Ch. 61..65: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 61-65
Chapter 61: The Article After Her Life
TEA TIME GOSSIP EXCLUSIVE
"Spraying Champagne": The Ultimate Symbol of Excess and Pretentiousness?
Hey, Tea Time Dearests!
Today, we’re spilling the tea on Olivia’s latest luxury venture: "Spraying Champagne." Yes, you read that right – champagne designed to be sprayed, not sipped. We can’t make this up, folks!
Olivia’s brainchild (or should we say, brain drain?) has left us scratching our heads. Who thought creating a beverage specifically for waste was a good idea? It’s like buying a designer handbag just to use it as a doorstop!
The Price Tag:
A bottle of "Spraying Champagne" will set you back a whopping $300! Half a grand for a drink that’s literally meant to be sprayed away. We could think of a thousand better ways to spend that kind of cash.
The Environmental Impact:
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – waste. In an era where sustainability is paramount, Olivia’s champagne is an egregious example of excess. Think of the water, grapes, and energy wasted on producing a product meant to be squandered.
The Verdict:
Tea Time Gossip gives "Spraying Champagne" a solid 0/10. It’s a horrible idea, a waste of resources, and a slap in the face to those who actually appreciate fine champagne.
What Do You Think, Darlings?
Share your thoughts! Are you Team Olivia or Team Sanity? Sound off in the comments below!
Stay Tuned:
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this champagne catastrophe. Will Olivia’s reputation bounce back, or will "Spraying Champagne" mark the beginning of the end?
Spill the Tea:
If you have the scoop on Olivia’s next move or want to dish about your own "Spraying Champagne" experience (if you dare!), email us at .
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Until next time, stay Tea-tastic, Dearestss!
~Tea Time.
As Stella finished reading, her expression grew stormy, her face paling as she stared at the article. Olivia didn’t need any more cues that things had taken a dark turn. She snatched the tablet from her mother’s hands, her eyes widening with each line.
When she reached the end of the article, Olivia’s knees gave way, and she sank to the floor in her dress, the dream gown pooling around her.
"Why...why does this blogger always find a way to humiliate me?" Olivia’s voice quivered with anger and frustration. "Of all times, she had to do this just days before my wedding! My wedding, Mother!"
Stella sighed, her expression as venomous as her daughter’s, though she managed to keep her voice level. "I thought Xander’s lawsuit would’ve taught her a lesson. Didn’t she face any consequences?"
Olivia gritted her teeth, rage bubbling within her. "Wasn’t Tea Time one of those bloggers Xander took to court? Didn’t he sue her along with the others? How can she still get away with this—her and her snide little comments?"
Stella’s gaze hardened, her voice dripping with contempt. "A blogger without a face, of course. She knows no one can reach her; she knows she can’t be held accountable!"
Olivia’s hands trembled as she gripped the tablet, her once-perfect manicure digging into her palm. "A ’champagne catastrophe’—that’s what she called my launch. She’s rallying people against me, turning them away from the Spraying Champagne as if it’s some offence against humanity!"
Her voice cracked, as she threw the tablet aside, and the servant quickly picked it up. "This damn woman is after dragging the sales of my champagne! I’m sure Aurora must have paid her off to get revenge on me for snatching Owen! How am I supposed to walk down the aisle like this, knowing she’s making a laughingstock out of me?"
Stella, ever the strategist, crouched down beside her, lifting her chin firmly but gently. "You are marrying into the Scott family. That is the real achievement, Olivia, and your champagne sales will soar! This blog is a temporary distraction, and this nonsense will be forgotten soon."
Olivia’s lips curled into a faint, bitter smile, her eyes steely. "Mum, people will keep talking if nothing is done about it! We need to silence the noise. Whatever it takes, I won’t let this ruin my wedding."
"Ma’am, more articles about Missus ’Spraying Champagne’ are lining up on the timeline," the servant suddenly announced and almost immediately, Olivia asked for the tablet.
Olivia Swift’s Champagne Disaster: Who Wants to Spray Money Down the Drain?
