Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 232

Chapter 232: A Curious First-Time Mom

“Okay, fine, I’ll admit it,” Abigail said, scrunching her brows in thought. “I don’t really know much about pregnancy cravings. I was just using that as a reference, you know. But I did hear that pregnant women crave weird stuff.”

Aurora let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You’re not wrong, Abby, but not that weird. Cravings don’t involve eating things that could kill you!”

She glanced at Xander, who was still lingering in the room, pretending to be busy as he put her shoes away. A smirk tugged at his lips as he clearly enjoyed listening in on her conversation.

Aurora rolled her eyes at his antics but turned her attention back to Abigail. Folding one arm below her chest, she posed a dramatic question. “Abby, imagine I wake up tomorrow and tell you I want a lion cub for breakfast and cockroaches for dessert. How would you react?”

Abigail’s face contorted in visible disgust. “God forbid, Aura! If that ever happens, I’ll force you to see a therapist. You’re better off remaining a wife than turning into a crazy person.”

A belly roll of laughter escaped Aurora’s lips. Finally, Abigail’s dramatics cracked her frustration, and the tension melted away.

As their conversation continued, Abigail shifted to her usual excitement, already fantasizing about Aurora’s next doctor’s appointment and offering endless advice on what to do and eat. Aurora humoured her with a fond smile, listening to Abigail’s ideas with a mix of amusement and patience.

When the call ended, Xander, who had been thoroughly entertained, stepped closer with a teasing smile. “So, after tacos and tarts for late lunch, what are you craving for dinner now?”

Aurora sank into a dreamy thought, her eyes twinkling. “Hmm… I want something Italian for dinner. Something with a bold, strong flavour.”

Xander nodded immediately, his smile softening. “Italian it is. I’ll let the kitchen know. And I’ll set up a warm bath for you in the meantime.”

Aurora watched him walk away, her heart swelling with gratitude.

—

Swift Family Residence.

Olivia stepped into the dining room with a stormy expression. Having been locked in her room for twenty-four hours as punishment by Stephanie, her hunger now overshadowed her pride.

Stephanie was already seated at the head of the table, cutting into her garlic butter chicken with the precision of a hawk. Olivia ignored her completely and dropped into the seat across from her without so much as a greeting.

Stephanie glanced up briefly, but instead of addressing Olivia’s rudeness, she resumed eating in silence. For over ten minutes, the only sound in the room was the clinking of cutlery against plates.

Eventually, Stephanie broke the silence, her sharp gaze settling on Olivia. “I heard about your divorce case. The first court hearing is in three days.”

Olivia stiffened but kept her eyes on her plate, chewing her food slowly. When she finally responded, her voice was barely above a whisper. “You heard correctly.”

Stephanie’s lips curled into a faint, cold smile. “The family lawyer will attend the hearing with you. I expect nothing but good reports from that day.”

Olivia’s grip tightened around her cutlery, her knuckles turning white. The mere thought of seeing Owen in court made her blood boil. That bastard had the audacity to file for divorce after everything they’d been through. The anger simmered beneath her skin, threatening to boil over, but she swallowed it down.

Seeing the tension, Stephanie added calmly but firmly, “If you plan to embarrass yourself or this family in public again, be prepared for consequences far worse than being locked in your room.”

Olivia didn’t respond, but the subtle glare she shot at her aunt spoke volumes.

Instead, she changed the subject, her voice edged with impatience. “I’ve been out for over six weeks now. When am I returning to Vintage Cellar? My office is probably gathering dust by now.”

Stephanie placed her fork down delicately and looked Olivia straight in the eye. “You’ve shown no proof that you’re mentally sound enough to handle your responsibilities. Until you impress me, you’re not going back to Vintage Cellar. And don’t think I’ll leave your position vacant for much longer.”

Olivia’s jaw clenched as her glare hardened. Biting back a sharp retort, she forced herself to continue eating in silence.

A few minutes later, Stephanie finished her meal and wiped the corners of her lips with a napkin. She stood, her chair scraping lightly against the floor.

“And one more thing,” she said coldly, her gaze piercing. “The next time you see me and don’t greet me, you can kiss your monthly payout as Adam Swift’s daughter goodbye.”

With that, Stephanie left the room, her heels clicking loudly against the polished floor.

Olivia remained seated, fuming as her hands clenched into fists.

—

Back at Xander’s private residence, Aurora climbed into bed after a soothing warm bath and a delicious Italian dinner. With her phone in hand, she curled up under the duvet, the screen glowing softly as she browsed.

Her search history had been filled with pregnancy-related questions since confirming the news.

“What’s the size of a four-week-old fetus?”

“At what week can I hear my baby’s first heartbeat?”

“When can I check my baby’s gender?”

“How often can a pregnant woman in her first trimester have sex?”

Just as she clicked on the next search, Xander pushed the door open and walked in with a content smile. Spotting Aurora snuggled up in bed, he wasted no time joining her, slipping under the duvet and pulling her close.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he rested his cheek on her chest, snuggling into her warmth.

“Darling, you’re going to squash my melons at this rate,” Aurora groaned, though her tone carried a hint of humour. And she made no attempt to push him away.

“Really?” Xander asked, leaning back with a concerned look. “Does it hurt? Do you want me to massage them?”

Before Aurora could respond, he dipped his hand inside her shirt and cupped her left breast.

“Xander!” Aurora exclaimed, swatting his hand away with an indignant laugh. “I didn’t mean that! You’re impossible!”

Xander grinned mischievously, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “I’m just trying to help. I’ll happily handle all the pregnancy side effects for you if I can.”

Aurora shook her head, biting back a smile as she put her phone on the bedside table. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re stuck with me,” Xander replied, pulling her closer.