Ch. 6..10: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 6-10
Chapter 6: A Scandalous Article
Olivia's words struck a nerve and a lump formed in Aurora's throat. She couldn't tolerate it anymore.
Her mother had always been in the picture before Stella came along. So, why would Olivia speak about events that happened before then? Or did her mother spew those lies to her?
Aurora's patience wore thin with Olivia's taunts. She stood up, ready to retaliate at the figure glaring daggers at her, but Stella cut in.
"How could you utter such nonsense? Do you want to get us both in another trouble with your father?" Stella interrogated through gnashed teeth. She was genuinely pissed at Olivia.
Her words hinted at Aurora exposing them and triggering Adam's wrath on them.
Immediately, the sharp glint in Olivia's eyes disappeared as realization dawned on her.
Aurora looked pleasantly surprised that her stepmother would scold Olivia in her presence. 'They are really threading on eggshells around Dad, today," she thought to herself.
Aurora pointed a finger at Olivia. "This is my last warning to you. If you do as much as spewing trash like this ever again, I will let you repeat them before Dad."
Olivia and Stella hurried out of Aurora's bedroom as fast as their legs could carry them, and they didn't stop until they got to the former's bedroom.
The moment the door closed Stella snapped an angry gaze at Olivia, "How could you reveal such a big secret to her so carelessly no matter how pissed you are? What did I tell you about bridling your tongue before her?"
"I-I- She got on my nerves and wouldn't do what you asked. Besides, Aurora isn't Dad's biological daughter, so why are you two hiding it from her?" Olivia clenched her jaw and fists as she stared at her mother furiously.
She just didn't understand the reason Aurora was being lied to, plus the reason she had to put up with her in everything. She was tired of the situation and wanted Aurora gone from their lives.
She didn't want to consider the fact that they might have to split their father's assets in the future.
"You little fool," Stella let out a deep breath. "Your father has no idea I know the secret, so you better watch your mouth now."
Olivia pouted and turned to sit on her bed. "You never mentioned how you found out about it though. What really happened back then?"
"Aurora's mother, Evelyn was your father's first love. She had Aurora with another man and was ill when your father met her again. So, he married her, and I overheard them making a deal when I had just found out I was pregnant with you." Stella seethed with rage, recalling what transpired in the past.
She had walked in to tell Adam she was pregnant when she overheard his conversation with Aurora's mother.
Olivia's frown deepened as she met her mother's gaze. "What kind of deal did they make, and why wouldn't Dad just send Aurora to whoever her father is? Also, who is he?"
"You ask too many questions." Stella glared at her. "You only need to know that Aurora's father is much wealthier and influential than your father, and she can never find out about him if you don't want her to have a better life than you."
Finally, Olivia nodded in understanding as a smirk turned up at the corner of her lips.
"I am already making plans to gain connections with Aurora's biological father, so just sit back and relax," Stella added.
"I trust you, Mum." A smile bloomed on Olivia's face. "Soon, I will take over everything that belongs to Aurora."
Olivia was delighted with her mother's plans and was already gloating when suddenly, a thought came to her.
"Mum," she called, her brows twitching. "How come Aurora doesn't remember what happened if she was already five years old when her mother brought her into this family?"
"How can that girl remember anything when her memories were wiped?" Stella scoffed.
---
Having had enough drama for the day, Aurora released a yawn and picked up her phone as soon as the screen glowed.
A text from Abigail just came in, so she unlocked her screen to read the content.
"I'm back. Meet me at 'Savoury Taste Diner' in an hour. No excuses. I'm worried about you."
A deep sigh escaped Aurora's lips as she typed a response and sent it out.
Now that it looks like she will be having lunch with her best friend, she has to return to Garden City Hotel where she left her car yesterday to pick it up first.
With lunch plans set, Aurora first stopped at Garden City Hotel to retrieve her car which she had left overnight meeting Abigail at the restaurant. And she was seven minutes late.
"I'm so sorry for the wait," Aurora quickly apologized as Abigail stood up and pulled her into a warm hug lasting almost a minute.
