Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 240

Chapter 240: They Deserve to Burn!

Xander’s Private Residence.

The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the room as Xander stirred awake at precisely 4 AM. He turned to his side, watching Aurora sleep peacefully, her face relaxed, her long lashes resting gently against her cheeks.

His lips curled into a soft smile before he leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss on her cheek, then another on her bare shoulder.

Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of bed, naked, padding across the room in silent steps.

He freshened up and dressed in casual jeans and a fitted black shirt before retrieving his travel suitcase from the dressing room which he had packed the previous night. Setting it down beside the bed, he grabbed a pen and a small notepad from the nightstand.

With precise strokes, he scribbled a note, leaving it where she would see it.

Once done, Xander moved back to the bed, crouching slightly as he brushed a few strands of hair away from her face.

“I’m leaving now, Sweetheart,” he whispered softly. “See you on Monday.”

He pressed one final kiss against her forehead before placing a protective hand over her belly, feeling a strange sense of peace.

Then, with a quiet sigh, he grabbed his suitcase and exited the bedroom.

Downstairs, Liam was already waiting, standing near the door with an attentive posture.

“Good morning, Sir,” Liam greeted, stepping forward to take the suitcase from him.

Xander nodded in acknowledgment before walking ahead as Liam followed, leading the way toward the waiting car.

—

Around 6:15 AM, Aurora stirred awake, her hand instinctively reaching for the warmth beside her, only to be met with an empty space. She blinked groggily before realization hit her.

Xander had left for his trip.

Letting out a soft sigh, she shifted to his side of the bed, burying her face into his pillow and inhaling his lingering scent.

“I will miss you,” she mumbled against the fabric, eyes fluttering shut for a moment.

As she turned to sit up, her gaze landed on the nightstand, spotting the folded note. She reached for it immediately.

Her lips curled into a smile as she read his words:

“Sweetheart, I already miss you and our little one. Make sure to let Nene know if you need anything. We’ll talk every day, and don’t forget to flood my phone with your photos.”

At the bottom of the note, he had drawn a small heart.

Aurora pressed the note to her chest, warmth spreading through her heart. ‘I wonder when you are going to finally make that confession with your lips,’ she thought to herself.

Aurora quickly freshened up and dressed for work before heading downstairs for breakfast. As soon as she was done, Nene followed her to the car with a packed lunch.

“Ma’am, call me if you need anything,” Nene reminded as she handed her the lunchbox when she settled into the car.

Aurora smiled, accepting it. “I will.”

With that, she exited the premises with four bodyguards occupying the second vehicle behind her.

Even in Xander’s absence, he had made sure she was well protected.

—

Vintage Cellar.

Hours later, when lunchtime arrived, Aurora sat at the sitting area in her COO office and opened her lunchbox. The moment the aroma hit her nose, her stomach growled in anticipation.

Three different varieties of food were neatly arranged before her, and a grin immediately stretched across her lips.

Remembering Xander’s request, she picked up her phone and snapped a quick selfie before taking pictures of the food.

With a playful smirk, she sent them to him along with a message:

“Don’t miss me too much. And call me as soon you arrive!”

Shortly after, she dug into her meal, savouring each bite. Within ten minutes, she was done. She leaned back, resting for a few minutes before returning to her desk to resume work.

As the day dragged on, exhaustion settled in. By the time she stepped into the car for the ride home, a long yawn escaped her lips.

Then suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. She was going home to an empty mansion.

A deep sigh left her as she realized how lonely the next few days would be without Xander. But then she recalled what he had suggested before leaving—she should invite Abigail over for the weekend.

Digging into her Chanel bag, she retrieved her phone and quickly dialled Abigail’s number. The call connected on the first ring.

“Aura!” Abigail’s cheerful voice greeted her. “What’s up?”

Aurora smiled at the energy in her best friend’s tone. “Hey, Abby! I’m good! Xander’s out of town for a business trip, and I was wondering if you’re free to spend the weekend with me.”

Abigail let out an exaggerated gasp. “Your highness, it is with great joy that I accept this invitation. I shall tend to you and keep you company while your husband is away.”

Aurora chuckled. “I’m taking that as a yes?”

“A hundred percent yes! I have no ongoing shoots, so I’m all yours.”

“Perfect. Meet me at Vintage Cellar tomorrow at 3 PM, and we’ll head home together.”

“Got it! And prepare yourself—I’ll be the best company you’ve ever had. Even better than your husband,” Abigail teased.

“I look forward to it.” Aurora laughed before ending the call.

—

As planned, the following day, Abigail arrived at Vintage Cellar, and the two friends left together for the beautiful serene villa.

During the ride, Abigail placed a hand on Aurora’s belly, grinning. “Hey, little one! It’s your godmother speaking. I promise to spoil you rotten once you arrive.”

Aurora chuckled at her best friend’s antics. “You’re really taking this role seriously.”

“Of course! I’m the best godmother you’ll ever have.”

As their laughter faded, Abigail’s expression turned serious. “By the way, any news about Stella? Have the police found her yet?”

Aurora’s fingers slightly tensed around her phone, but she kept her expression neutral. “No news. And honestly? I don’t care. She can’t hide forever.”

Abigail scoffed. “She’s only wasting her time if she thinks she can escape judgment. If anything, this will only make her prison sentence longer.”

“That’s her business,” Aurora replied with a shrug, masking the guilt that gnawed at her. She hated lying to Abigail, but there were some things she simply couldn’t reveal. For example, Xander’s secret business. That was a big NO.

Abigail exhaled, leaning back. “That woman deserves to rot in hell.” Aurora remained silent, but Abigail wasn’t done.

“You know, if it weren’t for your reputation and Vintage Cellar’s image, I would’ve long exposed Stella’s crimes to the media. The world deserves to know that she’s a murderer. The only attention she needs right now is being dragged through the mud.”

Aurora nodded in agreement. “If only things were that simple.”

Abigail’s frown deepened. “And speaking of that woman—her wickedness knows no bounds. No wonder Olivia is so good at the games. I recently heard she made her ex-best friend leave Wing City after that first cheating scandal.”

Aurora’s stomach twisted, but she maintained her composure. “You mean the fact that Casey lost an eye because of them?”

Abigail’s eyes widened in horror. “Wait, what?!”

Aurora sighed. “You didn’t know?” She thought it was what Abigail was unto.

Abigail shook her head, her fists clenching. “I knew Olivia was ruthless, but I didn’t think she’d go that far.”

“She and her mother paid thugs to do it,” Aurora muttered. “I know this because Casey told me the story and even took off her sunglasses for me to see the evidence after coincidentally meeting at the mall recently.”

Abigail’s anger flared instantly. “This mother-daughter pair deserves to burn! No mercy!”

As silence settled in the car, Abigail clenched her jaw, seething with rage. But fortunately, before she could spiral further into her emotions, something outside the window caught her attention, shifting her focus.

And just like that, the tension in the car eased as their conversation drifted to lighter topics.