Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 116

Chapter 116: Olivia’s Obsession

Olivia crumpled to the floor in her office, her chest heaving with sobs as she clutched the fabric of her dress over her heart. Her tears fell freely, staining her cheeks as despair took hold.

The results of the task their late father had assigned, meant to prove her capability—were a crushing blow. She had lost. Again.

Her breaths came in short gasps, the weight of her failure suffocating her. “Why her? Why is it always her?” she muttered, her voice cracking with anguish. “How does she keep winning when she has no one? No one! Yet, she’s still better than me!”

Outside her office, the muffled sounds of her anguish had drawn her team’s attention. They exchanged nervous glances, unsure whether to intervene. Finally, one brave soul stepped forward, knocking softly on her door.

“Director Swift, are you okay? May I come in?” the voice called out hesitantly.

The sound of the knock jolted Olivia. Fury flashed in her tear-streaked eyes as she grabbed a pen holder from the floor and hurled it toward the door with all her strength. The sharp thud echoed loudly.

“Get out!” she shrieked, her voice trembling with rage. The team outside scattered instantly, retreating to their desks, their faces pale with alarm.

“I knew it was a bad idea trying to come to her aid,” one of them mumbled.

“I heard she lost the COO position to her sister. Everyone, tread carefully around her,” another said, his voice barely above a whisper.

—

Silence returned to the room, broken only by Olivia’s ragged breathing. She slumped onto the floor, her head resting against the edge of her overturned desk. Hot tears slid down her cheeks as she cupped her face in her hands.

“How do I always lose to her? Why can’t I win for once?” Her voice cracked under the weight of her heartbreak.

Minutes passed before she summoned the strength to get up. Wiping her swollen eyes with trembling hands, she fumbled through her handbag and retrieved her phone. With a deep, shuddering breath, she scrolled to her mother’s contact and dialled. The call connected almost immediately.

“Olivia?” Stella’s voice was laced with concern. “What’s wrong, dear? Why are you crying?”

“Mum,” Olivia choked, her tears threatening to drown her words, “I lost to Aurora again.”

“What do you mean, you lost?” Stella’s voice rose with panic. “What happened?”

Taking a shaky seat behind her desk, Olivia tried to steady herself but failed. “Aurora was appointed COO of Dad’s company. My Spraying Champagne lost to her Fruit Punch Champagne,” she revealed, her voice breaking with every word. “She won, Mum. She always wins!”

Stella’s end of the line fell silent for a moment before her voice turned sharp. “That can’t be true! Your product was leading last night. I checked myself! Aurora must have tampered with the results. She’s manipulative—”

“No, Mum!” Olivia interrupted, her voice rising with frustration. “The data was real. They even offered to break it down for verification.” Her words faltered as fresh tears blurred her vision. “You can’t even win against her, Mum. How can you help me if you can’t even beat her?”

She ended the call abruptly, slamming her phone onto the desk. It lay there, screen-down, as Stella tried calling back repeatedly. Olivia ignored each ring, her fists clenching tightly. Her voice dropped to a whisper, filled with quiet resolve. “I have to win against you. Just once.”

—

Later that day, Aurora wrapped up her work with her team. They gathered in her office, the excitement still evident after she was appointed COO.

“You all can go ahead for the dinner at the five-star restaurant I reserved,” she announced with a warm smile. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to join you tonight, but feel free to enjoy yourselves.”

Though a hint of disappointment crossed their faces, it was quickly replaced with gratitude as they thanked her warmly for her generous gesture once again.

Aurora’s phone vibrated as she stepped into the elevator. She glanced at the screen and her lips curled into a smile when she saw the caller ID. “Someone has lost his patience,” she teased after answering.

“I don’t know what patience is when it comes to seeing my beautiful wife,” Xander mused. From the back seat of his car, he added, “I’m waiting outside.”

“I’ll be there in five,” Aurora replied, her voice light with amusement. She made kissing sounds into the phone before hanging up, knowing it would make him grin.

—

Stepping out of the building, Aurora caught sight of Xander’s sleek car parked a short distance away. Her eyes lit up as they curved into joyful crescents. She didn’t have long to admire the view before Xander emerged, a bouquet in hand.

“Congratulations, Sweetheart,” he greeted, handing her the stunning arrangement of orchids, pink carnations, calla lilies, and white roses.

Aurora’s face brightened as she took the bouquet. “Thank you. They’re gorgeous,” she said, bringing the fragrant blooms to her nose before leaning in to hug him.

From the shadows of the building’s entrance, Olivia stepped out, her gaze narrowing as she spotted the scene. Her heart clenched painfully at the sight of Aurora in Xander’s embrace. Pulling her phone from her handbag, she zoomed in, snapping photo after photo of the pair.

Unaware of the unwanted audience, Aurora stepped back from Xander with a smile still playing on her lips. “The flowers smell amazing,” she said, holding them up.

Xander who had caught Olivia’s solitude through his dark shades, opened the car’s back door and gestured for Aurora to get in. “I’ve made dinner reservations for us to celebrate your win.

Aurora hesitated briefly, glancing around. “I’ll go anywhere you take me,” she replied softly before sliding into the car.

As the car pulled away, Olivia stood frozen, her hands trembling around her phone. Her lips pressed into a thin line as her mind raced. “Aurora,” she whispered, her voice low and venomous, “believe me, you are finished. I am going to get back at you.” Her grip tightened, and the phone in her hand creaked ominously.