Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 200

Chapter 200: Aurora Learns A Disturbing Story

Forcing herself to move, Olivia tiptoed toward the door, her breaths shallow and erratic. Peering outside, she was met with the cool forest air and an eerie stillness. No lurking figures. No cars.

Her eyes landed on a plain white envelope sitting on the doorstep. Frowning, she picked it up and unfolded the note inside:

“You are free to leave. The door is unlocked. Walk straight for 20 minutes to reach a road where transportation will pick you up. Do not come back.”

Disbelief turned to simmering rage. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” she hissed, crumpling the note in her fist before dumping it on the ground. She glared into the woods.

“Cowards!” she screamed into the silence. “You won’t decide when I leave! Do you hear me?!”

Her voice wavered, but her anger held firm. Scanning the area one last time, she stepped back into the house, slamming the door with a force that rattled the frame. “This is my decision,” she muttered, locking the door behind her.

Standing in the quiet, Olivia’s fury intensified. “Whoever did this thinks they’re smart,” she spat. “But they’ve got another thing coming if they think I’ll play by their rules.”

She leaned against the wall, her nails digging into her palms, thoughts racing. “Oh, I’ll leave,” she vowed darkly. “But only when I’m ready.”

Her gaze drifted back to the TV, but the show no longer held any appeal.

With a huff of frustration, Olivia grabbed the remote and turned it off, plunging the room into silence. Her restless gaze fell on the kitchen, and moments later, she stormed inside.

Her eyes locked on the sink, overflowing with dirty plates and glasses. Another wave of irritation surged through her, but no one was there to hear her complaints, not even her kidnapper.

Olivia had planned to starve until she couldn’t hold her hunger anymore, but who knew that what transpired a few minutes ago would force her to get some food? Her anger triggered the rumbling of her stomach and the twisting of her intestines.

Something in her snapped—an unwillingness to sit amidst the chaos any longer. Rolling up her sleeves, Olivia turned on the faucet, the rush of water filling the void left by her grumbling.

Since she had decided not to leave, she could as well do the dishes and fill her stomach with some food.

For a while, she worked in silence, scrubbing and rinsing, her mind racing. The chore was menial, but it did nothing to stop her from focusing on the envelope she had crumpled earlier or the growing sense of isolation pressing in on her.

Once the dishes were all done, she heated a meal pack in the microwave. Next, she served herself a plate and sat at the small dining table, her mood no better than when she started.

But at least she could satisfy her appetite while annoying the hell out of that person.

—

From work, Aurora headed straight to the shopping mall. She was going with Xander to visit his parents at the Scott family’s old house and as usual, she couldn’t bring herself not to shop for some gifts.

Arriving at the mall, Aurora stepped out of the car, adjusting the strap of her handbag as she moved toward the entrance. The warm greeting she received from the mall staff as ‘Mrs. Scott’ brought a small, polite smile to her lips, though she waved off their offers to help her roll the trolley she picked.

“Thank you, but I’ll manage,” she said softly, her hands resting firmly on the shopping cart.

Aurora moved through the aisles with purpose. She stopped in front of a row of assorted nuts, her discerning gaze scanning the packaging. One by one, she picked up almonds, cashews, and walnuts, carefully inspecting the nutrient details and expiration dates before placing them in the cart.

As she entered the fresh produce section, Aurora’s attention turned to the rare fruits she’d wanted to include in her gifts. She lightly squeezed a perfectly ripened mango and inspected a bunch of dragon fruits, appreciating the vibrant colours and fragrant aromas.

Each selection was careful and deliberate, her thoughts occupied with how Xander’s parents might appreciate her choices.

Aurora didn’t have any parents. The ones she recognized were late while the other one who refused to acknowledge her was put off. So, in that sense, she was determined and dedicated to taking her husband’s parents, as hers.

After gathering everything she needed, Aurora went to the checkout counter. As she handed over her card, a flicker of movement by the door caught her eye.

A woman in oversized sunglasses stepped inside, her stride confident yet subdued. Something about her seemed familiar, but Aurora shook her head, brushing off the notion as she collected her receipt.

