam’s voice cut through the tension like a whip, silencing his younger sister instantly. His gaze was steely, his patience clearly worn thin. "Will you let us have breakfast in peace?"

Stephanie recoiled slightly at the force of Adam’s tone, but before she could regain her footing, he added, "And by the way, who invited you over so early? Why are you even here?"

For the first time, Stephanie faltered. She stole a quick glance at Stella, who pretended to be entirely focused on her plate. "I heard about Olivia’s wedding happening soon and was concerned. I also wanted to address the ’mistress’ rumour surrounding your eldest daughter."

Aurora’s heart skipped a beat at the word "eldest." It was a term that held new weight now, ever since her visions and her session with the neuropsychologist. The ground beneath her seemed to shift slightly, reminding her of the confrontation she needed to have with her father.

Adam, however, wasn’t willing to indulge Stephanie any further. He looked at her with a calm, but firm expression. "Let us have our meal in peace, Stephanie. And if Aurora says she’s not interested in the blind date, her ’no’ stands. Don’t force her."

Stephanie’s lips thinned into a tight line, clearly wanting to argue, but with one more glance from Adam, she huffed in frustration and turned back to her food, silently fuming.

The rest of breakfast passed in tense silence. After another five minutes, Stephanie stood up, throwing a parting shot over her shoulder at Stella. "It’s not too late to teach your daughter to stop snatching other people’s things. She’s not a thief, after all."

Stella’s hand flew to her chest, her heart racing from the stress of the morning. Watching her sister-in-law walk away, her eyes darkened with barely concealed rage.

"Thank you for the food." Adam’s voice broke through the silence as he stood up from the table. Sensing her chance, Aurora quickly rose to her feet, meeting his gaze.

"Dad, I need to talk to you. It’s important."

Adam studied her face for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly at the intensity in her eyes. "Come with me to the study," he said, nodding toward the hallway.

As they left the room, Stella exhaled deeply, realizing she had been holding her breath. "I called your aunt here for one reason, and she couldn’t even get the job done," she muttered in frustration, glancing at Olivia. "Instead, she managed to raise my blood pressure."

Olivia, still recovering from Stephanie’s sharp tongue, followed Aurora and Adam’s retreating figures with her eyes. "Do you think Aurora is going to complain about Aunt Stephanie to Dad?"

Stella shook her head, refocusing on the moment. "No, I don’t think that’s why she wants to speak to him. She’s been acting strange ever since she arrived. Whatever it is, it’s serious."

Olivia’s brows knitted together in confusion. "Do you think it has something to do with Owen and the marriage discussions?"

Stella’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "No. Your sister’s upset with your father. And as for why... I intend to find out." With determination flashing in her eyes, Stella rose from her seat and followed the path to the study, her mind racing with possibilities.

Chapter 49: Everything She Had Known Was a Lie

Arriving at the tightly shut doors of Adam’s study, Stella cast a quick glance around before pressing her ear to the door, her heart pounding in her chest. She had to know what was about to unfold.

Inside the study, Adam sat behind his imposing desk, gesturing for Aurora to take a seat. His brows furrowed in concern as he noticed the tension in her features. "Daughter, your face doesn’t look good. What’s bothering you?" His voice dripped with concern, his forehead creased with worry. Adam rarely saw his precious daughter troubled, and he was ready to right any wrong that had upset her.

Aurora, struggling to contain the whirlwind of emotions inside her, took a deep breath before speaking. Her heart felt like it was constricting in her chest. This moment, this confrontation could tear apart everything she had ever known.

"Dad, I have a few questions," she began, her voice steady but tense, her gaze locked onto him. "And I need the truth. No lies."

"Go on," Adam urged, though unease settled in the pit of his stomach. The seriousness in her tone unnerved him.

Aurora took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words before she dropped the bomb. "Are you my biological father?"

The room fell into a suffocating silence, both father and daughter frozen as they stared at one another. Aurora’s heart raced, her pulse loud in her ears, while Adam’s expression remained unreadable.

Right outside the door, Stella gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. Oh no. How did she find out? Fear gripped her. If Aurora knew the truth, it would unravel everything she had spent over twenty years building.

Inside, Adam’s face grew stern, his frown deepening as he leaned forward. "Where is this ridiculous piece of information coming from? Did someone say something to you?" His voice was calm, but the edge of panic in his eyes betrayed him.

Aurora’s gaze never wavered, though her heart cracked just a little more with every second of his denial. She had expected this, yet it hurt all the same. "Did you ever abandon my mother and me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Adam’s expression darkened with offence. "I would never! Who told you such lies? Just give me their name, and I’ll deal with them myself."

Aurora blinked back tears, her chest tightening as the truth became undeniable. Her heart was wounded. "So, you’re saying you’re not the man in my visions?"

