Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 126

Chapter 126: A New Wine Idea

THREE WEEKS LATER…

Three weeks after her surgery, Aurora was slowly returning to her routines, though bouts of fatigue and forgetfulness lingered. On an otherwise quiet day, Nene’s phone rang, and Olivia’s name flashed on the screen.

After exchanging polite greetings, Olivia’s impatience broke through. “When will Mrs. Scott return from her trip? It’s been over two weeks!”

“She isn’t back yet, Mrs. Owen,” Nene replied smoothly, ignoring the irritation lacing Olivia’s tone.

Olivia huffed, her frustration thinly veiled. “Then when will she return? It’s no wonder her husband has the opportunity to cheat on her.”

Nene’s calm demeanour didn’t falter, but she did feel that Olivia was crossing the line. “Her return date is unclear, but I’ll let you know once I have clarity,” Nene replied.

“Fine,” Olivia snapped, ending the call.

Nene climbed the stairs to the master bedroom, finding Aurora awake and sitting against a pile of pillows, her eyes on the muted TV.

“Ma’am, would you like anything?” Nene asked with a warm smile.

Aurora turned her head slightly, her features softening. “A glass of water, please.”

Nene poured a glass and handed it to her, but Aurora absentmindedly placed it on the bedside table without drinking.

“Ma’am, you haven’t had the water,” Nene reminded gently.

“Oh,” Aurora murmured, blinking as if snapping out of her thoughts. She picked up the glass, drank half of it, and handed it back.

As Nene set the glass down, she mentioned Olivia’s call, including the vague vacation excuse she’d given to buy more time.

Aurora smirked faintly. “It took her long enough to call again. I was beginning to think I’d need another way to coax the truth out of her.”

“Ma’am, this was her third call in two weeks. I told you last time, and you said to give her the same response when she called again,” Nene reminded her.

“I said that?” Aurora asked, confusion flickering across her face.

“Yes,” Nene confirmed, her tone light to avoid alarming her.

Aurora sighed, leaning back against the pillows. “Let her know I will be back in a few days and that she can call then.”

Nene nodded and shifted the topic, updating Aurora on the fresh grapes arriving that evening from France for her new wine project.

—

By the evening, Aurora sat on a high stool at the kitchen island, her energy still waning easily. Beside her, Nene prepped ingredients and offered assistance as Aurora worked.

Plucking a grape from the bowl of fresh blue grapes, Aurora popped it into her mouth, savouring its burst of sweetness. “This is perfect,” she murmured, handing one to Nene.

Nene tasted it and nodded with approval. “It’s excellent.”

Using a manual juicer, Aurora crushed the grapes, the vibrant juice flowing into a jug. She added peeled and washed beets to the juicer next, blending them to a deep crimson liquid.

The kitchen buzzed with activity, the air fragrant with fresh produce, as Aurora’s determination carried her through.

Nene smiled naturally seeing the excitement on her face.

—

Xander arrived home as the sun dipped below the horizon. Handing his jacket and briefcase to the butler, his first question was, “Where’s my wife?”

“She’s in the kitchen, sir, making wine,” the butler informed him.

Xander’s brows furrowed in mild concern as he strode into the kitchen, where he found Aurora stirring a bowl of bright-coloured liquid, her focus intense.

“Sweetheart,” he called softly, stepping closer.

Aurora looked up, her expression lighting up as her eyes met his. “You’re back?”

Nene bowed in greeting. “Welcome home, Mr. Scott.”

Xander acknowledged her with a nod before leaning in to kiss Aurora gently. “I see you’ve been busy,” he said, glancing at the bowl of wine as he leaned away.

“I’m trying something new for my next wine project,” Aurora replied, accepting a vodka bottle from Nene and measuring a precise amount to add to the mixture.

Xander’s gaze tightened with concern. “But there’s no need for this. Your Aunt only mentioned the project as an excuse for your recovery.”

Aurora’s lips curved in a small, determined smile. “I know, but I have this idea I want to bring to life. Aunt Stephanie will be thrilled that I actually made progress during my time off.”

Despite his reservations, Xander listened as Aurora explained her vision: a wine that pairs perfectly with steak.

“That sounds interesting,” he admitted, his worry giving way to admiration. “I can’t wait to see the result,” he added as he plopped himself down on a high stool at the kitchen counter.

—

A few minutes later, Aurora poured a small glass of her creation and handed it to Xander. “Tell me your honest opinion,” she said, her tone tinged with nervous excitement.

Xander swirled the wine before taking a sip. The flavours danced on his palate—rich, smooth, and a bit balanced. His expression softened, a slow smile spreading across his face.

“It’s exceptional,” he said genuinely. “There is a hint of spiciness to it.”

Aurora’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction as a hint of fatigue flickered across her features. “I added some cloves for a little spice.”

“I think you’re onto something incredible, like your Fruit Punch Champagne,” Xander added and took another sip from his glass.

Nene smiled warmly from the side, her gaze moving between the couple. “I agree, Ma’am. It’s one of a kind.”

Aurora’s determination eased into quiet pride. Despite her challenges, she was taking steps forward, one sip at a time.

“Thank you for the praises, but I still think something is missing,” Aurora said to them after having a sip of the wine herself. “We will continue the project another time.”

—

On the other end, Olivia lounged on the couch, absentmindedly munching an apple, when her scrolling suddenly stopped. An influencer’s Instagram story caught her eye. She clicked on the video and watched in disbelief as Owen, her husband, danced in a dimly lit club, sandwiched between two women grinding against him.

Her jaw tightened, and her heart thundered in rage. Tossing the apple onto the coffee table, she grabbed her jacket, yanked it on, and snatched her purse from the nightstand before storming out of the house.