Grab your teacups, darlings, because today’s tea is piping hot and all over the floor—just like Olivia Swift’s so-called "Spraying Champagne." Yes, you read that right. Our favourite wannabe mogul, Olivia Swift, has dropped her newest creation onto the world, and let’s just say... it’s more about spraying your cash around than sipping anything delightful.
Let’s dig into what’s bubbling in this bottle of "champagne" Olivia has branded to be sprayed rather than sipped. If you’re thinking it’s a posh new trend, sorry, sweeties, think again. This is a pricey bottle with a single purpose—to be wasted in glorious, effervescent splashes on anyone unfortunate enough to stand nearby. Imagine popping that cork and pouring hard-earned cash onto the floor! Instead of indulging in a refined taste, you’re left with sticky floors, soaked guests, and your money dribbling down the drain.
~Gist Lover.
Our Take: The Ultimate Money-Waster?
Rumor has it Olivia wanted to "reinvent" the party scene with this line. But how many of us really want a drink that’s exclusively for display or, worse, a glorified sprinkler? And Tea Time thinks it’s high time Olivia faced the reality: most party-goers would rather spend on quality champagne to enjoy and toast with, not a bottle to open and toss away!
And speaking of cost... tea spill alert! Each bottle of "Spraying Champagne" reportedly runs upwards of $300—minimum. For that price, you could treat yourself to a delicious champagne that’s actually drinkable, or treat a group of friends to an evening out with something worth savouring.
~Instablog
Public Outcry: Social Media Isn’t Having It!
Word of Olivia’s latest fizz-flop is spreading faster than we can say "Cheers!" Social media is in an uproar. One user calls it the "most wasteful thing since single-use diamonds." Others are tweeting about how they can’t imagine spending that kind of money on anything they can’t actually enjoy.
So, will Olivia listen to the public? Doubtful! But maybe she’ll take some pointers and leave the novelty party tricks to those who don’t mind rinsing their wallets for a half-second of sparkle.
Our advice? Skip the spray, keep your cash, and find a champagne worth tasting.
~MaryTime Speaks.
Olivia felt dizzy as she read more articles about her champagne and quickly dropped the tablet. And this time around, she actually fainted.
Chapter 62: A Perfectly Executed Plan
"Olivia!" Stella’s voice wavered with panic as she rushed to her daughter, who lay sprawled on the floor, her face a ghostly shade of pale. "My precious girl!"
Attendants swarmed around, fanning Olivia as Stella cradled her head in her hands, her fingers trembling. "Someone, fetch the doctor!" she barked, a frenzied edge in her voice.
Adam had just left his study when the commotion reached him, his steps quickening as he spotted a servant hurrying past. "What’s going on?" he demanded, his tone hard.
The servant bowed her head. "It’s Miss Olivia, sir. She fainted."
Adam’s brows knitted in concern. "Where is she? Has anyone called the doctor?"
"She’s in her room now, sir, and the doctor is on his way."
Without another word, Adam strode toward Olivia’s room. Inside, he found Stella dabbing at the corner of her eyes, her face shadowed with anger and worry. He looked to Olivia, lying motionless on the bed, then turned to Stella with a piercing gaze. "What happened?"
Stella, regaining some of her composure, picked up the tablet and thrust it into his hands. "This," she spat bitterly, her fingers jabbing at the screen. "This is what caused all of this!"
Adam took the tablet, skimming through the headlines and scathing words tearing down Olivia’s ’Spraying Champagne’. After a moment, he handed it back, his face taut with irritation. "So, a little sabotage online and she faints?"
Stella’s eyes flashed with anger. "A little sabotage? Her wedding is days away, and they’re ripping her reputation to shreds! Can’t you see what a nightmare this is for her?"
Adam’s expression hardened. "And yet, this is exactly why I expected her to be stronger, more resilient. How can she break down over a few mindless bloggers? It is your job to ensure she has the backbone to handle setbacks."
Stella’s grip tightened around the tablet, her voice a cold warning. "You want me to play my role? Fine, then I’ll do just that. Someone’s out there sabotaging my daughter, and I know exactly who’d benefit from such disgrace."
