Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 122

Chapter 122: Defending His Decision

Xander followed his parents into the anteroom and settled onto a couch opposite them. His calm gaze flicked between his father’s furrowed brow and his mother’s pursed lips.

“Papa, Mama, why are you both being so cryptic? What problem do you have with Aurora being my wife?” he asked, clasping his fingers together as he leaned forward.

Old Mr. Scott sighed deeply, exchanging a glance with his wife. “I know you’re thorough in your choices, but didn’t you know your wife used to be in a relationship with your nephew, Owen?”

Xander nodded without hesitation, leaning back. “I’m fully aware of their past relationship.”

His mother’s expression tightened in disbelief. “You knew and still went ahead to marry her?”

“Is there something wrong with it?” Xander’s brows knitted, genuine confusion etched on his face.

Old Mrs. Scott leaned forward, her tone sharp with concern. “Don’t act oblivious, Xander. It’s not just about your happiness. What do you think people will say? They will mock you for marrying your nephew’s ex-girlfriend. Their tongues will wag endlessly!”

Having lived for several decades, she couldn’t help but view her son’s actions as deeply unsettling. Coming from a traditional era where such choices were considered unthinkable, it was no surprise she found it strange now.

An uncle marrying his nephew’s ex-girlfriend? When there were countless other women in the world? It was simply unheard of.

Xander’s lips pressed into a thin line. He understood their perspective, but it didn’t waver his resolve. “Mama, I don’t live my life for others. I chose Aurora because I love her. The opinions of strangers don’t matter to me. And I don’t plan on ever divorcing my wife for anyone.”

Both parents exchanged another uneasy glance. His boldness left them speechless for a moment, but Old Mr. Scott finally broke the silence. “Is that why you eloped to marry her?”

“That was a separate matter,” Xander replied, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’ve never let the opinions of others dictate my life. I worked hard to win Aurora’s heart, should I have taken the chance for granted?”

His mother shot him a knowing look. “You mean you tricked her?”

Clearing his throat, Xander neither confirmed nor denied her claim. “Let’s not dwell on that. We shouldn’t leave my wife waiting alone any longer.”

—

Back in the living room, Aurora sat alone, her heart racing as she replayed the brief but tense interaction with Xander’s parents. Her nerves frayed further as the minutes dragged on, leaving her alone to speculate.

Just as she started to overthink, Xander returned, his confident smile easing her growing anxiety. His parents followed closely, their expressions much softer than before.

“Aurora, I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting,” Old Mrs. Scott said with a warm smile, walking over to take Aurora’s hands.

Caught off guard, Aurora rose from her seat and allowed her mother-in-law to hold her hands. “It’s fine, Ma,” she replied politely.

Old Mr. Scott added with a light chuckle, “We needed to straighten out a few things with Xander. Please don’t take it personally.”

“We’re just disappointed that you both eloped and kept us in the dark for three months,” Old Mrs. Scott said, her voice laced with mock disapproval. “Such mischief! It’s unfortunate to have such a son.”

Aurora couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, her nerves loosening as the older woman’s warmth enveloped her.

Behind them, Xander smirked. “Mama, how can you say that in front of my wife?”

“Your mother isn’t wrong,” Old Mr. Scott quipped as they moved to the dining room. “You’re a handful, Xander, and you always have been.”

Old Mrs. Scott patted Aurora’s hand gently. “Don’t let him rope you into his mischief too much.”

Aurora nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “I’ll keep that in mind, Ma,” she said, but was ready to throw in her support for her husband, any time.

—

The four of them, Aurora, Xander and the old Scott couple enjoyed a three-course breakfast, chatting lightheartedly. Old Mrs. Scott asked Aurora about her Fruit Punch Champagne and was delighted to learn she had brought two cartons as a gift.

“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Old Mr. Scott said, beaming. “We’ve loved your champagne since our first sip!”

“Your champagne is a delight,” Old Mrs. Scott agreed. “It’s as if nothing from our youthful party days was taken away.”

Xander added proudly, “Wait until you see the matching sweaters and vacuum flask she picked for you both.”

After breakfast, they moved to the living room to examine the gifts. The old couple was clearly moved by Aurora’s thoughtfulness, admiring the handpicked items.

“These gifts aren’t just practical; they’re heartfelt,” Old Mrs. Scott said, looking at Aurora with genuine affection. “It’s been so long since anyone gave us something so meaningful.”

Aurora felt her heart swell with relief. “I’m so glad you like them, Ma, Pa.”

“We appreciate your sincerity,” Old Mr. Scott said warmly. “It’s clear Xander made the right choice.”

Aurora and Xander shared a smile, the warmth between them evident.

—

As they prepared to leave for work, Old Mrs. Scott walked ahead with Aurora while Old Mr. Scott stayed behind with Xander.

“Don’t play with the media for too long,” his father advised, his tone firm but concerned. “I’m sure your wife must feel bad being called your mistress in those gossip columns.”

“You know about that?” Xander’s brows rose in surprise.

His father frowned. “Of course. We may be old, but we are not out of touch. Show her you’re serious. People will keep talking until you silence them with the truth.”

Xander’s expression softened. “I’ll take care of it, Papa. Trust me.”

“You’d better,” Old Mr. Scott said with a curt nod.

On the other hand, Old Mrs. Scott held Aurora’s hand, asking her to visit often. “Don’t act like your husband and visit us often. Our doors are always open for you.”

“I will, Ma.” Aurora nodded with a smile.

—

After Aurora and Xander left, the living room’s once harmonious atmosphere turned heavy with unease, the ticking clock amplifying the silence.

Old Mrs. Scott’s earlier warmth faded as she turned to her husband, her fingers twitching restlessly in her lap. “She’s that girl, isn’t she? Adam and Evelyn’s daughter?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Yes,” Old Mr. Scott replied solemnly, his gaze steady but shadowed by the weight of truth.

She cast a troubled glance at the door. “Will you tell Xander about it?”

He shook his head firmly. “No. It’s not for us to interfere.”

Her grip on the armrest tightened. “What if he somehow finds out about it? And what if they blame us? What if it ruins everything?”

Old Mr. Scott exhaled deeply, leaning back as the burden of years showed on his lined face. “Although what happened back then wasn’t our fault, we won’t escape the blame,” he admitted quietly. “We can only hope the truth doesn’t leave behind resentment.”

Old Mrs. Scott sighed, releasing her fingers. “For all our sakes, I hope you’re right.”

The room fell silent again, heavy with secrets and the weight of an uncertain future.