"Are you okay?" Abigail inquired, dismissing her worries as she released her from her embrace.
Knowing what her best friend was actually asking after, Aurora pulled out a seat for herself.
"Abby, I am not okay," she confessed, meeting the softness in Abigail's eyes and her knotted brows. "I didn't want to believe that Owen would ever do something like that to me. Do you know he sent me a break-up text a few moments before you called that yesterday evening?"
Aurora passed her phone to Abigail, letting her read the text herself.
Abigail's gaze widened as she read through the text. "That narcissist scummy bastard sent you this yesterday? Wow!" She gulped down an entire glass of water feeling her insides burning.
"Wait until you hear what they did to me yesterday," Aurora breathed angrily.
Just then, the waiters came to serve the food order Abigail made before Aurora's arrival.
"What did they do to you?" Abigail's gaze darkened.
Aurora glanced at her favourite mashed potato dish and pushed it aside uninterestedly. Letting go of a five-year relationship of love, dedication, sacrifices and efforts wasn't an easy feat.
Her heart was bleeding.
"First, my stepmother kept me locked outside the ballroom and finally when I managed to gain entrance, Olivia stepped on the trail of my dress and ripped it right in front of everybody," Aurora revealed, deliberately leaving Xander's part out as she was not ready to talk about it.
"What!" Abigail fumed. "How dare they treat you in that matter after everything they did to you?" She could not hold back her emotions anymore and threatened to get back at everyone who wronged her best friend.
Aurora stopped her and said, encouraging herself, "If Owen can be swayed by someone else, then he is not worthy of me."
Silence ensued around them as Abigail squeezed her hand gently in support.
"Aurora, have you thought about moving out?" Abigail retrieved her hand and opened the contact list on her phone. "I know an agent who can help you find a good apartment."
Unfortunately, Abigail lived with her mother and couldn't ask Aurora to move in with her otherwise, she would have suggested it long ago.
Aurora accepted her best friend's kindness and saved the house agent's contact on her phone, promising to call later before picking up her cutlery.
As Aurora chatted with Abigail, unaware of the chaos unfolding, a scandalous article on a popular gossip blog ignited a firestorm online, raising the heat in her house further.
"BOMBSHELL EXCLUSIVE!
Last night, the crème de la crème gathered at the Garden City Hotel Ballroom to witness the shocking engagement of Olivia Swift and Owen Scott. But amidst the champagne toasts and lavish celebrations, a glaring absence stole the spotlight: Olivia's father, Adam Swift, CEO of Vintage Cellar.
Was Adam's no-show a silent protest against his daughter's whirlwind romance with her sister's EX? Yes, you read that right! Owen Scott, the man Olivia is now set to marry, was until recently entwined in a torrid affair with none other than Aurora Swift, Adam's eldest daughter.
The plot thickens: insiders whisper of a twisted love triangle, with Olivia allegedly sneaking around with Owen behind her sister's back. Did Olivia orchestrate her sister's heartbreak to claim Owen for herself?
Adam's absence speaks volumes. Was he too distraught to attend, or does he harbour secrets of his own? The Swift family's reputation hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for more updates on this salacious scandal!"
Chapter 7: A Long-Forgotten Memory
~DANTE GROUP~
President Office.
Xander stared blankly ahead as he drummed his fingers on his desk restlessly. He hadn't heard anything from Aurora since their unfinished phone conversation that morning.
He cocked his head to the side, his brows furrowing slightly. He was worried. Unable to sit back and wait, he grabbed his phone and texted her.
"I hope I didn't get you in trouble earlier?"
As he put his phone down, Liam knocked and let himself in. "Sir, we have found the target!" He announced with much urgency in his tone.
"Location?" Xander inquired, his gaze narrowing.
"Italy. Venice to be precise," Liam reported.
Xander leaned out of his seat, his gaze hardening. The next moment, he laid out a set of instructions.
"Get our team and the jet ready. We are leaving for Venice on Thursday."
