Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 196

Chapter 196: Resigning to Her Fate

The House in the Woods

Tears dried up in Olivia’s eyes after a long bout of sobbing. Her headache was still pounding, but hunger gnawed at her insides. Dragging herself off the floor, she shuffled into the kitchen, her steps heavy with resignation.

Opening the refrigerator, Olivia was greeted with an array of canned drinks, bottles of water, and neatly packed meals. She wiped her damp cheeks and pulled out one lunch pack along with a bottle of water and a can of juice.

With a sigh, she popped the lunch pack into the microwave and leaned against the counter, watching the timer count down. When the ding signalled that her food was ready, she plated it, grabbed her drinks, and sat at the small dining table.

As she ate, her headache began to subside, the hot food doing wonders to stabilize her emotions. She chewed slowly, glancing around the unfamiliar space with a mixture of suspicion, helplessness and anger.

Somehow, she was confident that her food wasn’t poisoned.

“Whoever put me here must be enjoying my misery,” she muttered to herself, stabbing her fork into a piece of grilled chicken.

—

Vintage Cellar

Aurora stepped out of the elevator and into her COO office, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. She moved behind her desk, smoothing her skirt before sitting down.

Moments later, a knock sounded at the door, and Lilian entered, holding a tablet.

“Good morning, ma’am,” Lilian greeted with a smile.

“Morning, Lilian,” Aurora replied, gesturing for her to continue.

“The Chairwoman would like to see you after your champagne campaign shoot,” Lilian informed her. She then went on to outline Aurora’s schedule for the day, detailing the photo and video shoots for the new Citrus Fruit Punch campaign.

Lilian added, “You will also need to send us the finalized guest list for the official launch so the invitations can go out by this evening.”

Aurora opened a folder on her desk and slid out a neatly printed sheet. “The list is ready,” she said, handing it to Lilian.

Lilian took it with a nod. “Lastly, there’s a last-minute trip to the winery for you to approve the redesigned packaging.”

“Understood,” Aurora said.

—

Swift Family’s Residence

Stella paced back and forth in the living room, Stephanie’s words echoing ominously in her mind.

“Bringing another man’s child into this house and passing it off as my brother’s.”

Her chest tightened with each step, the weight of her secrets pressing down on her. How long had Stephanie known? Had she told anyone else?

And then there was Olivia. Stella’s failed attempts to contact her daughter only added to her anxiety. She hadn’t returned to either the Scott or Swift residence. None of her friends knew where she was.

“This is all falling apart,” Stella muttered, clutching her head in frustration. “Why now? Why all at once?”

Her thoughts spiralled as she envisioned the potential fallout if Stephanie exposed the truth. And with the looming reopening of Adam’s murder case, the walls were closing in faster than she could manage.

Hot tears rolled down her cheeks as she dropped to her knees, clutching at her chest.

“This can’t be my end,” she wailed, her voice trembling. “I refuse to let it all crumble!”

A sharp pain seized her chest, and she gasped, clutching at her heart. Another mild heart attack threatened to strike.

—

The House in the Woods

After finishing her meal, Olivia carried her dishes to the sink. The warmth of the food had dulled her headache, though her emotions still simmered beneath the surface.

She wandered through the house, taking in her surroundings more closely. The indoor pool caught her attention, and she crouched by the edge, dipping her hand into the cool water.

“A prison with luxury amenities,” she thought bitterly.

In the bedroom, she opened the closet to find an assortment of loungewear neatly arranged. The sight of the comfortable clothing did little to improve her mood.

Returning to the living room, Olivia glared at the burglary-proof windows. She tried pushing one open one more time to no avail, her frustration mounting.

Crossing her arms, she muttered to herself, “If I’m stuck here, I might as well enjoy it.” She completely resigned to her fate.

—

Vintage Cellar.

Aurora arrived at the large studio space set up for the campaign shoot. The room was buzzing with activity—lights being adjusted, props being arranged, and crew members darting around with last-minute preparations.

“Ma’am,” Lilian said, falling into step beside her, “It’s time to get your makeup done. The photoshoot will come first, followed by the video ad.”

Aurora nodded, allowing herself to be led into a smaller room where a makeup artist and stylist were waiting.

Dressed in her first outfit—a crisp white suit and pants—Aurora posed behind a citrus-themed prop as the photographer gave her instructions.

“Perfect,” the photographer said, snapping away. “Now, tilt your head slightly… Good, just like that!”

After three outfit changes and a series of dynamic poses, the photoshoot concluded.

The team quickly transitioned into preparing for the video ad. Aurora’s makeup was touched up, and her hair restyled. Lilian handed her the script, which she skimmed one last time before stepping onto the set.

“Action!” the director called.

Aurora spoke confidently about the new Citrus Fruit Punch champagne, her charisma shining through on camera. By the end of the two-hour shoot, the entire team looked pleased with the results.

After changing back into her office outfit, Aurora stepped into the elevator with Lilian, who informed her, “The Chairwoman is in her office now.”

Aurora nodded. “Let’s go see her.”

—

Stephanie’s Office

Stephanie looked up as Aurora entered. She gestured for her to sit before leaning back in her chair.

“Aurora,” Stephanie began, “I heard about the scene Olivia caused in the lobby yesterday.”

Aurora’s brows furrowed slightly, but she remained composed.

“I wanted to apologize on behalf of the company,” Stephanie said, her tone sincere. “Olivia’s behaviour was unacceptable, and she has been punished.”

“What kind of punishment?” Aurora asked, her curiosity piqued, though she waited to hear something pleasing to her ears and deserving of Olivia’s brazen action.

“An indefinite suspension,” Stephanie replied.

Aurora’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Thank you for handling this appropriately, Aunt Stephanie.”

Stephanie nodded with an equal smile. Then the conversation shifted to the champagne launch, and the two women discussed final preparations before Aurora left the office, feeling a sense of satisfaction. She couldn’t wait to tell Xander all about it.