Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 124

Chapter 124: Xander’s Suspicion

Hours after the delicate surgery, the tension in the operating theatre eased as the nurse monitoring Aurora’s vitals announced, “Her vitals are stable.” A wave of relief washed over the team as one of the surgeons turned to Xander, who had been silently watching from the corner.

“Dr. Lex,” the surgeon said, his voice calm yet professional, “the surgery was a success. We will wheel your wife out once the nurse finishes cleaning her up. You can step outside and rest now.”

But Xander remained unmoving, his sharp gaze locked on Aurora’s pale face. “I will wait,” he said firmly, walking to her side. He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently as if willing her to feel his presence. “Sweetheart,” he whispered softly, “We did it. You are stronger than you think.”

Minutes later, Aurora was carefully wheeled into the intensive care room. Xander followed closely, his posture tense but composed as he stood beside her bed, his eyes flicking between her and the monitor tracking her condition. Letting out a deep sigh, he placed a hand on the edge of the bed, silently vowing to stay until she opened her eyes.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Xander turned, his hands slipping into his pockets as Liam entered, holding a small, sealed plastic bag.

“Sir,” Liam said, stepping forward, “this is the chip.”

Xander’s jaw tightened as he took the bag, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the plastic. Inside was a small chip, eerily similar to a memory card, yet sinister in its implications. His narrowed eyes studied it intently before he handed it back.

“Have the team analyze every detail,” he instructed coldly. “I want to know its purpose, its origin, and the company that produced it.”

“Yes, Sir.” Liam bowed slightly before adding, “Victor has been dealt with for making a move without reporting to us first, even under Stella’s suspicion.”

Xander nodded, his approval brief but clear. “Good. Make sure he doesn’t repeat the mistake.”

As Liam exited the room, Xander turned back to Aurora. His gaze softened as he observed the tubes and wires connected to her. Bending slightly, he murmured, “I’ll get you the answers, Sweetheart. Rest for now. You’ll wake up to clarity and peace.”

~***~

Three days later, Aurora remained unconscious, though her condition was stable. Xander sat beside her, his usual commanding demeanour replaced by a quiet vulnerability. The steady rhythm of the heart monitor filled the room, providing a soothing yet constant reminder of her fragile state.

A knock on the door broke the silence. Nene stepped in to inform him that Asher had arrived and was waiting in the living room.

“Bring him in,” Xander instructed, clearly not ready to leave his precious wife’s side.

A few minutes later, a firm knock sounded on the door, and Asher stepped in, his gaze flickering briefly to Aurora before settling on Xander.

“How is she?” Asher asked his tone a mixture of concern and relief as he went to sit on the couch in the sitting area where Xander had gestured him to.

“The surgery went well, but she hasn’t woken up yet,” Xander replied, his voice low. “Fortunately, her condition is stable.”

“That’s a relief,” Asher said, crossing his arms. “It’s good to hear the procedure was successful.”

Asher then shifted topics, briefing Xander on a new mission assigned during their secret state meeting earlier that morning. “It will take some time before we act,” he explained. “We need to gather intel first.”

Xander exhaled in quiet relief, grateful for the delay. The thought of leaving Aurora in her current condition weighed heavily on him.

Before leaving, Asher reminded Xander of the military award ceremony scheduled for the following afternoon. “Attendance is mandatory,” he said with a smirk, clapping Xander’s shoulder. “Don’t forget your disguise.”

—

The next afternoon, Xander and Asher arrived at the private venue dressed in their special unit military uniforms, complete with their disguises. The room buzzed with hushed conversations among influential guests—business magnates and military officials alike.

Major Walker took the stage, his commanding presence silencing the chatter as he addressed the room. He praised the individuals who had supported the military’s initiatives through significant donations and sponsorships.

As names were called, the recipients ascended the stage to receive their awards, shaking hands with Major Walker before posing for photos. But when Stella Swift’s name echoed through the room, both Xander and Asher froze, exchanging sharp glances.

“What is that woman doing here?” Asher whispered harshly.

Xander’s gaze darkened as it followed Stella’s figure ascending the stage. “To receive an award,” he replied dryly.

“She must be manipulating the Major for some reason,” Asher muttered. “I thought your warning at Olivia’s wedding was enough for him.”

“Unless he knows and is pretending otherwise,” Xander countered, his tone edged with suspicion.

Asher lifted a curious brow. “Why would he do that?” he asked, his tone laced with doubts and a trace of confusion on his face, not understanding what could be the Major’s motive.

“That’s what we will need to find out,” Xander said as a matter of fact.

As Stella stood beside Major Walker, accepting her award with a radiant smile, Xander’s calculating gaze didn’t waver.

—

Later that evening, Xander returned home, exhaustion tugging at his usually composed exterior. Ascending the stairs, he entered the bedroom to find Nene gently wiping Aurora’s hand with a warm towel. Her unconscious form lay still, surrounded by the quiet hum of the heart monitor.

“Has she opened her eyes today?” Xander asked, rounding the bed to check her vitals.

“Briefly,” Nene replied, her voice soft as she stood up from the bed.

“That’s good news,” Xander said with a faint sigh of relief. He brushed his fingers along the edge of the bed, his gaze lingering on Aurora’s peaceful face.

Though his heart remained heavy with worry, he silently promised, ‘You will wake up soon, and when you do, I will have the answers we’ve been searching for.’