Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 266

Chapter 266: Can’t Run from Him
Aurora’s heart didn’t soften, and neither did Xander have a change of mind.

The morning air in the dining room was thick with tension. Xander sat at the head of the table, his fingers lightly tapping against the surface, while Aurora quietly spread jam over her toast. The silence between them was deafening, and Xander hated it.

Finally, Aurora set her knife down and lifted her gaze to him, her expression unreadable. “I’ve decided,” she said, her voice steady but cold. “I’m leaving this house.”

Xander’s brows furrowed. He leaned forward slightly. “What?”

“I won’t stay here while that man is still in the basement,” she stated. “I told you my limits, Xander. You made your choice, and now I’m making mine.”

Xander’s jaw clenched. “Sweetheart, that doesn’t make any sense. This is your home.”

Aurora picked up her tea, taking a slow sip before responding. “Not anymore.”

His grip on his fork tightened. He felt that his authority was being challenged. “I won’t permit you to leave.”

Aurora’s lips pressed into a thin line. She knew Xander wouldn’t take this well, but she didn’t expect him to outright refuse her decision. He didn’t even try to negotiate terms with her, and that angered her greatly.

“Xander, you don’t get to decide that for me,” she said calmly. “I wasn’t asking for your opinion. And besides, I was only giving you a heads up like a normal sensible partner should.”

Aurora’s harsh statement struck a cord in Xander. She had just subtly jabbed him about accountability.

Since he claimed his house belonged to her, why didn’t he feel the need to inform him about the spy before locking him in their basement?

If he had a shred of respect for her, and saw her as his partner as he claimed, he would known the right think to do, and done it.

Xander knew Aurora was right, but he couldn’t apologize now since he deemed another matter more important.

“You’re pregnant, Aurora.” His voice was sharp now. “You can’t just leave over this. It’s irrational.”

Aurora didn’t bother responding to him anymore. Instead, she picked up her napkin, dabbed the corners of her lips, and stood from the table.

Xander sighed heavily, rubbing his temple as he watched her walk away. He had told her not to leave, and he hoped she would listen to him otherwise, the situation would get out of hand.

—

Aurora didn’t waste time once she arrived at the company. The moment the chauffeur pulled up to the entrance of Vintage Cellar, she turned to him and said, “You can go back first. I will find my way later.”

The driver blinked in surprise. “But Ma’am—”

“I’ll be fine,” Aurora cut in. She grabbed her bag, stepped out of the car, and walked straight inside the building without sparing another glance.

As soon as working hours ended, Aurora boarded a cab and went straight to her penthouse. The very place she had rented before she married Xander.

It had been months since she had last stepped foot in the space, but the moment she walked through the door, a strange wave of nostalgia and loneliness hit her. The penthouse was neat, untouched, but it lacked warmth.

She exhaled deeply and set her bag down, walking toward the large glass windows overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, but her heart felt heavy.

The sharp ring of Aurora’s phone broke the silence ten minutes later.

Aurora glanced at the screen and saw Abigail’s name displayed on it.

She hesitated for a moment before answering, failing to cover up the emotion in her voice, “Hey, Abby.”

“Hey, girl. Just checking in,” Abigail’s voice came through, light and cheerful. “You don’t sound so good, though. What’s up?”

Aurora forced a small smile. “Nothing. Just tired.”

There was a brief pause before Abigail hummed in disbelief. “You’re lying.”

Aurora sighed. “Abby, I don’t want to talk about it.”

Abigail clicked her tongue. “Fine. But I’m in town. Should I come over?”

Aurora hesitated again. “Come to my penthouse.”

There was a beat of silence before Abigail responded, “Penthouse? Why aren’t you home?”

“Long story,” Aurora muttered.

“Alright, I’m on my way,” Abigail said, and before Aurora could change her mind, the call ended.

With a tired sigh, Aurora powered off her phone. She knew Xander would try to call her when he realizes that she was gone, and she needed space to think.

—

An hour later, the doorbell rang.

Aurora checked the camera feed to confirm it was Abigail before unlocking the door.

Abigail stepped in, immediately taking in her best friend’s appearance. She noted Aurora’s dull look and the shine absent from her eyes.

“You look like you’ve been through war,” she commented, shutting the door behind her.

Aurora gave a small laugh and led her toward the living room.

Abigail placed a black nylon bag on the table and plopped down beside her. “Brought food and drinks on my way. They’re all healthy, so you can have some.”

Aurora eyed the drink warily. “Are you sure?”

Abigail scoffed. “Would I lie to a pregnant woman?”

Aurora sighed, grabbed a can, and took a sip.

Abigail watched her for a moment before tilting her head. “You fought with Xander, didn’t you?”

Aurora took another sip before responding. “It was a small fight.”

Abigail raised a brow. “You moved out of your husband’s house, and you’re calling it a small fight?”

Aurora remained silent.

Then Abigail leaned in. “Spill,” she demanded in a tone that could not be refuted.

Aurora exhaled and set the can down. “We had a disagreement. He refused to listen to me, so I moved out for now.”

Abigail’s jaw dropped. “Aurora, you’re pregnant! You can’t just leave your husband over an argument. That’s very wrong. What if something goes wrong?”

Aurora, understanding what her best friend meant, instinctively placed a hand on her abdomen. “No mistake will happen.” She sounded very confident.

Abigail sighed tiredly. She didn’t know what to say anymore. But knowing that all her best friend needed was a listening ear, an open mind and a supportive presence, she calmed her nerves down.

“What did Xander say when you were leaving?” she inquired with curiosity laced in her tone.

Aurora looked away. “He doesn’t know I left.”

Abigail nearly choked on her drink. “Excuse me?”

“I told him I was leaving. He didn’t like that idea and asked me to leave. He probably thinks I would return home straight from work,” Aurora explained.

Abigail shook her head and took a long sip of her juice before setting it down. “You’re joking if you think you can run from Xander or hide from him.”

Aurora frowned. “I—”

“No, listen to me.” Abigail leaned forward. “That man loves you. He will find you. There’s no way he will let his pregnant wife run off because she isn’t pleased with his decision, and do nothing about it.”

Aurora swallowed. She already knew that, but hearing it from Abigail made it more real.

A beat of silence passed before she quietly asked, “Can I stay with you for a few days?” She so desperately wanted to stay away from Xander for some time, either to clear her head or until the prisoner was gone.

Abigail let out a deep sigh. “Aura, my mother is home. Unless you want her to know you’re fighting with your husband.”

Aurora frowned. “No.” She didn’t want anyone else apart from her best friend to know about it. And if Abigail hadn’t called, she would never have mentioned it to her.

“Then that’s not an option,” Abigail said simply.

Aurora fell into silence, contemplating her next move.

Abigail reached into the takeout bag, pulling out the containers. “Well, whatever you decide, you need to eat. You will need the energy when Xander finds you.”

Aurora shot her a look but took the spoon she handed her anyway.

As she picked at her food, one thought lingered in her mind.

She could only hope Xander didn’t find her tonight.