"Stella, don’t go there." Adam’s finger shot up, pointing in warning. "You know as well as I do it’s not what you think."
"Don’t tell me what to believe, Adam," she snapped, her eyes sharp with fury. "Olivia’s my daughter. I have every right to defend her, and I’ll think what I want about who’s behind this mess."
Adam shook his head slowly. "It’s this over-protectiveness, Stella, that’s left her unable to handle even a minor setback. What if the stakes were higher? Would she die then?"
A silence hung heavy between them, tension crackling in the air. Adam finally spoke, his voice unyielding. "Tell her when she wakes: if she isn’t ready for what comes with this marriage, I’ll cancel her wedding myself."
He turned and stormed out, leaving Stella seething with rage.
~***~
Four days later, the scandal surrounding Olivia’s "Spraying Champagne" had begun to cool, the media storm dwindling to murmurs. Yet Olivia’s recovery was largely thanks to her father’s ominous warning; the fear of her wedding being called off had snapped her out of her despair.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Aurora found herself anxiously counting down to Xander’s anticipated return. Today was the marked day, yet he was nowhere to be seen.
Unable to hold back, she looked up at Nene, who had just served her a steaming cup of tea and a slice of coconut chocolate cake for dessert. "Is your boss... always late like this?"
Nene blinked in confusion. "Late?"
"I mean... does he always experience delays in his missions?" Aurora asked, trying to sound casual.
Nene fought back a smile. "Not all the time, ma’am," she answered, her tone light. "But he does like to keep everyone guessing."
Meanwhile, the Xander in question was busy at the other end of the world, completing his mission.
---
The air around the abandoned warehouse was thick with the gritty stench of dust and oil, and as Xander circled the building, the early morning fog cast a ghostly glow over the neglected structure.
He crouched beside a stack of empty barrels, carefully observing as guards at each entry point exchanged nods, patrolling the premises with a well-practised routine.
Inside, he saw men moving between stacks of heavy crates marked with foreign labels—arms disguised as industrial equipment, ready to be shipped to secret buyers overseas.
After mentally mapping each access point and guard position, Xander reached for a secure burner phone. He sent Liam a precise message detailing the building’s layout, shifts, and inventory locations, instructing him to verify the operation’s intel and get back without raising suspicion. Minutes dragged by, but finally, his phone buzzed with Liam’s response.
"Confirmed," Liam’s voice was a low murmur over the line. "Everything’s in place, including the arms cache."
With one last look at the building, Xander tapped his contact in the National Security Agency. He uploaded encrypted details, schematics, and guard routines, sending everything from the smartphone in a flurry of precision.
He watched the screen until the message was confirmed as sent. Then, with a quick glance around, he crushed the phone under his heel, scattering the pieces across the gravel before picking up the pieces and throwing them into a nearby drain.
Before dawn, a sleek convoy of blacked-out vehicles pulled up around the warehouse in complete silence. The agents, outfitted in tactical gear, moved like shadows, securing each exit and preparing for the raid.
A crackled command over the lead agent’s earpiece initiated the breach, and with a synchronized roar, the agents burst in. The element of surprise was absolute—guards at the doors went down swiftly, while agents inside rounded up warehouse workers, who scrambled to take cover behind stacked crates.
Those who tried to run met swift justice, collapsing under well-aimed gunfire. Crates of weapons and thick wads of cash were seized, every inch of the Vanetti syndicate’s operation now under the control of the National Security Agency.
By midday, word of the raid spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through the ranks of the Vanetti syndicate. A discreet emergency meeting was called at one of their hideouts, a private club known only to a few trusted members.
Xander arrived alongside the other men, each one glancing around nervously, unspoken tension rippling through the air.
At the head of the table sat Derek, the powerful yet temperamental figure notorious for his iron grip on the syndicate’s dealings. His face was a cold mask of fury as he reviewed the damage done to their operations.
Chapter 63: A Heart-Wrenching Betrayal
"This...setback," Derek began, his tone dripping with anger, "Is unprecedented. And I want answers." His gaze sliced across the room, suspicion blazing in his eyes.