"Yes, Sir," Liam replied and excused himself.
Xander exhaled deeply, relief washing over him as weeks of tireless pursuit finally paid off. He couldn't wait to close the case.
Just then, a chime from his phone alerted his attention. Instantly, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Aurora had texted back.
Aurora: "No, you didn't. It was a genius idea to save your contact with 'Pizza Delivery' on my phone. It seems like you already know what my family is like."
Xander: "The party was enough proof. About last night, you should have mentioned it was your first time.
Aurora: "It doesn't matter now."
Xander: "Have you given my offer some thought?"
Aurora: "I am your nephew's ex-girlfriend."
Xander: "I don't mind. I only await your response."
Aurora: "I will sleep over it."
Xander puffed a sigh and put his phone down. He hoped that Aurora would give him a response sooner.
---
Having decided her stand, Aurora phoned the house agent and requested a two-bedroom apartment.
"I have three good options for you based on your demands. When do you want to see them?" The house agent inquired.
"Tomorrow is a good day," Aurora replied.
Aurora climbed out of her car as soon as she secured the appointment. But the butler approached her the second she stepped inside the house.
"Mr. Swift requests your presence in the second sitting area."
Aurora stilled for a moment before resuming her steps.
Olivia and Stella were already receiving an earful from Adam in the living room when she closed in.
"What. Is. This?" Slamming the tablet on the table, Adam pointed a finger at Olivia and Stella. "You and your mother should tell me what our family is doing on a gossip blog post!"
Olivia and Stella exchanged nervous glances. They had already seen the blog post and prayed he wouldn't come across it. Unfortunately, news reached him before they could do something about it.
"Explain this!" Adam's voice boomed, echoing through the room.
Olivia shrunk into the couch, her voice trembling. "Dad, I—"
"No, you'll tell me nothing!" Adam cut her off, his eyes blazing. "This...scandal is all over the internet. Our family's reputation is in shambles!"
Stella stood up, attempting to deflect. "Adam, calm down. It's just gossip—"
"It's just gossip?" Adam's laughter was laced with venom. "You think this is just gossip?"
Immediately, his gaze found Olivia. "Cancel your engagement with Owen right now!" He demanded, his gaze blazing with fury.
"No! She can't do that!" Stella frowned. "News of their engagement has already circled through town. Breaking up will only make things worse."
"Are you suggesting that Olivia marries her sister's ex-boyfriend?" Adam shouted. "Does that make any sense to you?"
Stella jerked as she shut her eyes for a moment. "Aurora and Owen broke up long ago. Can't you stop seeing things from that angle?"
"The media is hinting at something different!" Adam said and immediately turned his attention to Aurora who just arrived.
"When did you end things with Owen Scott?"
Olivia stilled. Stella gnashed her teeth, trying to signal Aurora with her eyes, threatening her not to say the wrong thing.
Aurora felt the heated gazes from the mother-daughter pair and scoffed inwardly. She knew they were dying inside of them, hoping that her response wouldn't bury them alive.
She shifted her gaze back to her father and said, "It's not important, and I don't care."
As soon as Olivia and Stella heard her statement, they released a deep sigh of relief, almost rejoicing. Unfortunately, their joy was short-lived.
"Olivia and Owen have been dating for a long time, and I would like to be kept out of this matter. Excuse me," Aurora added and turned to leave.
'That bitch!' Stella cursed.
Olivia balled her fists, her eyes shooting glaciers at Aurora's back.
Aurora's vague response hinted at the possibility of Olivia dating Owen behind her back, and how could Adam not understand it?
Immediately, he shifted his attention to Olivia with a vein throbbing in his temple. "Were you seeing Owen while he was still dating your sister?"
"No! I-I- would never do anything like that!" Olivia quickly denied it.
Adam put his hands on his waist and asked, "Then how long did you date Owen before getting engaged to him?"
"Two– Three–." Olivia stuttered. Her head was blank with the random question and her father's inquisitive gaze.
"You don't know how long you have been seeing the man you got engaged to last night? Come here!" Adam marched towards her angrily.
