Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 272

Chapter 272: First Counselling Session
Xander leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the wooden surface of his desk as he continued skimming through a classified document on his laptop.

His study had become his new residence since Aurora had banished him from their bedroom, and though he understood her anger, he hadn’t expected her to be this stubborn. She was only after punishing him.

Suddenly, a soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called as he stopped tapping his fingers on the table and leaned out of his seat.

The door creaked open, and Nene stepped inside, her hands neatly folded in front of her. “Good morning, Sir,” she greeted as she stopped in front of his desk and bowed politely. “I just wanted to inform you that Ma’am has left for work.”

Xander gave a short nod, returning his gaze to the screen. “Alright.”

Nene hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “She… seems to be missing you.”

Xander’s fingers paused mid-tap. His eyes flickered up to Nene, mild surprise crossing his features. “What?” The woman who chased him out of her sight could miss him?

Nene gave a small, knowing smile. “She didn’t say it directly, but she’s been distracted lately. And this morning, she kept looking at the empty head seat at the breakfast table.”

Xander exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. His wife was a complicated woman—one minute, she wanted him out of her sight, and the next, she was missing him. He wasn’t sure if he should be pleased or more frustrated.

“Noted,” he muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Should I tell the kitchen to prepare anything special for when she returns?” Nene asked.

Xander shook his head. “No. Just make sure she’s taken care of.”

Nene nodded in understanding and left quietly.

Xander sat in silence for a few moments before chuckling under his breath. “Women…”

Yet, despite his amusement, a small part of him felt lighter. At least she still cared about him, which meant their reconciliation would be much easier.

—

Dr. Freya Williams’ Private Clinic.

Olivia sat stiffly in the plush leather chair across from Dr. Freya Williams, her fingers intertwined on her lap. The office was warm and inviting, with soft lighting, bookshelves stacked with psychology texts, and the subtle scent of lavender filling the air.

But despite the comforting setting, Olivia felt anything but comfortable.

Dr. Freya, dressed in a neatly pressed beige blouse, sat across from her, her gaze warm and patient. “I understand that this wasn’t exactly your idea,” she started, her voice smooth and composed. “But I want you to know that this is a safe space, Olivia.”

Olivia scoffed lightly, shifting in her seat. “Safe space, huh?”

Dr. Freya smiled, unbothered by her skepticism. “Let’s start with something simple. Tell me, Olivia… who do you resent the most right now?”

Olivia’s jaw tightened. “Isn’t it obvious?”

Dr. Freya arched a brow. “I’d still like to hear it from you.”

Olivia exhaled sharply, crossing her legs. “My mother.” Her voice was cold, detached. “She murdered my father, lied to me for months, and now, because of her, my entire life has turned into a circus.”

Dr. Freya nodded, jotting something down in her notebook. “Anyone else?”

Olivia hesitated before answering. “My aunt.”

That caught Dr. Freya’s interest. “Stephanie?”

“Yes.” Olivia’s fingers tightened against each other. “She’s controlling and manipulative. She pretends she’s helping me, but I know she’s just waiting for me to fail.”

Dr. Freya hummed thoughtfully, making another note. “And what about yourself?”

Olivia frowned. “What about me?”

“Do you resent yourself?”

The question struck Olivia in a way she hadn’t expected. She blinked, caught off guard. “Why would I?”

Dr. Freya leaned back slightly. “You’ve had your world turned upside down. You were deceived by someone you trusted, and now, you’re fighting to reclaim control over your life. But sometimes, when people go through situations like yours, they secretly blame themselves. Do you ever wonder if you could have seen the truth earlier? Do you ever ask yourself if you should have done something differently?”

Olivia’s heart pounded against her ribs. “That’s ridiculous,” she snapped. “None of this is my fault.”

Dr. Freya smiled slightly. “I never said it was.”

Silence filled the space between them. Olivia looked away, irritated that the doctor had gotten under her skin so quickly.

Dr. Freya, sensing she had pushed enough for now, switched gears. “Let’s end today’s session here. But before you go, I want you to reflect on something: Is your anger truly directed at your mother and your aunt, or is it just easier to blame them?”

Olivia scowled but said nothing.

Dr. Freya picked up her planner. “Same time next Tuesday?”

Olivia exhaled through her nose. “Fine.”

Dr. Freya gave her a warm smile. “I will see you then.”

Olivia picked up her bag and left. It was only when she had gotten into her car that she remembered her biggest enemy, Owen. And she swore never to forget to talk about him next time.

—

Swift Family Residence.

Stephanie reclined comfortably on the couch, a bowl of neatly sliced apples resting beside her as she casually flipped through TV channels. The afternoon sun streamed in through the grand windows, casting a golden hue across the living room.

When the door opened, she didn’t even need to turn around before guessing the visitor. “You’re back.”

Olivia strode in, her posture tense. She barely glanced at the TV before focusing on her aunt. “Before you ask, the session was… fine,” she said vaguely.

She was confident that Stephanie purposely sat in the living room waiting for her return so she could question her.

Stephanie plucked a slice of apple from the bowl, taking a slow bite. “You don’t sound sure.”

Olivia exhaled sharply. “I don’t know yet.” Then, without wasting time, she asked, “When do I return to work?”

Stephanie took another bite, chewing slowly before responding. “When you show progress.”

Olivia’s brows knitted in frustration. “Are you serious?”

Stephanie turned to her with a patient smile. “Very.”

Olivia’s fists clenched at her sides. She had gone to the damn session like her aunt wanted, and now she was being told to wait even longer?

Wouldn’t it be fare if she resumed work and continued with the therapy session?

Not ready to get into an argument as she hadn’t the strength, Olivia spun on her heel and walked out, her heels clicking against the marble floor with sharp determination.

Stephanie scoffed, watching her go as she popped another apple slice into her mouth.

If Olivia thought she was going to have things easy even though she had given her a second chance, then she was dreaming.