Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 199

Chapter 199: A Beggar with a Choice

The sleek black car pulled to a smooth stop in front of the grand military complex. Liam stepped out promptly, adjusting his suit jacket before walking to the other side to open the door for Xander. The sun glinted off the vehicle’s polished surface as Xander emerged, his tall frame exuding quiet authority.

Liam reached into the car and carefully retrieved a beautifully wrapped box, its golden accents gleaming subtly in the morning light.

“Shall we, sir?” Liam asked, his voice low but respectful.

Xander gave a curt nod, his piercing gaze scanning the building ahead. A soldier approached briskly, his polished boots clicking against the stone pavement. With a sharp salute, the soldier greeted Xander.

“Mr. Scott, the Major is expecting you. Please follow me,” the soldier said.

Without a word, Xander inclined his head, and the trio moved toward the building, their steps steady and purposeful.

—

The soldier led them through a series of hallways before stopping at a private lounge area. He opened the door and gestured for Xander to step inside.

“Major Walker will be with you shortly, sir,” the soldier said before excusing himself.

Xander took a seat, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Liam placed the wrapped box on the table before standing a few steps behind Xander, his hands clasped behind his back.

Minutes later, the door opened, and Major Walker entered. Clad in a simple white shirt and grey pants, he exuded a different kind of authority—one born from years of discipline and command. His sharp eyes met Xander’s as he approached.

Xander rose to his feet, ready to salute, but the Major raised a hand to stop him.

“No need for that,” the Major said, extending his hand instead. They shook hands firmly before settling into their seats.

“I must say, I was surprised when I received your request to meet,” Major Walker began, his tone even, though his gaze remained probing.

Xander’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I appreciate you accommodating me on such short notice.”

—

Liam stepped forward, placing the wrapped box in front of the Major and removing the lid with precision. Inside lay a gold-plated invitation card, an elegant bottle of champagne, and a customized champagne opener engraved with the Major’s name. The attention to detail spoke volumes about the sender’s intentions.

“This,” Xander began, his tone calm yet purposeful, “is a personal invitation from my wife, Aurora Scott, to her upcoming champagne launch. She insisted I deliver it to you personally.”

Major Walker’s eyes flicked to the items in the box, lingering momentarily on the engraved opener before meeting Xander’s gaze.

“She’s been looking forward to meeting you,” Xander continued. “She’d be disappointed if you didn’t attend.”

Liam closed the box carefully and excused himself, leaving the two men alone.

—

The Major leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. “If I recall correctly, during her first champagne launch, you introduced her as your friend. Why keep your marriage a secret?”

Xander shrugged, his demeanor casual but his words deliberate. “I didn’t lie. She was my friend then, and she still is. As for keeping our marriage private, it was a personal choice.”

The Major’s gaze narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable. “When did you get married?”

Xander tilted his head, his smirk subtle but unmistakable. “A few months ago. We kept it private. Just the way I like it.”

“Why a private wedding?” the Major pressed.

Xander’s smile deepened, his tone light but firm. “Because I wanted it that way.”

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of their unspoken thoughts filling the air. Then, Xander rose to his feet, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt.

“I’ve delivered the invitation. If you don’t mind, my wife is waiting for me,” he said, his voice smooth yet final.

As he reached the door, he paused and turned slightly. “Ah, and don’t forget to attend the launch. Aurora has been looking forward to meeting you. I’d hate for her to be disappointed.”

With that, Xander exited, his footsteps steady and unhurried.

—

Major Walker remained seated, his gaze fixed on the door through which Xander had just departed. His expression remained neutral, but the fingers resting on the armrest tightened into a fist.

The invitation sat on the table before him, a subtle yet glaring reminder of the connection he had long chosen to ignore.

“Looking forward to meeting me?” the Major muttered to himself, his voice low and thoughtful. “I wonder what game you’re playing, Xander Scott.”

His gaze drifted back to the box, a flicker of unease crossing his features as he leaned forward to examine the invitation more closely.

—

The House in the Woods.

At exactly 4 PM, Olivia’s stomach rumbled, snapping her out of the trance she’d fallen into while halfheartedly watching a TV series. With a sigh, she pulled herself off the couch and headed toward the kitchen. “Time to eat,” she muttered.

The fridge was well-stocked with drinks, meal packs, and snacks, but most of the pre-packaged meals were already gone. She grabbed a new lunch pack, ready to heat it, only to discover a sink filled with dirty dishes. No clean plates were in sight.

“Seriously? Not even plates for two meals? What kind of prison hospitality is this?” she fumed, staring at the pile of dishes. Hands on her hips, she debated whether to wash them but quickly scoffed. “Do they expect me to do their chores too? Absolutely not.”

Frustrated, Olivia grabbed a cold drink from the fridge and stomped back to the couch. “They should’ve at least hired a maid,” she muttered, flipping through channels aimlessly.

A few minutes later, a sudden, sharp click from the front door handle made her freeze. Her heart raced as she snapped her head toward the sound.

“Who’s there?!” she yelled, her voice shaky.

Silence greeted her, heightening her panic. Her mind spiralled into worst-case scenarios: were they here to kill herm, to finish what they started?