Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 123

Chapter 123: The Only Option

Xander dropped Aurora off at work with a promise to pick her up later before heading to DANTE Group.

Around midday, Liam knocked on Xander’s office door and stepped in, carrying a large brown envelope. “Sir, the test results are here,” he announced, placing the envelope on Xander’s desk.

Xander looked up from his laptop, his gaze shifting to Liam before settling on the envelope. “The doctor faxed it?”

“Yes, sir,” Liam confirmed, stepping back as Xander opened the envelope and pulled out the document. His brow furrowed deeply as he read through the lines, his expression growing darker with each word.

“The doctor suggests an emergency surgery,” Liam added cautiously. “The chip must be removed immediately to prevent further complications.”

Xander’s fingers tightened around the report. “She’s at risk of losing all her memories?”

Liam nodded solemnly. “That’s one of the worst possible outcomes. Additionally, there’s a chance of partial stroke.”

Xander leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose as he processed the information. The thought of Aurora enduring such risks made his chest tighten painfully. He would not, could not, let this happen to her.

“Connect me to Dr. Watson,” Xander instructed, his tone firm despite the storm brewing within him.

Liam quickly dialled the doctor’s number and handed the phone to Xander once the call connected. Xander spoke to Dr. Watson, probing for more details about the surgery and confirming the seriousness of the situation.

“Schedule the surgery in the private lab. Ensure absolute confidentiality,” Xander ordered. “I will email the surgeons for a briefing tonight. Thank you, doctor.”

After hanging up, Xander let out a heavy sigh. He turned to Liam. “I need you to do something for me. Victor made a move without informing us. His stunt was unacceptable. Make sure he understands that there won’t be a next time.”

“Yes, sir,” Liam replied, bowing slightly before leaving.

Left alone, Xander stared at the report. He dreaded breaking the news to Aurora but knew she deserved the truth. Her resilience wasn’t strong lately, and this revelation would test her spirit like never before.

—

That evening, after Aurora had returned home, showered, and had dinner, Xander sat her down to share the grim findings. He explained the complications caused by the chip in her head and the risks of memory loss and stroke if it wasn’t removed.

Aurora listened in stunned silence, her emotions a storm of devastation and determination. She didn’t cry but allowed herself a moment to absorb the gravity of the situation.

“There’s no point blaming anyone now,” she said softly, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow. “The ones responsible are already gone. I need to focus on getting through this.”

Xander reached for her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and whispered, “We will get through this together. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

—

The next morning, Aurora went straight to the Chairwoman’s office to see her aunt, Stephanie. She handed her a doctor’s report and formally applied for leave.

Stephanie’s brows knitted in concern as she asked, “Aurora, what’s going on? Why the sudden need for surgery?”

Aurora hesitated before replying, “There’s a chip in my head that needs immediate removal. I don’t want to discuss how or why it’s there, not now.”

Stephanie studied her niece’s troubled face and nodded understandingly. “When is the surgery?”

“In two days,” Aurora said quietly. “I’m not sure how long the recovery will take—at least eight weeks.”

Stephanie handed back the report and said with a decisive tone, “I’ll approve your leave. To cover this, we will announce that you’re traveling to France for a research and development program related to Vintage’s next product. It will give you the time you need.”

Aurora’s shoulders relaxed in gratitude. “Thank you, Aunt. I don’t know how to repay you for this.”

Stephanie’s gaze softened. “You don’t need to repay me. Your father and I discussed something important before he passed. Once you’ve recovered, we’ll talk. Good luck, Aurora. And remember, I’m here if you need anything.”

Aurora nodded, her heart heavy with curiosity about her father’s last conversation with Stephanie. But as a headache began to throb, she pushed the thought aside and returned to her office.

—

Two days later, during a company meeting, Stephanie announced Aurora’s temporary leave and her new assignment in France.

“Though we will miss you in these few weeks,” Stephanie said, smiling at Aurora, “we trust you will return with another groundbreaking idea like Fruit Punch Champagne.”

The room erupted in applause as colleagues congratulated Aurora and wished her success, their faces beaming with pride. Only Olivia scoffed, rolling her eyes as she looked away, unable to mask her bitterness.

Unbeknownst to everyone, except for Aurora and Stephanie, this wasn’t about a research project—it was about Aurora’s fight for her health and her life.

—

Aurora left work early, her thoughts weighed down by the upcoming surgery. After a brief rest and preparation at home, she met Xander, who gently asked if she was ready.

“I am,” she said. Taking his hand, she followed him through the hidden passage to his private lab.

Xander reassured her about the surgery, explaining its precision and the expertise of the team as they walked through the sterile corridors. “The procedure is precise, and the team is the best. You will be in excellent care, and I will be there throughout the surgery,” he assured her.

—

In the waiting room, four surgeons clad in scrubs and masks stood ready. Xander introduced Aurora warmly, pride clear in his voice.

“It’s an honour to meet you, Mrs. Scott,” one surgeon said kindly.

Aurora exchanged pleasantries, managing a polite smile despite her fluttering nerves. Their brief, lighthearted conversation, peppered with Xander’s interjections, momentarily eased the gravity of the situation.

—

“The nurse will help you prepare,” Xander said, comforting Aurora with a kiss on the forehead after the other surgeons left first for the theatre. “I will be right outside. There’s nothing to fear.”

Aurora nodded, her throat tight with emotion as she leaned into his comforting embrace.

After changing into a hospital gown, Aurora stepped out to find Xander waiting in scrubs, and a mask, his reassuring eyes locking onto hers.

“Sweetheart,” he said softly, his voice muffled but warm, “We will get through this together.”

Aurora smiled faintly and slipped her hand into his. With Xander by her side, she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.