Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 172

Chapter 172: The Princess’s Little Games

Finally, Victoria turned to Xander, spreading her arms for a hug. But before she could step closer, Xander raised a hand firmly, a polite but unmistakable barrier.

“I don’t accept hugs anymore from female friends or acquaintances,” he said evenly, his expression unreadable. “I’m married.”

The room fell into a brief but charged silence. Victoria’s arms lowered slowly, and for a fleeting moment, her composure faltered. But she recovered quickly, laughing softly as she patted Xander’s shoulder instead.

“Oh, Xander,” she said with an awkward chuckle, “Your jokes are on another level.”

Xander gave a curt nod, his gaze steady.

Asher hid his amusement behind a small cough, discreetly popping another almond into his mouth. The dynamic between the Princess and Xander was unmistakable.

He knew what the Princess tried to do by greeting them with a hug and also understood Xander’s subtle retaliation, and he was wise enough to let it unfold without interference.

Victoria gestured for everyone to take their seats again. “Thank you for coming. Since Xander refused to host me at his home, I decided to bring you all here instead.”

Xander said nothing, maintaining his composed demeanour. Before the silence could stretch, Asher leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Well, Your Highness, Xander has always been… particular about his space. Let’s just say it’s part of his charm.”

Victoria’s lips curved into a knowing smile as she looked at Xander. “I see he hasn’t changed at all.”

Xander turned to Asher, his gaze sharp, silently signalling him to stop talking. Asher held up his hands in mock surrender and reached for his tea.

—

The air inside the villa was subtly charged as Princess Victoria leaned back on her chair, her smile poised, yet her words sharp. “Do you remember our good old days, Xander, Asher?” she began, her tone light, but deliberately excluding Aurora from the nostalgia.

Asher responded with a grin, “How could I forget? Though I must say, some memories are best left in the past.”

Victoria chuckled, her gaze lingering on Xander, waiting for his response.

Xander, however, remained unbothered by her exclusion of Aurora. Instead, he reached for Aurora’s hand, intertwining their fingers effortlessly.

“The past may hold some good memories, but I prefer the present,” he said, his gaze shifting to Aurora. “Especially now that I’m with the love of my life.”

Aurora felt a warm flush rise to her cheeks. She gave Xander’s hand a gentle squeeze, silently thanking him for bringing her into the conversation.

Victoria’s smile stiffened momentarily before she recovered. “Speaking of now,” she said, her tone playful, “why don’t we have some fun? I have a lovely outdoor spot perfect for a game of chess. Aurora, care to join me for a match?”

Aurora hesitated, her smile polite. “I’m afraid I’m not much of a chess player, Your Highness. I wouldn’t be a worthy opponent,” she declined.

The Princess’s smile widened as if she had been waiting for this. “Chess is just a game! We’re here to have fun, not for a tournament. Come on, I insist.”

Aurora glanced at Xander, whose calm gaze reassured her. Reluctantly, she nodded. “If you insist, Your Highness.”

“Wonderful!” Victoria clapped her hands and turned to one of her aides. “Prepare the chess set in the garden.”

As the aide exited, Victoria leaned back, her gaze alight with curiosity. “Now, Xander, I’ve been dying to hear how you met your wife. This feels like the perfect time to share.”

Xander’s expression turned stoic, but his tone carried a sharp edge. “I think there are far more pressing matters in Octavia to occupy your thoughts than our story, don’t you agree?”

Victoria feigned a pout. “Oh, come now. I deal with matters of state every day. Surely you can indulge me just this once. Love stories are always a good escape.”

Xander’s lips pressed into a thin line before he spoke. “There’s not much to tell. I fell in love with Aurora at first sight. And from there, I became… creative in convincing her to marry me.”

Aurora’s eyes widened slightly at his admission, her heart swelling with affection.

“How romantic,” Victoria said, though the brightness in her tone failed to mask her discontent. “It’s surprising, though. Falling in love at first sight doesn’t seem like you.”

Before Xander could respond, Victoria turned to Asher, her expression lightening. “What about you, Asher? When will you leave behind bachelorhood? Or are you still playing around?”

Asher chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Your Highness, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. You’re still single yourself, aren’t you? I’ve been waiting for your wedding invitation all these years.”

Victoria’s laughter was soft, but her eyes dimmed slightly as she replied, “Touché, Asher. If only things had gone as planned…”

The room fell silent as her gaze dropped, and she added softly, “I once thought I’d found my true love. But, well, the prince of my heart broke it, and I’ve been nursing the wound ever since.”

Aurora frowned, the air growing heavier with Victoria’s words. Though she couldn’t decipher the Princess’s intent, her intuition told her there was more beneath the surface. On the other hand, Xander wasn’t cool with the Princess’s vague response either.

Noticing the shift in the atmosphere, Asher cleared his throat. “I’d heard rumours about you dating and breaking up with a Prince from one of Octavia’s neighbouring allies. Didn’t think it was true.”

Victoria nodded, her smile returning faintly. “It’s true. But now, I will be marrying for politics, not love.”

Aurora relaxed slightly at the clarification, her earlier tension fading. Xander, however, remained unreadable, his piercing gaze fixed on the Princess.

—

Minutes later, the aide returned to announce that the chess set was ready. Victoria rose gracefully, gesturing for them to follow. “Shall we?”

The group moved to the garden, where the chessboard was set on an elegant stone table shaded by flowering trees. Aurora hesitated as Victoria gestured for her to sit opposite her.

“Would you like to make the first move?” Victoria asked with a sly smile.

Aurora shook her head. “Please, you start.”

Victoria’s smile deepened as she made her first move.