Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 175

Chapter 175: Securing the Evidence

Aurora leaned comfortably against Xander on the two-sitter leather couch in their grand sitting room, the large TV casting a warm glow over the room as the couple shared a bowl of buttery popcorn.

The comedy movie played on, but Aurora’s laughter occasionally filled the space, her mood as light as the snacks they enjoyed.

A mischievous grin spread across Xander’s face as he tilted his head toward Aurora, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. She giggled, her shoulders shaking with delight.

“Stop that, it tickles!” she laughed, squirming as Xander nuzzled her neck playfully.

“It’s your fault for being irresistible,” he teased, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer as she feigned an attempt to escape.

“And whose fault is it that a certain someone doesn’t know how to resist temptations despite his years of training in the armed forces?” Aurora retorted.

Xander gave her a look before continuing with his teasing. “My wife’s fault.”

The bowl of popcorn tipped, spilling onto the couch and floor as their playful banter continued. Aurora sighed dramatically, shaking her head with a smile.

“See what you did?” she chided, lightly slapping his arm.

Xander chuckled. “Totally worth it.”

Together, they picked up the scattered popcorn, their hands brushing occasionally, eliciting shy smiles. When the mess was cleaned, Aurora settled back into Xander’s arms, the popcorn bowl now safely on the table.

As the movie continued, Aurora’s smile faded slightly, her thoughts turning elsewhere. “Darling,” she began softly, “I think we should visit the hospital soon.”

Xander’s relaxed posture stiffened immediately. Concern flickered in his eyes as he turned to her, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. “Are you feeling unwell? Is something wrong?”

Aurora placed a calming hand on his chest seeing that he was already trying to lean away from the couch. “No, no, it’s nothing like that,” she reassured him, her voice steady.

“Then why the hospital?” he pressed, his brows furrowed as his back rested on the couch. Concern was still evident in his tone, and he was not about to rest until he found out the reason for her sudden decision.

“To put a temporary end to the contraceptives, run some tests, and… start preparing my womb,” she explained, her gaze meeting his. A small smile tugged at her lips as she added, “I think it’s time we start trying for a child.”

Xander’s expression transformed instantly. A broad smile lit up his face, and he pulled Aurora close, his arms wrapping tightly around her.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice laced with happiness and disbelief. “That you are ready to bring our child into this world, and be a mother?”

Aurora nodded, her cheeks glowing. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. We aren’t exactly in our twenties anymore. It feels like the right time, especially now that I’m not so busy.”

Xander kissed her forehead once, twice, three times, his gratitude pouring through the simple gesture. “You’ve just given me the best news,” he whispered. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Aurora basked in his happiness, feeling her own heart swell with joy.

—

Later that evening, as their movie ended, Liam appeared at the doorway, his expression serious. Xander noticed immediately and placed a gentle hand on Aurora’s shoulder.

“Sweetheart, I need to handle something,” he said. “Go ahead to bed; I will join you soon.”

Aurora nodded, sensing the shift in atmosphere. “Don’t take too long,” she teased lightly before heading upstairs.

—

The air in Xander’s study was heavy with anticipation. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the room, emphasizing the tension. Liam stood across from Xander, his stance professional but laced with urgency.

“Sir, we’ve made significant progress,” Liam began, his tone steady but clipped. “We’ve located the waiter’s wife and have her in custody. She’s already confessed.”

Xander’s brow furrowed slightly, his piercing gaze locked onto Liam. “Let me see it.”

Liam nodded, pulling out his phone with precision. He navigated swiftly through his files before placing it on Xander’s desk. “This is her confession.”

As the video began, the face of a young, terrified woman filled the screen. Her hands trembled as she clutched her knees, her wide eyes darting between the camera and the men interrogating her.

“Please, don’t hurt me!” she cried, her voice breaking. “I have a child! I was just trying to protect him!”

The male voice behind the camera was firm but calm. “If you want to protect your child, tell us everything. What do you know about your husband and Adam Swift’s murder?”

The woman hesitated, her shoulders heaving with silent sobs. She glanced nervously at the two imposing figures flanking her, their silent presence a constant reminder of her precarious situation.

After a few agonizing moments, she whispered, “Stella Swift is involved.”

The name hung in the air like a thunderclap.

Xander’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening imperceptibly as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk.

The man behind the camera pressed further. “Do you understand the gravity of accusing someone like Stella Swift? You’d better have proof.”

The woman nodded frantically, her hands gripping the hem of her worn dress. “I do! I swear I do! She… she ordered my husband to kill her stepdaughter, Aurora, at the wedding party that night. But something went wrong, and he shot Mr. Swift instead. And I also know she got rid of my husband just to bury the matter.”

The room in the video fell silent, the only sound the faint hum of the camera.

“Do you have evidence?” the man asked again, his tone relentless.

The woman swallowed hard before answering, “My husband told me everything when I paid him a visit at the station. He knew Stella would never let him live after what happened.” Her voice broke, and she took a shaky breath.

“I made a recording of his confession just in case anything happened to him or to us. And I have bank receipts showing a transfer from an offshore account linked to her. It’s all back home in Wing City.”

“Why didn’t you go to the police with this?” the man demanded.

The woman let out a bitter laugh, her tears streaming freely now. “Do you really think the police would go after someone like Stella Swift? She’d bury this whole thing and me with it. And I had a child to protect!”

The video ended abruptly, and silence filled Xander’s study. He exhaled deeply, his fingers steepled as he processed the woman’s words.

“She’s returning to Wing City as we speak,” Liam informed him, breaking the silence. “Our team is escorting her. We will ensure her safety and secure the evidence she mentioned.”

Xander nodded, his expression unreadable. “Follow up with the station tomorrow morning. I need confirmation that the weapon used to kill Adam Swift is still in evidence.”

“Understood.” Liam placed his phone back into his jacket pocket, bowed slightly before exiting the room, leaving Xander alone with his thoughts.

The study seemed quieter now, the soft ticking of the antique clock on the wall the only sound. Xander tapped his fingers against the desk, his mind racing.

“Sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Just a little longer. I promised you justice, and I will deliver.”