Stella tried to stop him and Olivia sprang up from her seat screaming.
"Dad, wait! Let me explain! Ah!"
---
Following a refreshing bath, Aurora climbed into her bed, grateful for dining out which had saved her from a would-have-been stifling tension at the dinner table.
Sighing to herself, she turned off the light. As she drifted into slumber, a faint image materialized.
Aurora stood in a dimly lit hallway, her small feet pattering against the cold floor. A man's receding figure vanished into the distance. She couldn't see his face, only the broad shoulders and fading footsteps.
Her gaze shifted to her mother's pale face, seeking comfort.
"Mummy, when next is Daddy coming to see us?" Little Aurora's voice trembled.
Her mother's eyes welled up, a single tear escaping. "He is never coming back to us."
"No! I want my Daddy!" she wailed. And without hesitation, she took off after the disappearing figure. "Daddy!" her shrill cry echoed through the hallway.
"Aurora, come back!" her mother's panicked voice followed, footsteps pounding the floor as she chased after her.
---
Aurora jolted awake, her chest heaving. Sweat beaded on her forehead. She scanned the room frantically, only relaxing when she recognized it.
It was morning, and she had been sleeping.
"What kind of dream was that?" she murmured, confusion etched on her face.
But memories of Olivia's biting words from the previous day intruded, and her thoughts snagged on the painful revelation.
"It's all because of that damned girl!" Aurora's eyes narrowed, attributing the vivid dream to Olivia's claim that Adam wasn't her biological father.
She hadn't realized the depth of her subconscious turmoil until now. The dream had felt so real.
Yet, unbeknownst to her, the dream was more than just a reflection of her anxieties. It was a fragment of her erased past, a glimpse into a long-forgotten memory, now attempting to resurface.
Chapter 8: A Wedding in Venice
Aurora got out of bed, putting the 'dream' behind her. She stifled a yawn as her eyes found her phone sitting on the nightstand. She picked it up and read the text from Xander.
"Good morning Your Highness. I'm guessing you had a good night's rest. What's your take on my marriage proposal?"
'What a persistent fellow,' she thought as she quickly typed a response and sent it to him having weighed her options the previous day.
"When can we discuss the terms?"
Revenge was secondary to Aurora. She needed a man to protect her and keep her enemy at bay. Her father was unreliable, and Xander seemed like the perfect figure to fill that vacuum.
"Breakfast might be a little too early for you. I will be in a meeting from 10 AM to 1 PM today. Let's meet for lunch by 1:30 at..." Xander texted and then proceeded to drop the exact location on Google Maps.
Aurora: "You work on Sundays?"
Xander: "I work on some weekends."
Aurora: "I see..."
Xander: "My assistant, Liam, will be at the entrance to pick you up. See you by 1: 30 PM, Aurora."
Aurora also exchanged a few texts with Abigail between brushing her teeth and showering.
Aurora: "Do you have any plans this evening? Can I do a sleepover at your place today?"
Abigail: "Of course, Baby! Anytime! My Mum travelled yesterday night. Let's go see a movie this evening."
Aurora: "Perfect!"
Aurora's top priority was preserving her mental well-being, which meant distancing herself from any form of drama and toxicity.
Before heading downstairs for breakfast, Aurora contacted the house agent to request pictures of the available apartment and confirmed their meeting for 9 AM.
Aurora was the last to arrive at the dining table. And throughout the meal, Olivia and Stella didn't dare to breathe a word with Adam shifting a glare between them.
"Dad, I am spending the night at Abigail's place," Aurora announced.
"That's okay," Adam approved immediately, understanding she needed the space after everything that happened.
---
After a four-hour tour of three properties with the agent, Aurora ultimately chose the one that best met her priorities; robust security and unparalleled privacy.
The chosen apartment on the 12th floor of a high-rise building, offered stunning views, keycard-accessed elevators and most importantly – a distance from her current home.
