Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 237

Chapter 237: Her Reality

Aurora took a sip of water as the team went through each promotional idea. By the time they were done, the future looked promising.

Towards the end of the meeting, Stephanie shifted gears. “Now, for the next phase of business—Aurora’s red wine project. We’ve been in talks for weeks, and I am pleased to announce that the launch has been scheduled for next year.”

Another round of applause filled the room.

Stephanie turned her gaze towards Aurora with a slight smile. “Aurora, do you have any concerns or input?”

Aurora leaned forward slightly, meeting her gaze. “I have no issues with the timeline. I believe starting promotional campaigns three months from now will set the right momentum for the launch.”

Stephanie nodded. “Good. Then, let’s make it official.”

With that, the meeting was adjourned. Aurora leaned back in her chair, exhaling softly. It had been a productive session, and though work was demanding, she found a certain thrill in seeing her efforts come to fruition.

She was also beginning to believe more in herself with the powerful mindset she has developed.

—

Stephanie entered her CEO office, her posture straight, her expression unreadable. She moved to her desk and sat down, exhaling softly before picking up her phone. Her sharp nails tapped against the screen as she scrolled through her contact list, her gaze unwavering until she found the name she wanted.

Without hesitation, she dialled the number, bringing the phone to her ear. The line rang twice before the call connected.

“We haven’t met since our divorce was finalized,” Stephanie said, her tone neutral, void of emotion. “Let’s meet at Michael Gardens restaurant by 6 PM for dinner and a little chat.”

She didn’t wait for a response. Instead, she ended the call and placed the phone back on her desk, exhaling deeply.

Her fingers drummed against the armrest as her mind wandered to the things she must do next.

—

Aurora’s Office.

At the same time, Aurora entered her COO office with Lilian following closely behind, a tablet in her hands.

“Ma’am, your schedule for today includes a client meeting during lunch break,” Lilian reported. “After that, there’s a visit to the winery to inspect the next production phase.”

Aurora took her seat behind her desk, listening attentively. When Lilian finished, she nodded. “You will accompany you to both.”

Lilian bowed slightly. “Okay, Ma’am.” With that, she exited the office, leaving Aurora alone.

Aurora let out a soft sigh before picking up her phone. She quickly typed out a message to Xander, updating him on the increasing sales of her Citrus Fruit Punch Champagne. And a few seconds later, her phone chimed.

Xander: “Congratulations, Sweetheart! Your hard work has paid off. Keep soaring.”

Aurora’s lips curled into a smile, warmth spreading through her chest. She typed a quick response. “Thank you, Darling.”

Just as she was about to place her phone on the desk, another message came in.

Xander: “Sweetheart, I heard a new restaurant headed by a three-star Michelin chef opened five blocks away from my office. Would you like me to send lunch to you?”

Aurora’s heart swelled at the thoughtful gesture. Just how much she would have loved that if that was possible. Exhaling, she bit her lip before replying.

“I’d love to, but I have a lunch meeting with a client during my lunch break. Let’s do it another time?”

His response was immediate.

Xander: “Understood. I’ll send you lunch from there tomorrow then. No excuses.”

Aurora chuckled softly before sending him three red heart emojis.

—

Swift Family Private Residence.

Meanwhile, Olivia sprawled across the two-seater couch in the grand yet eerily quiet living room. A medium-sized bucket of fried chicken drumsticks sat on her lap, and a large can of Coke rested on the side table.

She absentmindedly tore into a drumstick, her eyes fixed on the television screen, where a romantic drama played.

Halfway through the movie, she tossed a picked-clean bone onto the bucket, wiped her greasy fingers on a napkin, and reached for the Coke. She took a long sip, letting the carbonated drink fizz in her throat.

But as the movie credits rolled, boredom crept in.

Olivia sat upright with a huff, drumming her fingers on her knee. “Ugh, this is unbearable.” Staying at home all day with nothing better to do was sickening.

Needing a distraction, she picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts before selecting Ella. Pressing call, she waited as the line rang.

After several rings, the call finally connected.

“Heh, Ella!” Olivia forced a bright tone. “Are you free to hang out?”

Ella’s response was sluggish. “Ah… Olivia, I’m exhausted today. I just got home, and I was about to take a nap.”

Olivia’s forced smile dropped slightly. “Oh… I see.”

“Maybe another time?” Ella added, her voice almost indifferent.

“Yeah, sure,” Olivia muttered before ending the call.

Irritated, she scrolled again and dialled Caro. This time, the phone rang endlessly before going to voicemail.

Olivia clenched her teeth, annoyance flashing in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she decided to try Rita instead. And to her relief, Rita picked up on the first ring.

“Olivia!” Rita greeted, though her voice sounded distant and muffled.

“Hey, Rita! Are you free to hang out?” Olivia asked, trying to sound cheerful.

Rita sighed. “I’m still at work, and honestly, I’ll be too drained afterward.”

Olivia’s jaw tightened. Just as she was about to snap at her, Rita continued, “Hey, why don’t we plan something for Saturday instead?”

Olivia paused. “Saturday?”

“Yeah. The others and I were thinking of hitting the spa and then shopping for some new collections. What do you think?” Rita inquired.

Silence hung in the air before Olivia forced out a response. “…Fine. I’m in.”

“Great! I’ll text you the details later,” Rita replied quickly.

The call ended, and Olivia tossed her phone onto the couch with a scowl. Her nails dug into her palms as realization sank in.

They’re avoiding me.

Ever since she was booted out of Vintage Cellar and her divorce scandal became public, everyone had been keeping their distance. And she was so ignorant to only realize it now.

Olivia clenched her fists. “I hope it’s not what I’m thinking,” she mumbled but deep down, she knew exactly what was happening. And she hated it.