Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 148

Chapter 148: Something Unexpected

The room erupted in light applause. Aurora joined in, her expression calm but pleased. Olivia barely moved, her applause half-hearted as bitterness settled in her chest.

Stephanie’s expression grew more animated as she added, “Before we wrap up, there’s one more piece of news I’d like to share. We will be hosting a very special visit next week—Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Octavia, and a few other members of the royal family will be touring our winery.”

A murmur of excitement rippled through the room. The prospect of a royal visit was a monumental opportunity for Vintage Cellar, and the directors exchanged eager glances.

Olivia’s lips parted into a wide grin. A royal visit could open doors for her to forge new connections, something she desperately craved. Ideas of networking and personal advancement filled her mind as Stephanie elaborated on the details.

But Stephanie’s next words shattered Olivia’s excitement. “I heard Her Royal Highness especially loves our Fruit Punch Champagne,” she said, her gaze falling on Aurora. “She’s specifically requested that you, Director Aurora, give her a tour of our winery.”

Aurora’s brows lifted in surprise as she instinctively pointed to herself. “Me?”

Stephanie nodded with a small smile. “Yes. Fruit Punch Champagne is your creation, and the princess herself asked for you by name.”

Aurora blinked, unsure how to respond. While the news was flattering, she remained neutral. “I will do my best to make the visit worthwhile,” she replied, her tone measured.

Across the table, Olivia’s chest tightened as if someone had just punched her. Her mind reeled. The Princess hasn’t even arrived, and Aurora’s already won her favour? The sting of jealousy was unbearable.

She clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms, the pain grounding her enough to hold back the tears threatening to form.

—

Back in her office, Aurora leaned back in her chair and tapped her fingers thoughtfully on her desk. “Lilian,” she called. Moments later, her assistant appeared at the door.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Get me a family chart of the Royal Family of Octavia,” Aurora instructed.

Lilian nodded and left, returning a few minutes later with a neatly printed document. “Here you go, ma’am.”

Aurora took the chart and scanned it, her eyes lingering on the photos of the main members of the royal family. Her gaze rested on the Princess Royal, her elegant features radiating grace and authority.

Aurora noted her name, age, and a few personal details, all while wondering, Is my champagne really that popular to attract the attention of royalty?

—

That evening, Aurora returned home and headed straight to the shower to wash off the day. Afterward, she made her way to the in-house glass flower garden, a tranquil space where she often retreated to think.

She sat amidst the vibrant blooms, nibbling on fresh fruit while her tablet displayed more information about the Royal Family of Octavia.

When Xander arrived home, he handed his jacket to the butler and his briefcase to Liam before asking, “Where’s my wife?”

“In the flower garden, sir,” the butler replied.

Xander smiled faintly, thanked him, and made his way outside. As he approached the glass structure, he caught sight of Aurora seated amidst the blossoms, her focus on the tablet in her hand.

“Sweetheart,” he called warmly, stepping inside.

Aurora looked up and smiled as he approached. He leaned down to kiss her lips, his gesture soft and unhurried. “How was your day?”

“Eventful,” Aurora admitted with a chuckle.

Xander’s gaze fell on the tablet in her lap. “The Royal Family of Octavia?” he asked, his brow lifting in curiosity. “What sparked your interest in them?”

Aurora explained how the princess liked her champagne and even reached out to Vintage Cellar.

“Victoria?” Xander asked, his tone unreadable as he tilted his head.

Aurora’s smile faded, and she narrowed her eyes. “You know her personally?”

Xander hesitated before nodding slowly. “Yes. Sweetheart, she’s my ex-girlfriend.”

The air in the garden grew heavy with stunned silence. Aurora stared at him, her heart thudding in her chest as the revelation sank in.

“You dated the Royal Princess of Octavia?” she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and apprehension.

Xander nodded again, his expression serious. “It was a long time ago before I met you.”

Aurora set the tablet aside, her emotions swirling. The calm she had felt moments ago was replaced with a whirlwind of confusion and unease. She met Xander’s gaze, waiting for him to explain further, but his silence spoke volumes.

Aurora finally broke the silence, her voice steady but sharp. “This royal visit just got a lot more complicated.”

“What Royal visit?” Xander inquired immediately, his tone calm but edged with curiosity as he slowly settled down next to her, his gaze searching hers.