With the payment and the paperwork finalized, Aurora received the keys to her new apartment and swiftly booked a moving company for 6:30 AM on Tuesday. After dropping off her current residence and new apartment location details, she headed to her scheduled meeting with Xander.
---
Liam, clad in a grey suit was waiting at the entrance when Aurora came up. However, she didn't recognise him when he approached her – curtsey of the effect of the hallucinogenic drug that night.
"Good day, Ms. Swift. I am Liam Robison, Mr. Scott's Personal Assistant."
Aurora shook his hand with a warm smile. "Good day, Mr. Robison."
"Liam, please," he corrected as he released her hand. "I shall escort you now."
Aurora nodded, her curiosity piqued.
Liam led her through the winding paths of a beautifully manicured garden, the sweet scent of blooming flowers enveloping them.
As they strolled, the garden's layout shifted, and they entered an intricate flower maze. Liam navigated the twists and turns with ease, Aurora following closely behind.
Soon, the maze opened up to a serene clearing, where a charming open shed stood. The thatched roof and lush greenery blended seamlessly into the surroundings.
"Mr. Scott awaits," Liam announced, gesturing toward the shed.
Aurora's eyes adjusted to the soft light within. Xander stood by an elegant wooden desk, his gaze locked onto hers. His expression was reserved, but a hint of warmth flickered in his eyes.
"Thank you, Liam," Xander said, his deep voice soothing.
"I'll leave you both to your meeting." Liam bowed subtly and discreetly withdrew.
"You look beautiful and you are right on time," Xander said, shaking Aurora's hand before pulling out a chair for her.
Aurora sat down and took off her sunshades. "Thank you. I like to keep to time," she replied as her gaze darted around them. "Is this a private property?"
"Yes." Xander sat down, his eyes softening. "How do you like the view?" He asked as the waiters stepped out one after the other with different dishes and a platter of fruits.
"I love the serenity. It's soothing," Aurora replied, her gaze lingering on his handsome facial features.
Aurora and Xander chatted about random stuff over lunch before taking a walk in the gardens to discuss their marriage terms.
"I want a secret wedding for now," Xander started. "I am working on an important mission that will be wrapped up in a few months. And when it's done, we can have a bigger wedding with our family and friends."
Aurora's face contoured in a frown. "How do you plan to protect me and get revenge on my behalf if our marriage is kept a secret?"
Aurora thought going public with their marriage would curb her stepmother's and half-sister's scheming, given Xander's formidable presence. But it seemed he had other plans.
"I can still do that from the sideline," Xander said and went further to explain his plans.
"When are we having the wedding?" Aurora inquired, leaving the major decisions to him.
"Friday."
Aurora's brows knitted. "Which of the Fridays?"
"This coming week," Xander answered, amused by her facial expressions. "We are having the wedding in Venice, Italy."
Aurora was left dumbstruck by Xander's sudden plans for their wedding. She wondered the reason for the rush.
---
Aurora met Abigail at the mall to see an action-thriller movie in their cinema. They got popcorn, coke and fried chicken wings because according to Abigail, it was the first cure for heartbreak.
As Abigail waited in line for their movie tickets, Aurora spotted a familiar figure from the corner of her eyes; Owen. He was openly flirting with an unfamiliar woman, his arm casually wrapped around her waist without care for public exposure.
Aurora was shocked by his audacity, yet she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing Olivia would soon face the consequences of her own actions.
After spending two hours plus at the cinema house, Aurora and Abigail had dinner at a restaurant before going to the latter's home; a simple duplex with a small open field to host outdoor events.
Aurora unpacked and showered in Abigail's minimalist-styled bedroom before settling down on the plush rug to watch the latter patting down a moisturizer on her face.
"I got an apartment today," she announced, breaking the silence.
Abigail's hands stilled, her gaze snapping to Aurora. "Really?" she asked, eyes sparkling.
Aurora confirmed with a smile. "Moving out Tuesday morning." She shared the details of her new place, and Abigail's face lit up with genuine joy.
"We are opening an expensive bottle of wine over this good news!" Abigail said and turned her gaze back to the mirror on her vanity table.