Xander kept his face blank, leaning back with an air of unaffected calm. He knew better than to react under Derek’s steely scrutiny, but from the corner of his eye, he noticed others exchanging uneasy glances.
Then, one of the men, tall and wiry with a cold intensity in his gaze, abruptly pushed his chair back, slamming his hand on the table. "I’ve had enough of this guessing game!" he snarled, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on Xander. "This operation was flawless for years—no mistakes, no loose ends. And now? We’re compromised the second Sekem joins us. Explain that!"
The accusation hung in the air, heavy with menace. His face still unreadable, Xander met the man’s eyes with a level stare. But before he could respond, the man’s hand flew to his hip, drawing a pistol and firing at him in one swift motion.
The shot struck Xander’s shoulder, and a sharp jolt of pain coursed through him. He clutched his shoulder, steadying himself as the room broke into chaos, men scrambling back from the table.
Derek’s voice cut through the commotion. "Stop! Enough of this!" But his command was cut short as the sound of shattering glass echoed across the room.
The doors burst open, and agents from the National Security Agency stormed in, rifles raised. "Hands up! Get down, face down!" they shouted, their voices unyielding as they forced the syndicate members to the floor. Shock rippled through the men, their faces drained of colour as they comprehended the dire reality.
Xander, still holding his wounded shoulder, allowed himself a faint smirk as he complied with the agents’ demands, his face turned down to the floor as chaos broke out around him.
Each member was now helpless, pinned by both the agents’ presence and their own betrayal.
~***~
~WING CITY~
TWO DAYS LATER.
The poolside at Olivia and Owen’s bachelorette party shimmered under the warm, late-afternoon sun, the crystal-blue water reflecting the vibrant string lights that hung above.
Laughter and music filled the air as influencers Olivia had invited angled their phones to catch every glamorous shot, especially when the ’Spraying Champagne’ bottles were popped, sending arcs of champagne glinting in the sun.
In the centre of it all, Olivia swayed in Owen’s arms, basking in the attention. With a mischievous gleam in her eye, she took a playful bite of cake from his hand, her lips grazing his fingers—a moment that drew delighted cheers from their friends. Owen leaned in, sealing the sweet moment with a kiss as cameras flashed around them.
After their exchange, Olivia led Owen to a large round table shaded by palm trees, where the group settled in to play Truth or Dare. The laughter and dares grew rowdier as the champagne flowed, everyone egging each other on.
When it was Owen’s turn, he confidently chose "Dare," prompting a friend to lean forward with a daring grin. "All right, Owen," his friend challenged. "I dare you to make out with any girl here...except Olivia."
The air around them tensed, and Olivia’s smile wavered as her gaze shot to Owen, anxiety pooling in her stomach. He hesitated, scanning the circle until his gaze landed on Casey, one of Olivia’s oldest friends, who froze under his gaze.
Owen reached out, hand hovering toward Casey, and Olivia’s heart hammered, panic spreading across her face. But just before his fingers touched her shoulder, he drew back with a smirk, grabbing the scotch shot on the table and downing it in one smooth gulp.
Everyone burst into laughter, relief flooding Olivia’s face as she leaned into him, whispering, "You almost got me there."
"You’ve got yourself a real keeper, Olivia!" someone quipped, clinking glasses. "A guy who won’t betray you, not even on a dare!"
The game continued, the crowd growing rowdier as dares and truths flew around until it circled back to Owen. This time, he picked "Truth," and another friend asked, voice full of playful mischief, "So, Owen—have you ever been with another woman since you and Olivia got together?"
Olivia’s grip tightened on her glass, her heart stuttering. Owen met her gaze with an easy smile, replying smoothly, "Never." He kissed her cheek with a reassuring grin, and the group cheered, the tension dissolving as everyone got up to return to the dance floor.
Later, Susu, one of the influencers, pulled Olivia into an Instagram Live video, the two chatting animatedly as they hyped up ’Spraying Champagne’ for the excited viewers.
In the middle of the Livestream, Owen leaned in to tell Olivia he had a headache and was heading to the room to rest a bit, and a few minutes later, she excused herself to check on him, Susu following, still recording for the Livestream.
