Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 229

Chapter 229: Humbling Moments

Aurora sat in the glass-walled flower garden, sipping a fragrant cup of flower tea as soft instrumental music played in the background.

The space’s tranquil ambience, with sunlight filtering through the glass and casting a warm glow on the vibrant blooms, brought her much-needed peace.

Nearby, Nene diligently watered the flowers, her movements practised and precise.

Aurora absentmindedly scrolled through her phone, her thoughts a million miles away. Her thumb hovered over the screen when she suddenly looked up and asked, “Nene, do you think I’ve been acting weird lately?”

Nene paused, the watering can still in her hand and turned to Aurora with a kind smile. “A little different, yes, Ma’am,” she replied.

Aurora set her cup down and hesitated for a moment before exhaling softly. “I think Xander might have gotten me pregnant,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nene’s brows lifted slightly as she tried to hide the amused smile tugging at her lips. “Oh?”

“My period’s late by a few days, and…” Aurora paused, fidgeting slightly. “I’ve been feeling so fatigued and keep having these odd cravings. But I don’t have morning sickness, so I’m not sure.”

“Well, Ma’am,” Nene said gently, placing the watering can down. “That does sound like you might be pregnant.” She met Aurora’s eyes reassuringly. “Would you like me to send someone to get a pregnancy test kit?”

Aurora nodded, her expression a mixture of nervousness and hope. “Yes, please,” she said, her fingers clasped tightly around her phone.

Nene stepped aside to make the call, and Aurora sat quietly, staring at the vibrant flowers in front of her. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind, and for once, her normally calm demeanour gave way to quiet anticipation.

—

After some time had passed, Aurora walked into the main house with Nene at her side. Nene handed her the test kit with a warm smile and a thumbs-up. “Good luck, Ma’am,” she said.

Aurora returned the smile, albeit nervously, and made her way upstairs. As she climbed the steps, her heart pounded in her chest. Entering the bedroom, she headed straight for the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

After using the kit, she set it down on the counter and began pacing the room, her bare feet padding softly against the tiled floor. Her hands fidgeted as she stared at the timer on her phone, waiting for the longest few minutes of her life to pass.

When the timer finally buzzed, Aurora hesitated, her breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she picked up the test and stared at the result. Two lines. Two clear, undeniable lines.

Her lips parted in disbelief, and her eyes widened with surprise. “Oh my God,” she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. She clutched the test tightly as a radiant smile spread across her face.

She was about to shout for joy when a knock on the door startled her.

“Sweetheart?” Xander’s deep voice called. “Are you in there?”

“Yes!” Aurora replied, quickly trying to compose herself.

“Can I come in? I need to tell you something,” Xander said.

Aurora opened the door, the test still in her hand. “What is it?” she asked, her joy momentarily interrupted.

Xander’s expression was serious as he looked into her eyes. “Stella was abducted,” he said, his tone grave. “And I know who’s behind it.”

Aurora’s mouth opened in shock. “Wait, what? Who—” she started, but her words faltered when she noticed Xander’s gaze drop to the pregnancy test in her hand.

His eyes widened as he realized what it was. Snatching it gently from her, he stared at the two lines before his face broke into pure joy. “Sweetheart, you’re pregnant!” he exclaimed, his voice ringing with excitement.

Before Aurora could respond, Xander swept her off her feet and twirled her around, his laughter filling the room. “You’re pregnant with our child!”

Aurora completely forgot all about Stella’s abduction as her heart filled with happiness. Wrapping her arms around Xander’s neck, she gazed into his jubilant eyes and said, “Yes, I’m pregnant with our child.”

—

Swift Family Residence.

At the Swift Family Residence, Olivia stormed into the house, her shopping bags hitting the floor of her bedroom with a thud. Her face was flushed with anger as she ripped off her coat and threw it onto the bed.

Her day at the shopping mall had been a nightmare. Shop attendants had ignored her, their thinly veiled disdain clear in their fake smiles and refusal to help. Even the other shoppers had whispered behind her back, their laughter cutting through her like knives.

“Who do they think they are?” she muttered, pacing the room angrily. “How dare they treat me like that?”

After freshening up, Olivia made her way to the dining room for dinner, her mood still sour. She sat at the table, only to realize there was no plate set for her. Her brows furrowed as she scanned the room.

“Where is my plate?” she snapped at the servant bringing food to the table.

The servant froze, her face pale as she realized the mistake. “I-I’m so sorry, Miss Olivia. I’ll set it right away.”

Moments later, the servant returned with a plate and poured water into Olivia’s glass, but Olivia’s anger only deepened. “Why didn’t you put the glass where I can reach it?” she barked.

“Miss, I—” the servant stammered, but before she could explain, Olivia swept her hand across the table, sending plates and food crashing to the floor.

The loud noise echoed through the room, drawing Stephanie’s attention. She entered just in time to see the mess, and her face twisted with fury as she approached Olivia.

“What is the meaning of this?” Stephanie demanded.

The servant hurriedly explained the situation, her voice trembling, while Olivia stood with clenched fists and gnashed teeth.

Stephanie’s anger boiled over. Without hesitation, she slapped Olivia across the face. “How dare you throw my dinner to the floor over such a trivial mistake?”

Olivia held her cheek, her eyes wide with shock. “Aunt, you slapped me?”

Stephanie’s voice was icy. “You’re spoiled, Olivia, and it ends now. You’re not allowed to eat for the next twenty-four hours. Servants, drag her to her room! She’s not to leave until tomorrow’s dinner.”

“You can’t do this to me!” Olivia screamed as two servants grabbed her arms. “Is this because you think I don’t have anyone? Is that why you’re treating me like this?”

Stephanie sneered. “You still have your mother. Oh wait—she’s a murderer and nowhere to be found.”

Olivia’s face twisted with rage. A few days after her mother had gone missing, Stephanie revealed the murder charges against her mother. The news did break her, and now being reminded of it, she felt like punching her.

Olivia tried to resist the servants, but they held her firmly, dragging her toward her bedroom. Her furious screams echoed through the halls, but Stephanie didn’t flinch, her expression cold and unyielding.