"I have one more announcement," Aurora said and dropped a bombshell news, her eyes locked on Abigail's reflection. "I'm getting married."
Abigail's gaze snapped back to hers, disbelieving. "You're kidding, right?"
Aurora shook her head. "I met him on Friday."
Abigail's gaze darkened. "And who the hell is this random stranger?"
"Xander Scott, Owen's uncle," Aurora replied.
Abigail's stunned expression froze, her mouth hanging open. The expensive bottle of Anti-Âge cream valued at $550 for just 50ml slipped from her grasp, landing softly on the plush grey fur rug.
Chapter 9: Making A Scene
~Vintage Cella~
MONDAY.
Aurora walked into the company, polished in a tailored lavender business suit, her hair sleekly ponytailed and lips painted bold red. A black structured handbag and stilettoes complimented her outfit perfectly. Despite her poised appearance, worry lines creased her forehead.
Abigail's disapproval from the night before still weighed on her mind.
Abigail thought she had lost her mind for agreeing to a marriage with her ex-boyfriend's uncle– a man she barely knew. Following a discussion about Xander, Abigail had urged caution before departing to bed.
When Aurora woke up this morning, Abigail had already gone for a run. Worried that her best friend was still mad at her, she sent her a text before leaving her place.
A deep sigh escaped Aurora's lips as the elevator stopped at the executive floor of the building.
She headed straight to the meeting room, where an emergency gathering was already underway, chaired by her father. As she entered, the people in the room stood to greet her warmly.
"Good morning, Ms. Scott."
"Good morning." She returned the courtesy and took the first seat to the right of the head chair, reserved for Adam.
Minutes later, Adam arrived with Olivia in tow, and the room stood to acknowledge his presence.
Aurora scoffed, noticing Olivia's calculated move of positioning herself to share the attention and respect accorded to their father.
Olivia was an attention seeker. She would do anything to keep people's eyes on her.
"Please, take your seats," Adam instructed, as Olivia settled to his left, directly across from Aurora.
Adam's gaze swept the room as he began, "This emergency meeting concerns a critical challenge. Aurora and Olivia, as marketing directors, will create and present proposals for two new luxury products that embody our brand's essence within two weeks."
Aurora and Olivia exchanged weighted glances. This competition is set to ignite a fierce battle between them, driven by their deep-seated animosity.
"Following approval, production will commence," Adam continued. "However, we'll evaluate the products' market value and performance within three months of launch. The director with the top-performing product will be promoted to COO of Vintage Cella."
Aurora's brow furrowed, pondering over their father's motives for pitting them against each other while a calculating glint flashed in Olivia's narrowed gaze. She was determined to win this fight.
Adam passed on more information regarding the task and concluded the meeting.
---
A few minutes later, Aurora summoned her team to brainstorm ideas for the new product.
"We need something innovative that complements our core offerings. Anyone has any idea?" She asked, her eyes moving from one person to the other.
After 20 minutes of discussion, Aurora was unsatisfied with their ideas and directly adjourned the meeting.
"Go home and think of an inspiring idea. This meeting continues tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Olivia's team fared no better. Frustrated, Olivia lashed out, "Are you all incapable of creative thoughts?"
Her fierce gaze darted across the room, taking in everyone's expression. "You are all highly paid to think, not stare blankly!"
"What's the point of your hefty salaries if you can't deliver results?" She spat, storming off.
---
Aurora returned to her office, mentally drained. She struggled to focus on routine tasks with her mind preoccupied with the sudden project.
During lunch break, Xander checked in with a text, providing a welcome distraction. "Hey, how's your day going?"
Aurora quickly texted back. "Fine, and yours?"
As Xander replied, Aurora's thoughts shifted to their wedding and immediately, she made a request.
"I think we might need to move back our wedding. I've got an important project with a tight deadline."
Xander's curiosity was piqued, "What's the task?"
"It's a high-stakes competition against my sister to develop and pitch a new product idea within two weeks. And a promotion is at stake here." Aurora explained.