Olivia stepped into the building, bypassing the sitting area and striding straight down the hallway. But as she pushed open the room door, her heart froze. On the bed was Owen, tangled in a deep kiss with her friend Casey—the very girl he’d nearly chosen in the Truth or Dare game.
They seemed lost in the moment, oblivious to the world around them. Olivia let out a sharp gasp, hand flying to her mouth as shock and horror gripped her.
Behind her, Susu froze, her phone still recording as her face contorted with disbelief. Realizing what was happening, she fumbled, ending the livestream in a flash, but not before viewers had seen more than enough.
Owen pulled away from Casey in stunned silence, his face twisting in shock as he turned toward Olivia, whose expression was a mix of betrayal and heartbreak.
"Babe, t-this i-is not what it looks like," Owen stuttered, panic in his eyes as he tried to reason with Olivia. But before he could finish explaining himself, she matched forward and without warning, slapped Casey across her face.
"How dare you!" She questioned with venom laced in her tone and the pain of betrayal flashing across her eyes.
Chapter 64: Xander Returns
"It was a mistake," Casey snapped, her eyes flashing as she met Olivia’s gaze, unflinching. The hint of defiance in her voice was unmistakable, though she fought to mask her irritation.
Olivia’s sneer deepened. "Oh, of course. A mistake," she replied coldly. "Or should I believe you did it on purpose?"
Owen quickly stepped in, reaching for Olivia’s hand in an attempt to calm the storm brewing between the two women, but she jerked her hand away, her glare slicing through him.
"Don’t even think about touching me," she spat, her voice laced with disgust as she cast a look between him and Casey before turning on her heel to leave. Owen hesitated for only a moment before following her.
Susu, still lingering in shock, cast Casey a disapproving look before she, too, exited the room, leaving Casey standing alone, her clenched fists trembling in frustration. She swallowed down the embarrassment, her jaw tightening as she fumed.
In the hallway, Owen caught up to Olivia, grasping her arm to stop her.
"Wait!"
She turned on him, her expression venomous. "Wait? You excused yourself to ’rest’ because of a headache, but instead, I find you making out with my friend!" She yanked her arm free, fury flashing in her eyes. "Did you want her that badly? Clearly, you lied in the game today. Who knows what else you’ve been doing behind my back."
Owen exhaled a long, weary sigh, his patience visibly thinning. "Babe, you’re taking this too far. It was a one-time mistake. I was a little light-headed; I never meant to hurt you, and you know that."
She let out a bitter laugh. "Too far?" Her gaze was sharp and unwavering. "I have a face and a body people would die for. I dressed up for you, did everything to keep you happy, learnt different ways to pleasure you—and yet, you chose my friend to make out with? Is your conscience dead?"
"Babe," he murmured, reaching for her once more, his expression pleading.
She took a step back, crossing her arms as she held his gaze with an icy stare. "You should consider yourself lucky I haven’t slapped you. And just so you know, this wedding is off!"
Her voice was calm, almost unsettlingly so, as she pivoted and strode off, leaving Owen momentarily stunned. It took him a second to process her words, realizing she was serious about calling off the wedding that was just days away. Desperate, he chased after her, calling her name, but she ignored him, marching out to her car and driving off without a second glance.
Their friends, who had witnessed the commotion from a distance, exchanged uneasy glances, wondering what could have caused such an intense argument.
"What on earth just happened?" one of them asked, watching Olivia’s car disappear around the corner as Owen stood, his hands gripping his head in frustration.
"Seems like they had a major fight," another friend remarked, glancing at Owen, who paced around, looking both furious and lost.
One of the social media influencers raised an eyebrow. "Is the wedding still on?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Another friend shrugged. "Ask him yourself if you’re curious. The groom’s right there."
---
Meanwhile, across the city, Aurora sat on the couch in her suite’s living area, fingers tapping on her laptop’s keypad. Her expression was tense, a slight frown etched between her brows.
She’d been waiting for two days now, expecting Xander’s return, yet there was no sign of him. Deciding to distract herself, she buried herself in her work to keep her mind from the mounting frustration.