Aurora set her tablet down and met his eyes. “The Princess Royal of Octavia likes my Fruit Punch Champagne and has requested a personal tour of our winery during her visit next week. Aunt Stephanie announced it during the meeting this morning.”

Xander’s brows furrowed slightly, his thoughts turning inward as he wondered if the Princess had a hidden motive for liking Aurora’s Fruit Punch Champagne and wanting to make a personal visit. He mulled over that possibility.

Noticing his silence, Aurora tilted her head. “You’re deep in thought. Does her request seem odd to you?”

Xander shook his head slowly but didn’t immediately respond. Instead, Aurora leaned forward, her curiosity now piqued. “Xander, what was your relationship with her like? Why did you break up?”

His jaw tightened momentarily before he sighed, leaning back on the couch. “We had different views about life. She didn’t understand me most of the time, and we argued often. It became exhausting, and I ended it. We haven’t spoken since.”

Aurora studied him, her expression neutral, though her heart swelled slightly at his admission. “Did she know about your… other life?” she asked cautiously.

“Only that I worked for the government,” Xander admitted his tone even. “She never knew anything beyond that.”

Aurora nodded, a small wave of satisfaction washing over her. ‘I know more about him than she ever did,’ she thought, inwardly relieved.

Still, a troubling thought lingered in her mind. “You don’t think the Princess is still hung up on you, do you?”

Xander turned to her, his lips quirking into a faint smirk. “Should I be worried about that?”

“Should I?” Aurora countered, arching a brow.

“I can’t control her emotions,” Xander replied matter-of-factly. “But whatever she feels is irrelevant. My life is with you now.”

Aurora allowed herself a soft smile, though the seed of doubt remained. She would have to wait until the Princess arrived to understand the reason she was really invested in her champagne.

~***~

Friday arrived quickly, and Asher found himself on the way to pick up Abigail. She had given him the location of her film set, nestled on the outskirts of Wing City’s capital towl in Palm Hills.

Opting for speed, Asher took his private helicopter, flying across the city skyline before switching to a car to cover the final stretch.

When he arrived, the filming site sprawled out before him—a bustling hive of cameras, crew, and actors. Parking his car at a distance, Asher retrieved his binoculars to get a better look.

Through the lens, he spotted Abigail in the middle of a scene, her poised demeanour shining as she engaged with her co-actor. His gaze lingered as she leaned in to kiss the man for the scene. Asher’s expression remained unreadable, though his fingers tightened slightly on the binoculars.

He put the binoculars away, pulling out his phone to text her. I’m here at the parking lot. Come whenever you’re ready. Without waiting for a reply, he started the car and drove to a quieter spot.

—

Abigail hurried to the parking lot a while later, her gaze scanning for Asher. The moment she spotted his sleek car, its window rolled down slightly, she broke into a smile and approached.

Asher stepped out, taking her small travel luggage and stowing it in the back seat. “You’re here quickly,” Abigail remarked as she slid into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. “Did you drive all the way here, or—”

Asher interrupted her with a faint smile. “Let’s just say I had my ways.”

As they drove, he cast her a sidelong glance. “I saw you kissing your co-actor earlier,” he commented, his tone light but probing. “How do actors manage that without getting… emotionally involved?”

Abigail chuckled, her fingers brushing her hair away from her face. “It wasn’t always easy. When I started, I’d either feel awkward or, sometimes, even develop a crush. But over time, I learned to separate work from emotions. Now, it’s just business.”

“Just business?” Asher pressed, his eyes flicking to her briefly.

“Yes,” Abigail replied firmly. “I see it as part of my job and nothing more.”

He smirked, unconvinced. “So, you’re saying you can kiss a man like that and not feel even a spark of emotion?”

Abigail turned to him with a mischievous smile. “Do you doubt me?”

Asher shrugged, his gaze steady on the road. “Maybe a little.”

“Want me to prove it?” Abigail challenged, a glint of mischief lighting her eyes.

Caught off guard, Asher spared her a sceptical glance. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” Abigail replied, her voice laced with amusement. “Pull over, and I will show you.”

Curiosity got the better of him, and Asher complied, easing the car to a stop at the side of the road.

Before he could say another word, Abigail unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned over, and captured his lips in a kiss. Her soft lips moved against his, confident and unyielding.