Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 178

Chapter 178: Sweet and Juicy

Xander’s Private Residence.

The soft evening sunlight poured into Xander’s private residence as he arrived home, exhausted but eager to unwind. As he handed his briefcase to a waiting butler, he asked, “Is my wife home?”

The butler smiled. “Yes, Sir. Madam is in the fruit garden, harvesting strawberries.”

A smile curved Xander’s lips at the thought of his wife immersing herself in such a simple joy. “Of course, she is.”

Without hesitation, Xander headed upstairs to the master bedroom, freshened up, and changed into a crisp, casual outfit. Moments later, he made his way to the lush fruit garden.

—

In the garden, Aurora was crouched next to a bed of vibrant strawberries, her laughter soft as she chatted with two servants assisting her. Xander paused at a distance, taking in the sight of her. She was radiant, her hair tied up loosely, her cheeks glowing under the golden light.

One of the servants pointed at a particularly ripe patch, and Aurora nodded, her smile warm. She picked a strawberry and dropped it into her woven basket, half-full of perfectly ripe fruit.

Xander couldn’t hold back any longer. “My wife!” he called out, his voice cutting through the tranquil air.

Aurora’s head snapped up at the familiar tone. She turned, her face lighting up with a smile as she saw him approaching.

“What is my wife doing?” he asked as he reached her side, his hands casually slipping into his pockets as he stopped in front of her and nodded in response to the greetings from the two servants without meeting their gazes.

“Your wife is harvesting strawberries,” Aurora replied, holding up the basket proudly.

“They look delicious.” Without waiting, Xander dipped his hand into the basket, pulling out a plump strawberry.

“Well, I wasn’t the one who planted them,” Aurora teased, watching him inspect the fruit.

“But you harvested them,” Xander said, his tone warm. He took a bite, the sweetness evident in his pleased expression. “Anything you touch turns to gold.”

Aurora laughed. “Stop joking.”

“I’m serious,” Xander said, holding out the strawberry to her. “Here, try it.”

Aurora leaned in and took a bite. Her eyes widened in delight. “It’s so sweet and juicy!”

“Exactly! Just like my favourite part of you,” Xander quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Aurora’s jaw dropped in shock. “Y-you shameless man!” she hissed, her cheeks flushing as she glanced at the servants, who pretended to focus solely on their work.

Setting her basket down, Aurora lunged at him. “You will pay for that!”

Laughing, Xander dodged her effortlessly, taking off through the garden with Aurora chasing after him. Her laughter echoed as she tried and failed to catch him.

When she finally stopped, panting, Xander returned with a bottle of water. “Here, sweetheart,” he said with mock concern. “Drink this and regain some strength to catch me next time.”

Aurora narrowed her eyes but took the bottle. As she drank, an idea formed. When Xander turned away slightly, she grabbed his arm and pulled him close, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Now, call me Grandma, and I will let you go,” she teased, her tone victorious.

Xander chuckled, his voice muffled. “You’re too young and beautiful to be called Grandma.”

“I don’t care,” Aurora replied, tightening her hold. “Do it!”

“No,” Xander said stubbornly. “If I call you Grandma, how can I dare to sleep with you again?”

Aurora gasped. “You’re still thinking about that in this situation? Shameless man!”

With a quick move, Xander freed himself and swept her up in his arms. Aurora yelped, instinctively wrapping her arm around his shoulder.

“Who was it that dared to try strangling her husband?” he teased, wiggling his brows.

Aurora laughed despite herself, her cheeks flushed.

—

Later, the couple sat in the in-house glass flower garden, enjoying the freshly washed strawberries. Occasionally, Xander would offer Aurora a bite from the fruit in his hand, and she would do the same.

As they savoured the moment, Aurora leaned back, her tone turning serious. “Can you book an appointment with a gynecologist for me on Thursday?”

Xander paused mid-bite, looking at her with curiosity. “Um… what for?”

“To stop the contraceptives and start preparing my womb,” Aurora said softly, her gaze meeting his. “Did you forget about our conversation already?”

“No!” Xander quickly shook his head. A wide smile spread across his face. “I will take care of it.”

Aurora smiled against his chest, her fingers curling into his shirt before asking about his mission and if a clear date has been given for it.

Xander then told her that there has been no information about it yet as their mission was halted before the Royal family of Octavia visited, and that it hasn’t resumed yet.

“I’m happy you won’t be leaving my side any time soon for those secret mission,” Aurora said, expressing her relief.

Xander smiled knowing how much she liked and valued his company. He brought her into his embrace and planted a soft kiss on her forehead before leaning away.

—

As the moment lingered, Xander’s expression grew serious. “Sweetheart, I need to ask you something.”

“What is it?” Aurora asked, sensing the weight in his tone.

“If you had to choose,” Xander began, “between reopening your father’s murder case—which might tarnish your family’s name and the company’s reputation—or letting the case remain buried and your stepmother go free, what would you do?”

Aurora stilled, the question cutting deep. She remained silent for a moment, her thoughts whirling.

“I’d reopen the case,” she said finally, her voice firm. “But I want to talk to Aunt Stephanie first and get her perspective.”

Xander nodded. “Just be careful. Don’t let anyone know what we’ve uncovered yet—not even Stephanie.”

Aurora promised, her determination clear. She couldn’t afford to trust anyone else with that secret and blow all their effort up.

Xander went on to reveal the progress they had made in the investigation, including the waiter’s wife’s confession and the offshore transaction receipt.

Aurora’s eyes lit up with renewed hope. She had no idea that he has been busy working behind the scene, trying to bring the real culprit to book since her father was murdered.

“You’ve done so much for me, Xander. I don’t know how to thank you,” she said as her gaze softened.

“You don’t have to thank me,” Xander said, pulling her close. “It’s my duty as your husband.”

Aurora cupped his face, her gratitude shining in her eyes. She leaned in and kissed him softly.

As she pulled back, she whispered, “Even if it’s your duty, I will never stop saying thank you.”

“And I will never stop protecting you.” Xander smiled, his gaze filled with so much love and dedication.

Although he didn’t look it at the moment, but he would burn the whole world for her if the need arises even though he was still yet to confess that he loves her.