Two soft knocks on the door broke her concentration, and she responded without looking up, "Come in."
Nene entered, her eyes alight with excitement. "Ma’am, Mr. Scott is back!"
Aurora’s gaze shot up, her face a mixture of surprise and relief. "Really?" She sprang up from the couch, practically running to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Peering out, she saw five cars driving toward the building in procession, and her heart soared.
"He’s really back," she whispered, eyes gleaming. She spun around, excitedly, ready to bolt out the door, nearly forgetting her shoes in her haste. Nene quickly reminded her, calling to slow down as Aurora raced down the stairs.
"Ma’am, please! You’re going to hurt yourself. Your husband is not going anywhere," Nene pleaded, trailing behind her.
Aurora barely heard her, her anticipation surging as she reached the front entrance. She stepped outside, her gaze fixed on the convoy approaching. She watched Liam step out first, holding the door open for Xander, who emerged, looking around as though taking in the familiar surroundings after a long journey.
"Xander!" Aurora called, her voice carrying across the driveway. He turned at the sound, his face lighting up with a smile that reached his eyes.
"Sweetheart!" He greeted, his arm outstretched. The exhaustion in his posture softened as he took in the sight of her running toward him.
But her steps faltered as she noticed the cast on his arm, her smile fading, worry settling over her features as she looked between his face and the cast. Concern evident in her gaze, she whispered, "You are injured?"
Seeing her worry, Xander sighed, sharing a quick glance with Liam. "Looks like I’m in for a lot of questions tonight," he murmured, smirking.
Liam chuckled. "Good luck, sir," he replied, giving Aurora a respectful nod before moving aside.
Aurora approached Xander, her hand hesitantly reaching out to trace the cast on his arm. "What happened?" she repeated softly, her voice filled with concern.
"It’s just a small injury," he reassured her, his other hand moving to cup her cheek gently. She looked up, meeting his gaze, her eyes clouded with worry.
"How did it happen?" she pressed, knowing he’d been on a dangerous mission. Her heart ached at the thought of him injured, but she tried to keep her composure.
Xander’s smile softened. "I haven’t been home in a month. I’m exhausted," he said, his tone warm. "Will you welcome me in, or are you planning to interrogate me right here?"
Without waiting for her response, he pulled her into a gentle hug. She leaned into him, careful not to jostle his injured arm, closing her eyes as she inhaled his familiar scent—a comforting mix of coffee and the faint hint of agarwood. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, resting his chin on her head.
"It’s good to be home," he murmured, holding her close as a satisfied smile played at his lips.
Chapter 65: Cancel The Wedding
Xander took Aurora’s hand, guiding her to the sit-out where Nene and the butler stood with the other staff, all waiting in eager anticipation.
"Welcome back, Mr. Scott," they greeted, bowing respectfully.
"Thank you," Xander replied with a nod, his gaze warm. The servants lifted their heads and stepped aside, allowing the couple to pass as they made their way into the house, settling into the cozy living area.
Aurora was quick to ask, "How was your mission?"
"Successful," Xander replied smoothly.
"And your arm?" she pressed, raising an eyebrow.
"It’s nothing serious, just a graze," he answered lightly.
Aurora fixed him with a look, her gaze refusing to waver, clearly unsatisfied with his casual response. Realizing she wasn’t letting it go, Xander sighed, offering, "Fine. The doctor put it in a cast to keep me from moving it too much—just to speed up healing."
Aurora’s expression softened, but she wasn’t done. "What exactly grazed you?"
Xander’s expression shifted to one of mock pleading. "I’m starving," he said with an exaggerated sigh. Right then, Nene entered the room, announcing that dinner was ready, and Xander took the opportunity to stand, pulling Aurora up with him.
"You’ll give me the full story after dinner," she said firmly, meeting his gaze.
"Of course," he replied with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
As they sat down to dinner, Aurora couldn’t help but keep stealing glances at his cast, carefully spooning food onto his plate as if he were helpless. Xander tried to suppress a grin, amused by her fussing over him, but secretly he savoured it. The quiet joy of returning to someone who waited for him, fussed over him, warmed him in a way he hadn’t expected.
