Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 261

Chapter 261: She Gave an Ultimatum
Xander entered the house, his mind already weighing the conversation he would soon have with his Aurora. The guilt sat heavily on his chest, but he had known from the start that there was no way around it.

As soon as he stepped inside, Nene approached him with a polite nod. “Sir, Ma’am is upstairs. She came home early today.”

Xander gave a short nod. “Alright. Thank you, Nene.”

He took the stairs two at a time, each step adding to the tension in his chest. When he entered their bedroom, he noticed Aurora wasn’t in sight, but the faint sound of running water came from the bathroom.

Letting out a small breath, he loosened his tie and made his way to the dressing room. He took off his shoes, belt, tie, and cufflinks, placing them neatly aside before unbuttoning the first few buttons of his shirt. His muscles were taut, knowing that the truth was inevitable.

Pushing the thoughts aside, he stepped into the bathroom.

Aurora was standing by the sink, fresh out of the shower with a white towel wrapped around her chest, stopping mid-thigh. Her damp hair clung to her back, and the scent of cocoa shower gel filled the space, sweet and intoxicating.

Xander’s lips instinctively curled into a small smile as he leaned in to press a soft kiss to her lips. “Hey, Sweetheart.”

Aurora smiled and leaned back slightly, her eyes bright. “Hey,” she greeted cheerfully.

Xander studied her expression, relieved that she wasn’t in a sour mood—yet. “You came home early today,” he noted, watching her dry her hands. “Did something happen?”

Aurora sighed, tilting her head. “Nothing major. I was just exhausted and wanted a long nap.”

Xander nodded in understanding. He hesitated for a second before she turned to him and asked, “What about you? You’re home early too.”

“I finished early at the office,” Xander said smoothly, keeping his tone even. “And I had something to sort out at home.”

Aurora’s gaze flickered with curiosity, but she didn’t pry further. Instead, she leaned against the counter and asked, “Were you able to take care of whatever was troubling you this morning?”

Xander stiffened slightly. He had almost forgotten about their morning conversation. The way she had picked up on his mood so quickly had him wondering if she already knew the truth.

“I’m working on it,” he admitted. “It hasn’t been handled completely, but I will take care of it soon.”

Aurora’s lips pressed into a line, but before she could ask anything else, Xander smoothly changed the topic. “Would you like to eat anything before or after your nap?”

Aurora yawned lightly and shook her head. “I’ll decide after I wake up.”

Xander nodded, leaning in again to press another lingering kiss to her lips. She smiled against his mouth before stepping away toward the bedroom.

Xander watched her leave, and once she was out of sight, he let out a deep breath before stepping into the shower.

—

After dinner, Xander excused himself and entered his study, where Liam was already waiting.

Xander closed the door behind him and walked over to his desk. “Has Daniel confessed yet?”

Liam shook his head. “No. He refuses to talk.”

Xander smirked, rubbing his thumb against his index finger. “I appreciate his dedication,” he muttered sarcastically.

Liam sighed. “It’s not surprising. He received elite-level training before entering Arsenal. He was chosen for a reason.”

Xander nodded, already expecting this. “Continue the interrogation tomorrow. Let’s see how long he lasts.”

Liam inclined his head. “Understood.”

After the brief discussion, Liam left, and Xander headed upstairs. He entered their bedroom just in time to see Aurora stepping out from the inner room. She was already dressed for bed in a satin nightdress.

She smiled when she saw him. “Took you long enough.”

Xander chuckled and walked toward the bed, watching as she climbed in first. He joined her, laying down and immediately pulling her into his arms.

For a while, they stayed like that, tangled together in comfortable silence, until Xander finally spoke.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Aurora lifted her head slightly to meet his gaze. “Work-related?”

“Yes.”

She sat up slightly, resting her elbow on the pillow. “What is it? Another mission?”

Xander hesitated for a brief second before nodding. “Yes, but a small one.”

Aurora frowned as though she wanted to say something, but Xander spoke before she could. “A spy infiltrated our secret agent group. Asher and I were responsible for catching him and getting information.”

Aurora’s expression tightened. “Did you find the spy?”

Xander met her gaze directly, nodding. “Yes.”

Relief passed over her features, but it was short-lived.

Xander added carefully, “He’s in the basement.”

Aurora blinked, processing his words. “Which basement?”

Xander inhaled deeply. “Ours.”

Aurora’s expression darkened instantly. “Tell me you didn’t lock anyone in our home with the intention of torturing them,” she demanded.

Xander sighed. “Sweetheart—”

“Xander.” Her voice was sharp now, her gaze filled with disbelief.

“I had no choice,” he admitted, his voice calm but firm.

Aurora scoffed and shook her head. Without another word, she laid back on the bed, turned her back to him, and pulled the duvet over her body.

Xander exhaled, running a hand over his face. He knew she wasn’t going to take it well, but it still stung.

“Sweetheart, let me explain,” he tried again, his voice softer.

She didn’t respond.

Xander sighed tiredly. He could handle dangerous enemies, betrayals, and high-stakes missions—but when it came to his wife’s anger, he was utterly powerless.

—

The next morning Aurora barely acknowledged Xander throughout breakfast.

Xander attempted to ease the tension. “Do you want more toasted bread?” he asked, hoping she would respond, but she remained silent.

Then a minute later, Xander watched as she, instead, grabbed one herself without sparing him a glance. He sighed inwardly.

Aurora finished eating first, then grabbed her bag and stood up.

Xander called her name. “Aurora.”

She ignored him and walked toward the door.

Left with no choice, Xander swiftly got up and reached for her hand, stopping her in her tracks. Then she turned to face him, her gaze cold.

Xander sighed, meeting her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Silence.

Xander’s grip on her hand tightened slightly. “You want to talk to me because of the spy in our basement?”

Aurora glared at him and finally spoke, her voice firm. “I will not tolerate being under the same roof with a man who is being tortured in my home, Xander.”

Xander swallowed hard. He knew she meant it, but what was he supposed to do when he didn’t have another choice?

“I suggest you figure out what to do before I return home.” Aurora added. The next moment, she snatched her hand away and walked out the door, leaving him standing there.

Xander rubbed his face and let out a deep sigh. “I guess I’m in big trouble.”