Just as she was about to leave, a voice called her by her name, ‘Aurora’. The soft yet unmistakable familiar tone stopped her in her tracks. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with the woman she had noticed moments ago.

A faint, enigmatic smile curved on the stranger’s lips.

—

Minutes later, Aurora sat at a small round table in the mall’s café. Her shopping bags rested by her feet, and across from her sat Casey, her sunglasses still shielding her eyes.

Aurora sipped her iced Americano, her expression calm but wary, as Casey leaned in slightly, her smile persistent.

“I didn’t expect to run into you here of all places.” Casey began, her voice light but tinged with something unspoken. “Fate has been indeed working behind the scenes.”

Aurora offered a small nod but stayed quiet, prompting Casey to continue. “First, congratulations are in order—for everything. Beating Olivia to become COO of Vintage Cellar, marrying Xander Scott… you’ve really outdone yourself.” ”

She added as a smirk rose at the corner of her lips. “And someone somewhere must be biting her lips in frustrated misery.”

“Thank you,” Aurora replied, her tone measured as she placed her drink on the table. She understood the subtle jab made at Olivia, but for now, she pretended not to hear any of it.

She had just seen Casey after a long while and it was only necessary to gauge her reactions to understand what she truly wanted from this meeting.

On the other hand, Casey’s lips twitched upward at Aurora’s lack of interest. But she wasn’t even bothered by it as she had known Aurora’s personality for years, so she just continued.

“You married the man your sister didn’t expect and had been doing very well while her marriage to Owen crashed. But her failed marriage isn’t the reason she is rapidly losing her mind. Casey’s voice dropped, conspiratorial. “You’re the reason. She hates to lose to you. And despite everything she and her mother did to make your life miserable, you came out unscathed.”

Aurora’s brows furrowed briefly, but she kept her composure. “Is there something you want?” she asked. She simply didn’t have the time to chit-chat about the likes of Olivia.

Casey’s smile faltered momentarily before returning. “Oh, Aurora. I wanted to know how you are enjoying the Tea Time’s recent articles, if they are to your taste or if you want any changes.”

Instantly, Aurora as something finally clicked in her head. “Are you behind that blog?” she inquired, her brows slightly constricted in an inquisitive frown.

Casey chuckled, waving her hand dismissively. “Not directly, no. But let’s just say, they write exactly what I want them to. And pass the perspective I want.”

“I see…” Aurora studied her for a moment, understanding every sentence she said, before speaking again, her voice steady but probing. “Why did you disappear for so long? Were you planning this revenge on Olivia all along?”

Casey’s smile turned sharp. “And what if I was?” she countered.

Aurora leaned forward slightly. “Olivia was your best friend. You betrayed her first. What gives you the right to seek revenge for something you started?” This is a motive that Aurora has been wanting to know for so long.

She wanted to understand what gave Casey the confidence to go against Olivia when she was in the wrong.

Casey’s laughter echoed across the café, drawing glances from nearby tables. She quickly sobered, her expression darkening. “You really don’t know, do you?”

Before Aurora could respond, Casey removed her sunglasses, revealing the grotesque scar where her right eye had once been. Aurora gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

Casey’s voice was venomous as she spoke. “Your stepsister and her mother did this to me. They took my eye because I tried to warn you about their schemes at Olivia’s wedding.”

Aurora’s heart raced as that memory resurfaced. She could hardly believe the extent of Stella and Olivia’s cruelty. Disgust and anger bubbled within her.

Casey, now calmer, slid her sunglasses back on and leaned back. “I don’t blame you for what happened. That’s why I’ve been using the blog to help you. You don’t need to thank me—know I’ve shifted the narrative in your favour.”

Aurora sat in stunned silence, her emotions swirling. For once, she was at a loss for words. Casey, with a satisfied smirk, drained the rest of her drink and stood. “Enjoy the rest of your shopping, Mrs. Scott,” she said coolly before walking away, leaving Aurora to grapple with the unsettling revelation.