Xander looked at Aurora intently. "You’ve lost weight," he observed softly, his gaze unwavering. "Tell me, who or what’s been troubling you?"
Aurora blinked, a little taken aback by his perceptiveness. She thought she had fully recovered in the past few days Nene took care of her, but his steady gaze made it impossible to deny.
"You are the cause!" She shot back as she leaned back into her seat. "Why did you disappear for so long without communication and make me worried?" She finished, picking up her cutlery.
"So, you’re saying you lost weight just from missing me?" Xander teased, leaning in.
She cut a mushroom stalk on her plate, keeping her gaze down. "Of course," she replied nonchalantly, as if that were entirely normal.
Xander gave a low chuckle. "I had no idea you loved me this much."
Her eyes widened. "W-Who said I love you?" she stammered, glancing up sharply.
"Then what other reason could there be?" he countered, his gaze daring her to explain. Aurora’s eyes flickered before she looked away, choosing silence over an answer. She had no intention of telling him about her lost memories or the mysteries she’d discovered until she has gotten answers to her questions.
Satisfied, Xander leaned back, a knowing smile on his face. "I’ll take your silence as a confirmation," he murmured.
---
Meanwhile, Olivia, fraught with anguish, returned home and sought solace in her mother’s presence. As she recounted the night’s humiliations, her voice thick with tears, she broke down entirely, her makeup smudged, her face streaked with betrayal.
"It must be karma for taking my sister’s man," she sobbed bitterly.
"Shh," Stella admonished sharply. "Never regret your choices. Embrace them and move forward with pride."
Through her tears, Olivia’s gaze lifted, stunned by her mother’s response. "Mum, I don’t want to marry Owen anymore. I want to cancel the wedding."
Stella’s gaze turned steely. "You’ll do no such thing. You will go through with this marriage as planned. I refuse to believe you would even consider disgracing our family like this."
Olivia’s sobs halted, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Mum, did you even hear me? Owen was with my friend at our own bachelorette party! How can I marry him?"
Stella sighed and sat beside her, taking Olivia’s hand. "Listen to me, Olivia. Your purpose here is greater than a momentary slip by Owen. You are marrying into the Scott family, aligning with power. Befriend Xander’s wife, turn her against Aurora—that’s the path to reclaiming what’s yours."
"Mum?" Olivia pulled her hand free, visibly shaken.
"You can divorce Owen later if you must. And I’ll ensure you find someone even better afterward. I will find you the best husband if I have to search through the ends of the world."
Aghast, Olivia stood up, her face contorted with frustration. "Why don’t you ever ask me what I want? Or care about my happiness?"
"I care about your happiness, which is why I’m doing this," Stella replied firmly. "You need to think of the bigger picture. Living better than Aurora should be your focus."
"You’re asking me to go through with this marriage, knowing Owen cheated on me and will probably continue," Olivia whispered, still processing her mother’s words.
"You will do what you must," Stella replied coolly. "Imagine the fallout if you call it off now—the scandal, the disgrace. People already remember you as the sister who stole her sibling’s boyfriend. Imagine what they would say if you call off the wedding two days to it."
Tears filled Olivia’s eyes again as the reality of the situation overwhelmed her, the betrayal cutting deeper than ever.
"You know what to do," Stella pressed, her gaze unrelenting. "Wipe those tears, and finish what you’ve started."
A sudden knock broke the tension, and the servant from the other day entered, her face drawn with tension, clutching a tablet.
"What is it now?" Stella snapped, narrowing her eyes.
"Ma’am, you need to see this. Tea Time Gossip has struck again, along with a dozen other bloggers. The internet is blowing up."
Stella took the tablet, her face darkening as she scrolled through the article, her fury growing with each line. She turned a fierce gaze back to Olivia. "You didn’t tell me about the livestream."
"I... I forgot," Olivia stammered, realizing what this meant. The scandal of Owen’s betrayal had hit the headlines.
Stella clenched her jaw, a menacing glint in her eyes. "Olivia, your father will kill us both if he sees this."