Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 268

Chapter 268: A Temporary Room
The helicopter hummed softly in the night sky as it soared over the city, its blades slicing through the wind with rhythmic precision.

Inside the cabin, Xander sat with his arms folded, his gaze fixed on the dark horizon. Across from him, Aurora sat stiffly, arms crossed over her chest, her expression set in stone.

The silence between them was heavy, only interrupted by the distant sound of the chopper’s engine.

Aurora finally broke the quiet, her voice laced with restrained fury. “I don’t want to be in the same house with you while that man is still in the basement.”

Xander exhaled sharply through his nose, his fingers twitching slightly on his bicep. He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Well, since I’m the problem now, you won’t have to worry about catching even a glimpse of my shadow,” he said evenly. His voice carried no emotion, just a simple statement.

Aurora frowned but said nothing.

Xander leaned his head back against the seat and added, “I will live as though I’m dead.”

Aurora’s fingers tightened against her arms, but she refused to let her emotions show. She simply turned her head away, staring out the window as the city lights blurred beneath them.

Neither of them spoke for the rest of the flight.

—

Xander’s Private Residence.

The atmosphere inside the house was eerily quiet as the couple walked in through the grand entrance.

Aurora barely spared Xander a glance as she made her way up the stairs. And he followed at a slower pace, his expression neutral.

By the time Xander entered their bedroom, Aurora was already sitting on the bed, scrolling through her phone, pretending not to notice his presence.

Without saying a word to her, he went to the dressing room and began packing a few of his essentials into a black travel bag. He moved with practiced ease, gathering a couple of shirts, a few pairs of trousers, and some necessities.

When he emerged from the dressing room, bag in hand, he noticed Aurora quickly avert her gaze, her fingers tightening around her phone. She was pretending not to see him—but he knew she had.

Still, he didn’t call her out on it. After all, she was mad at him for a few reasons already, so he would just respect her emotions and decisions.

Instead, he simply spoke, his voice calm but firm. “Make sure you eat on time. And take your meds properly—for the baby’s sake.”

Aurora remained silent.

Xander lingered for a moment as if waiting for her to say something. When she didn’t, he gave a small nod to himself and walked out, shutting the door behind him with a soft thud.

—

Xander entered his study and locked the door behind him. The room, usually filled with the scent of old books and the soft glow of desk lamps, felt different tonight. It was now his temporary home.

Xander set his bag down and glanced around, making a quick assessment. The study was large enough, with a small lounging area in the corner. It wasn’t the most comfortable option, but it would do.

Without hesitation, he moved some books off the long leather couch and grabbed a thick blanket from the storage cabinet. Tossing it over the couch, he adjusted the cushions and turned the space into a makeshift bed.

With a tired sigh, he headed into the en-suite bathroom, peeling off his shirt as he stepped under the cool spray of the shower. The water ran over his tense muscles, but it did little to wash away the frustration weighing on his chest.

He didn’t think he would be fighting with his pregnant wife so soon. The situation was beyond his control.

When he emerged, dressed in a simple loungewear set, he didn’t bother checking his phone. He simply lay down on the couch, draped the blanket over himself, and closed his eyes.

If his wife wanted him to be a ghost in their house, he would oblige.

For now.

—

Aurora had completely forgotten to call Abigail back until her phone rang later that night. Seeing her best friend’s name on the screen, she sighed and answered. “Hey, Abby!”

Abigail’s voice was light with amusement. “So, did you leave with your husband?”

Aurora leaned back against the headboard. “Yes,” she replied with a tinge of annoyance in her tone.

Abigail chuckled. “I knew it.”

Aurora rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven him.”

There was a brief pause before Abigail’s curiosity piqued. “Why? If you hadn’t forgiven him, why did you leave with him?”

“He picked me up from the couch and carried me away despite my protests,” Aurora revealed.

There was a brief silence from the end before Abigail burst into a fit of laughter. “What? Hahaha…”

Aurora hesitated for a moment before adding, “Well, none of that matters. I told him I didn’t want to see his face, so he packed some of his things and left our bedroom.”

Abigail sat up from where she was lounging as her laughter died down. “Wait, what?”

Aurora continued absentmindedly, “He left. Took a bag and walked out.”

Abigail’s eyes widened is disbelief. She didn’t know the situation would arrive at this point. “Where is he sleeping then?”

Aurora shrugged. “I don’t care. His house has dozens of rooms. He can find somewhere to stay.”

Abigail sighed dramatically. “Aurora, I get that you’re upset, but don’t push him too far.”

Aurora scoffed but didn’t argue. The two continued talking for a few more minutes before concluding their chat.

—

After ending the call with Aurora, Abigail stared at her phone thoughtfully. Then, as if on impulse, she dialled Asher’s number.

The phone rang for a while before he picked up. “Abigail?”

“Hey,” she greeted. “Busy?”

Asher leaned back against his chair, smirking slightly. “Why? You calling to check up on me?”

Abigail rolled her eyes. “Not exactly.”

Asher chuckled. “Then what is it?”

“It’s about Aurora and Xander,” she admitted.

Asher’s smirk faded slightly. He adjusted his posture. “What about them?”

Abigail frowned. “Don’t act like you don’t know they’re fighting.”

Asher raised a brow. “Are they?”

Abigail narrowed her eyes. “Wait… You didn’t know?”

Asher leaned back again, pretending to think. “Hmm… maybe.”

Abigail scoffed. “You knew, didn’t you?”