Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 108

Chapter 108: A Promise Meant to be Kept

Stella returned just in time to see Owen storming off, his rigid back giving away his frustration. “Why did he leave?” she asked, her tone sharp with curiosity.

Olivia chuckled lightly, withdrawing her gaze from Owen’s retreating figure to focus on her mother. “He’s upset that we used him to embarrass his uncle,” she said, the smugness in her tone unmistakable.

Stella shook her head dismissively. “That doesn’t matter. We need to focus on the next step—gaining Mrs. Scott’s trust and using her to deal with your sister.”

Meanwhile, across the ballroom where Stella and Olivia’s scheming eyes couldn’t reach, Aurora finally let out the laughter she had been suppressing. It started as a chuckle and grew into a hearty laugh that made her eyes glisten with tears.

“I can’t believe how ridiculous those two are,” she said, pressing a hand against her stomach. “What do they think we are, clueless amateurs?”

Xander smirked, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his black tailored pants. “You’re smarter, and that’s why you can see through their pathetic attempts. They don’t stand a chance against you.”

Aurora nodded, her lips quirking into a mischievous grin. “I didn’t realize it was this easy to uncover their plans.”

Xander leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. “Your sister, though… she’s the one we should target directly. She’s desperate enough to reveal the secrets you want just to win your favour. That desperation makes her an easier tool to work with.”

Aurora hummed thoughtfully. “I’ve already decided to use her. Olivia will be my key to uncovering my biological father’s identity.”

“Just be cautious,” Xander warned, his gaze turning serious. “Stella is sharp, and I saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes earlier. If she catches wind of who you truly are before we get the answers, our plans will be ruined unless you want me to capture and torture the answers out of her.”

Aurora’s expression hardened slightly, but her confidence didn’t waver. “For now, let’s keep this identity intact,” she replied, gesturing toward her mask and refusing to comment on his last statement.

—

On the other side of the ballroom, Abigail and Asher entered with a subtle flair. Abigail’s urgency was palpable as she tugged Asher forward. “Can you walk a bit faster?” she whispered harshly, glancing around the room with a sense of purpose.

Asher sighed, shaking his head. “Who was the one who kept me waiting outside her door for over thirty minutes?” he retorted, though his tone held more amusement than annoyance.

Their arms were loosely linked as Asher scanned the room, finally pointing toward a familiar figure. “Our best friends are over there,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

Abigail’s brows furrowed slightly in surprise. “How can you even recognize them with those masks on?”

“That’s a trade secret,” Asher replied slyly as he began leading her toward Aurora and Xander. Years of experience and familiarity made it easy to identify Xander despite his disguise.

When they finally reached the couple, Abigail’s eyes widened in awe. Even knowing about Aurora’s plan, she couldn’t help but marvel at her transformation. “Wow, Aura! You look incredible,” she gushed, moving instinctively for a hug.

Xander raised a brow in mild amusement while Asher quickly intervened, catching Abigail’s arm and pulling her back. “It’s Mrs. Scott,” Xander corrected smoothly, a teasing edge in his tone.

Asher leaned in close to Abigail, whispering, “Tone your excitement down. You will blow her cover if you’re too obvious.”

Abigail’s face flushed with embarrassment, but Aurora quickly diffused the tension, her voice light and inviting. “Abby, would you like more champagne?” Her smile twinkled behind her silver butterfly mask, instantly putting Abigail at ease.

—

As the evening progressed, the music shifted, signalling the start of dinner. Guests moved to their assigned seats around a lavish banquet table.

Xander led Aurora to the seat beside his at the head table, pulling out her chair before settling her in. With practised ease, he removed her butterfly mask and placed it on a tray that Nene held out, then removed his own.

The murmurs began almost immediately as guests turned their attention to the head of the table. For many, this was their first unobstructed look at Mrs. Scott’s face. Conversations buzzed quietly as people noted her striking beauty, her graceful demeanour, and an almost unplaceable familiarity.

Even Olivia and Stella couldn’t help but stare. Olivia leaned in toward her mother, her voice low but tinged with curiosity. “She’s stunning, isn’t she? Doesn’t she feel a little… familiar?”

Stella, however, wasn’t as impressed. Her sharp gaze studied Aurora intently, but eventually, she shook her head. “It’s nothing. We’ll have to work harder to earn her trust,” she muttered, watching Xander’s attentive gestures toward his wife. She could tell he was completely smitten, which would make sowing discord between them a significant challenge.

Olivia followed her mother’s gaze and sighed, her gaze shifting to Owen seated far away. A pang of bitterness twisted in her chest. Gone were those days when Owen used to worship her feet. Now, he didn’t even want to have anything to do with her.

Meanwhile, Aurora maintained her poise, exchanging polite smiles and light conversation with the guests who managed to muster the courage to address her.

—

After dinner, the masks returned as the guests moved to the dance floor. A live band played a melodic tune as couples glided into the centre, their movements synchronized and elegant.

Xander extended a hand to Aurora, his eyes gleaming with warmth. “May I have this dance, Mrs. Scott?”

Aurora slipped her hand into his, allowing him to guide her to the centre of the floor. With one arm securely around her waist, he pulled her close, their movements smooth and effortless as they swayed to the rhythm.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Mrs. Scott?” he asked, his lips brushing close to her ear.

Aurora tilted her head, her eyes sparkling behind her mask. “Of course, I am. Mr. Scott made sure of that.”

Xander chuckled softly, spinning her gracefully before drawing her back into his embrace. Around them, the other couples blurred into the background, leaving only the two of them locked in their shared moment.

“Thank you,” Aurora murmured as she rested her head lightly against his chest.

“For what?”

“For standing by me,” she whispered. “And helping me.”

Xander’s grip around her waist tightened slightly, a quiet promise in his touch. “Always,” he replied, his voice firm and unwavering. “I promised to help you get revenge, and I will,” he finished.

In that moment, surrounded by music and masked faces, it felt as though nothing else mattered but the bond they shared.