Adam’s brow furrowed even more. "Visions? What man are you talking about? I don’t understand, Aurora. Speak plainly."

Her breath hitched as she forced herself to look at him, eyes glistening. "The man I remember—he abandoned us because someone found out about us."

Adam’s face paled, his carefully controlled facade beginning to crack. His heartbeat sped up, his mind racing. How could she know? How much did she remember?

Aurora laughed bitterly, tears brimming in her eyes. "I didn’t even know I had lost memories until they started coming back. Dad, I’m giving you one more chance to tell me the truth. If you lie again, I will leave this house and never come back." Her voice broke, the weight of her pain pressing down on her like a heavy stone.

She swallowed hard, her throat tight with emotion, and asked the question that had been clawing at her insides, her voice barely a whisper. "Are you my biological father?"

Adam hesitated, his mind scrambling for a way out, but seeing the devastation on Aurora’s face, he finally answered, "Yes, I am. You are my daughter, Aurora. Don’t let anyone fill your head with nonsense."

Aurora’s hands shook as she stared at him, her heart breaking all over again. "I shouldn’t listen to my heart?" she muttered, her voice laced with disbelief. She scoffed and rose from her seat, wiping away the tear that escaped her control. "I gave you a chance to tell the truth, and you lied."

She turned toward the door, her voice cold and final. "I’m leaving, and I won’t be back."

Panic flared in Adam’s chest as he hurried out of his chair. "Aurora, wait! Where are you going?" His voice cracked with desperation, but she didn’t stop.

"Anywhere but here," she spat, her hand grasping the doorknob. She flung the door open and stormed out, never once looking back.

Stella, who had hidden herself from sight, quickly stepped back into the shadows as Aurora walked past, her heart thudding in her chest. Aurora didn’t notice her; she was too lost in her own grief and fury.

Aurora walked down the hallway, her vision blurred with tears. At the end of the hall, she almost bumped into Olivia. Her steps faltered as their eyes met.

"You mentioned that Dad wasn’t my biological father a few weeks ago," Aurora said, her voice chillingly calm. "What do you know?"

Olivia’s eyes widened, fear flickering in them as she realized the gravity of Aurora’s question. She took a step back, panic rising in her chest. "I—I don’t know anything. It was just a slip of the tongue. I never meant it."

Aurora stared at her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "A slip of the tongue. I see."

Without another word, Aurora walked past Olivia, her steps heavy with determination. She was leaving. For good.

Meanwhile, Stella emerged from her hiding place, walking up to Olivia with a calm but steely gaze. They both stared at the empty staircase where Aurora had disappeared moments before.

"Mum, Aurora knows," Olivia whispered, her voice trembling. "She knows she’s not Dad’s daughter. She’s furious. What are we going to do?"

Stella’s eyes hardened as she looked at Olivia. "We cannot let her reunite with her biological father. I trust your father won’t reveal anything, but if the need arises..." Her voice turned cold, dangerous. "I’ll do whatever it takes to stop her. Even if it means getting rid of her."

Olivia’s heart skipped a beat, her face draining of colour. "You would kill her?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, horrified.

Back in her room, Aurora furiously packed her things. She grabbed clothes from the closet, shoving them into her bag without a second thought. She felt like she was suffocating in this house, and the walls seemed to close in on her more with every second.

She was zipping up her bag when Adam appeared in the doorway, his eyes wide with panic. "Dear, what are you doing?" His voice cracked with fear as he watched her hurried movements. "You don’t have to do this. This is your home!"

Aurora whirled around, her eyes blazing with fury and heartbreak. "No! This is not my home!" she cried, her voice shaking. "You refused to tell me the truth. Can’t you see how much I’m hurting here? I can barely breathe." She placed a trembling hand on her chest. "I’m going to leave, and I’m never coming back!"

Chapter 50: The Truth That Cut Deep

Seeing that she was serious about leaving and never coming back from the determination in her eyes, Adam knew there was a huge problem. His mind raced, the tension in the room, suffocating.

Just as Aurora lifted her bag, Adam’s voice cracked through the silence. "Fine! I’m not your biological father."

The words hit Aurora like a punch to the chest. Her backpack slipped from her shoulder, tumbling onto the bed and bouncing off the other side. Everything around her blurred. Slowly, she turned to face him, her heart clenching painfully.

"So, my visions are correct? You are not my father." Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face as the truth was reconfirmed.

Adam’s gaze softened, but his words did little to comfort her. "I’m still your father. Your mother and I were married. I gave you my name, raised you as mine. I’ve always been your father, Aurora."

Aurora shook her head, her voice a barely audible whisper. "It’s not the same." The betrayal gnawed at her insides, and the man she had once believed to be her protector now felt like a stranger.