Xander's call came in the next moment.
"Hey!" Xander's smooth tone reached her ears. "I understand the importance of this project. But I still think that taking a break will spark some innovative ideas. Which better time than our wedding?"
He tried to convince her, "Italy, our wedding destination, is a wine production hub and can provide inspiration. We can also visit France, known for its quality wine, to explore more creative ideas."
Aurora felt that he had a valid point after listening for a while. Which better place to brainstorm than the countries known for their best wines?
She quickly agreed to his suggestions. "I will apply for a few days' leave tomorrow."
"When are you moving to my place?" Xander inquired later.
"Wednesday," she replied.
Since Xander wanted their marriage to be kept secret for a while, the apartment she rented could help hold off the prying eyes of her stepmother.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
"No, thank you. I got it!"
---
Aurora felt a sense of relief after her call with Xander. Later that day, she joined her family for dinner before seeking out her father in his study.
"I'm taking a four-day leave starting Wednesday. I'll return to work on next Tuesday," she announced.
Adam's brows furrowed, lines appearing on his forehead. "Is now really the best time?"
Aurora understood his concern and reassured him, "I will work on the project on my break."
Adam sighed, relaxing into his chair. He accepted her decision knowing he couldn't deny her leave.
"One more thing" Aurora paused, meeting his gaze. "I've found a new place and I'm moving out tomorrow morning."
Surprised, Adam's expression darkened. "Why–."
"Where do you think you're running to?" Just then, Stella burst into the room, cutting off their conversation, her eyes darting from Aurora to Adam. "This house is spacious enough for everyone. Why does she need to move away where we can't keep an eye on her?"
"What sort of wild behaviour is this?" Adam glared at her.
Stella didn't care about his anger and continued, "Aurora definitely has other motives. Adam, don't let her leave!"
In a flash, Aurora's gaze turned stern. "I am 28 and capable of making my own decisions. Do I look like a child who needs supervision? Also, you don't have any right to point accusing fingers at me."
Stella's face crumpled. Immediately, she turned to Adam, tears welling up in her eyes. "She disrespects me like this in front of you. Does she not see me as her mother? How can she question my worth? "Is this the behaviour you condone for her to live outside with?"
Chapter 10: A Bouquet of Fresh Roses
Stella continued crying, pushing for Adam to change his mind about Aurora moving out.
"People are going to say that I don't treat her well and that I asked her to leave! You have to get justice for me now and right every wrong!"
If Aurora moves out, how can she continue to keep her eyes on her? So of course, she has to fight tooth and nail to prevent it.
Aurora rolled her eyes and turned to fix her gaze on her father. She had only come to inform him of the plans she'd already made because she respected him. She wasn't asking for his opinion.
And of course, knowing this, Adam sought to uphold his honour and pride before her.
Finding Stella's actions questionable, he frowned at her. "If you are going to keep disturbing my peace, use the door!" He ordered, pointing a finger at the entrance door while glaring at her.
Immediately, Stella stopped crying and wiped the invisible tears away from her eyes. "Adam, you really have to listen to me this time!"
"Do you listen to me when I ask of you?" Adam retorted. Stella bit her bottom lip and turned her gaze away. Since he asked that question, how could she defend herself?
Adam shifted his attention to Aurora, his gaze softening. "I don't have any problems with you moving out, but you will have to attend every family function and come home every weekend to eat dinner with us. Do you accept?"
Aurora nodded. His conditions were a piece of cake. Besides, she might not have to keep to them with time.
Stella was so mad at Adam for consenting to Aurora moving out. When Olivia found her in her bedroom, she was pacing about.
"Mum, what is the matter? Why do you look so worried?"
"Aurora is moving out and your father agreed to it."
Olivia's brows furrowed. "Should that be something to worry about? Isn't it good that her presence will no longer be a nuisance to us?"
"You fool! We need Aurora close to keep an eye on the people she meets. I can't have her crossing paths with real family!" Stella insinuated and finally, Olivia understood.