"What happened to my memories? Did you have anything to do with their suppression?" Her eyes blazed with anger through the haze of her tears.

Adam exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. The weight of the truth bore down on him too. "Yes. Your mother wanted it."

Aurora’s heart twisted at his admission, her mind spiralling. She didn’t even want to know the reasons. They weren’t important. What mattered was the web of lies that had been spun around her entire life. She swallowed hard, her throat tight. "Who is my biological father?"

Adam’s silence was deafening. "I’m sorry, but I can’t give you any information about him."

Aurora’s frustration reached its boiling point. She turned away, grabbing her head with both hands as if she could physically hold herself together. When she finally faced him again, her eyes were bloodshot, her voice trembling. "Why are you doing this to me?" Her words dripped with anguish. "You lied to me... my entire life!"

"I swore to your mother to protect you and I’m not about to undo it for that piece of information." Adam stared at her, helpless at her situation.

This wasn’t how today was supposed to go. Aurora wasn’t supposed to find out about any of this, but what was he supposed to do now?

On one hand, was the oath he took before the one woman he has always loved and on the other hand was the daughter she entrusted to him, whom he raised by himself after she passed. He was in a dilemma.

"You won’t even tell me who my biological father is?" Aurora ruffled her hair. She looked like a total mess now. "This means he is alive," she said to Adam, piecing the puzzle. "It looks like I’m going to have to find him myself."’

Panic flashed in Adam’s eyes. "Aurora, please don’t do that." He reached out, but she recoiled, taking a step back.

"Don’t tell me what to do!" Aurora shouted as her breathing hitched. Feeling the tightness in her chest, she clutched it, eyes still on him. "You deceived me all my life! I don’t care if my mum put you to it! You betrayed me!"

Adam released a deep breath. Aurora’s face didn’t look good. At this point, he was more worried about how she was taking all the information and not how she saw him.

Aurora was suffocating in her grief, in her fury. "How can I ever believe you again?" she gasped, gesturing wildly. "You were the first man I trusted... and now look at what you’ve done! You’ve turned my whole life upside down!"

Suddenly, her legs gave out beneath her as she collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. She suffered another panic attack.

"Aurora!" Adam’s voice cracked as he rushed to her side, his hands trembling as he tried to hold her. But she struggled against him, her face flushed, her breath shallow.

"Let me go!" she screamed, her body shaking violently. "Even if I’m dying, don’t help me!" Her voice was raw, a reflection of the pain tearing her apart inside.

"Stop talking and breathe!" Adam ordered, his own voice breaking as he adjusted her position, trying desperately to calm her. All that mattered was that she would be okay.

Aurora’s breathing slowly steadied after what felt like an eternity. But her face was pale, her body still trembling from the emotional storm.

Aurora insisted on leaving after catching her breath, but how could Adam let her go seeing the emotional wreck she was? Knowing she wasn’t going to listen to him, he ordered people to keep an eye on her and not let her leave her room.

"You can’t keep me locked here!" Aurora barked with her tear-stained face. "I’m going to hate you forever!"

Adam paused, standing at the door, his back to her. He spoke softly, his voice laden with sorrow. "I don’t mind if you hate me, Aurora... as long as you’re safe."

Aurora let out a blood-curdling scream as the door clicked shut. She grabbed anything within reach and hurled it across the room. Glass shattered as the mirror broke, the sound echoing her own brokenness.

She tore through her room, wrecking everything she could get her hands on until exhausted, she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

"What did I do so wrong to deserve this?" she cried, her body curling into itself as the sobs wracked through her.

Right outside the door, Adam stood with his head bowed, wiping away a tear. He turned to the butler beside him. "If she continues like this, she’s going to make herself sick. Call the doctor."

Half an hour later, the doctor arrived, but Aurora refused to let him near her. The grief was too raw, the betrayal too deep, so much that she didn’t care about herself.

When Adam learned she refused to see the doctor, he helplessly dismissed him and ordered the servants to clean the room, removing every sharp object. He feared she might hurt herself in her fragile state.

Meanwhile, Olivia sat on the balcony with her mother, sipping tea. She could hear Aurora’s screams from her room, each one sending a chill down her spine.

"Mum, Aurora has never acted like this before," Olivia said, her voice edged with fear.

Stella didn’t even look up from her magazine. "She’s never been hurt this deeply. This is normal. At least she hasn’t killed herself yet," she sneered.

"Mum... I’m scared Dad might tell her the truth," Olivia whispered, panicking.

Finally, Stella looked at her, a calm smirk playing on her lips. "He won’t. The fact that she’s throwing a tantrum means he refused to tell her. He took an oath, and he’ll keep it."

Stella’s confidence was unnerving, but she was sure of one thing—Aurora wouldn’t be finding out anything about her biological father any time soon, allowing her the opportunity to conclude her plans.