"Then the problem is easy to resolve. Just put a tail on her; get someone to follow her and report every movement to you!"
Instantly, Stella's eyes shone brightly. "Brilliant!"
---
By 6:30 the following morning, the moving company Aurora contracted came to move her things from her family residence to her new apartment.
Stella clenched her fists, watching her pick up almost every property in her bedroom.
"Don't think you can ever get away from my claws!" She whispered when Aurora walked past her.
Aurora scoffed at her remarks and went outside to see her father waiting.
"Always call me when you need anything," Adam reminded, patting her shoulder as the corner of his eyes crinkled.
---
Aurora reported to work as soon as the moving company finished transferring her things to her new space.
Fortunately, Abigail was no longer mad at her and volunteered to help get the furniture she had ordered from an online store.
"You owe me an expensive dinner tonight. And I need to meet this Xander Scott and access him with my own eyes," Abigail had said with the corner of her lips lifting into a smirk.
Aurora exhaled deeply as she sat behind her desk, reading the reports her team members submitted based on their new product ideas. Nothing made sense to her. She pushed the file away and focused on her work for the day.
Towards noon, she went to the breakroom to get some ice cream. But as she emerged, she heard giggles and whisperings from the junior staff.
"Did you see that bouquet of fresh pink roses?"
"Yes, I did. And I counted them with my eyes. There are twenty-four of them!"'
"Ms. Olivia must be the luckiest woman on earth receiving flowers from her fiancé."
"She really is the luckiest despite how mean she is at work."
"Ms. Aurora is kind, but luck is not on her side with relationships. Her sister took over the man she used to date."
"Are sisters allowed to date the same man?"
"Shhh! Don't mention the relationship triangle at work or risk getting fired."
Aurora stood at the door for another minute before pushing it open. As she walked in, the women gossiping all hushed. They greeted her, not daring to meet her gaze.
Aurora replied to their greetings and walked up to the refrigerator to pick up two pints of chocolate ice cream before returning to her office.
As soon as she sat behind her desk and opened the first pint, a knock sounded on her door but before she could grant permission, Owen pushed the door open and let himself in with a proud smile.
"Who said you can come into my office?" Aurora eyed him sceptically.
He shoved his hands into his pockets as his gaze darted across her office before resting on her face. "You look so lonely so I dropped by to see how you are doing."
"No thanks for your concern. Please make use of the door." Aurora pointed at the door, her gaze narrowing.
Owen smiled to himself as he walked towards her desk. Clearly, he wasn't interested in following her instructions.
"Did you think about my offer to you on Friday night?"
Aurora's brows wrinkled in confusion. "What stupid offer?" She couldn't remember meeting him privately or holding any conversation.
"I will give us a chance if you sleep with me," he whispered, leaning away with a smirk lingering at the corner of his lips. He seemed to be having so much fun, especially watching Aurora's gaze darken.
But when he thought he had successfully crawled under her skin, she dealt him a huge blow.
"I saw you at BST mall two days ago," Aurora revealed, leaning back into her seat.
Instantly, the light in Owen's eyes dimmed, the smirk on his lips vanishing. "You were there?"
"Does your fiancé know you're already cheating on her?" The second Aurora delivered the last punch, Owen fled and shut the door with a loud thud without looking back.
But one thing he wouldn't know is that interfering in his relationship with Olivia was the last thing Aurora would ever do.
With Owen gone, Aurora could finally breathe some fresh air. She scooped the chocolate ice cream and shoved it inside her mouth.
A few minutes after clocking off work, Aurora received a call from Abigail.
"Did you invite this Xander guy over to your place?" Abigail inquired with a tinge of annoyance in her tone.
"No?" Aurora frowned. "Is something wrong?"
There was a pause at the other end before Abigail's thick voice came through. "He's here."
"W-What?" Aurora stuttered, her brows, shooting to the top of her head. She couldn't remember mentioning her new address to Xander, and he didn't inform her about coming to her place. She was utterly confused.
"And he brought a huge bouquet of red roses with him," Abigail finished.