Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 297

Chapter 297: She Chose to Believe Him
Olivia’s expression softened just a little. At least some people still recognized her worth. Then, another message from Ella.

Ella: Let’s all meet up this Sunday to celebrate!

Olivia pursed her lips, considering. Did she want to go out? No.

Did she want to be surrounded by chatter and questions about her life? Definitely not.

She exhaled sharply and finally typed a reply.

Olivia: Thanks, girls. Appreciate it.

Then, after a pause, she added:

Olivia: Not sure about Sunday. I’ve got a busy schedule.

Within seconds, Rita responded.

Rita: Come on, Olivia. We haven’t seen you in forever! A quick get-together won’t hurt.

Olivia rolled her eyes, leaning back against the headboard.

Olivia: Fine. But I’m not promising anything.

A chorus of excited messages followed, but Olivia had already tossed her phone aside, reaching for her glass of wine on the nightstand.

She took a slow sip, eyes flickering back to her phone screen.

—

Xander’s Private Residence.

The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm hue over the bedroom, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for winding down. A faint scent of lavender lingered in the air as Xander sat at the foot of the bed, his strong hands working gentle circles into Aurora’s feet with fragrant lavender oil.

Aurora, nestled comfortably against the pillows, had a pregnancy book open in her lap, her eyes scanning through a section on diet. The cool evening breeze drifted through the slightly open window, making the moment feel even more serene.

A small hum of satisfaction left Aurora’s lips as Xander kneaded the sole of her foot. “Mmm… if you keep doing this every night, I might start believing I married you for your hands.”

Xander smirked but didn’t look up. “Oh? And here I thought it was my charm and devastating good looks.”

Aurora chuckled lightly before turning a page in her book. “How was your day?” Xander asked, finally glancing up.

She exhaled. “Well, Olivia has officially returned to work.”

At that, Xander arched a brow, his fingers pausing momentarily before resuming their slow movements. “And?”

“And she was exactly as stubborn and disruptive as expected,” Aurora muttered, flipping another page. “She barged into my office, acting like she owned the place, demanding I fill her in on everything that had happened in the company while she was gone. When I told her to ask her team, she threw a fit and stormed out.”

Xander let out a low chuckle, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Classic Olivia.”

Aurora sighed dramatically. “I swear, she thrives on causing unnecessary trouble. And you should have seen the way she carried herself during lunch break, like the queen of the world. It’s like she forgot she was practically exiled from Vintage Cellar not too long ago.”

Xander tilted his head. “Do you need help putting her in her place? I could have her completely removed from the company if you want.”

Aurora shook her head immediately. “No, it’s not necessary. Let her play her little games. She will realize soon enough that she no longer holds as much power as she thinks.”

Xander hummed in understanding. “Fair enough.”

Once he was done massaging her feet, he wiped his hands with a small towel before crawling up to her side. Without a word, he lifted her shirt, revealing the small but obvious bump that was growing steadily each day.

Aurora didn’t even flinch at his actions; she had grown used to his fascination with her belly. But what made her pause was when he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against her skin, his warm breath fanning over her belly.

Then, in a low, deep voice, he whispered, “I’ve already started the countdown, little one. Just a few more months before you make your grand entrance.”

Aurora, who had been following the words in her book, suddenly moved it away from her face and looked down at him with a quizzical expression. “Countdown?”

Xander grinned but didn’t lift his head.

“How can you start a countdown when the doctor hasn’t even given us a due date yet?”

Still smiling, he finally looked up and placed a finger against her lips. “Shh… you want me to be a liar in front of our child?”

Aurora shook her head with a small laugh. “Then don’t lie,” she murmured.

Satisfied, Xander sat up and adjusted himself beside her. But instead of settling down, he swiftly snatched the book from her lap.

Aurora frowned. “Xander—”

“No more reading,” he said simply, placing the book on the nightstand and switching off the main lights, leaving only the soft glow of the lamp. “You will strain your eyesight if you keep reading this late at night with artificial light.”

Aurora sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, she laid down properly, her body instinctively gravitating toward him. Xander pulled her into his arms, wrapping her securely against him.

“Why do I feel like it’s too early to go to bed?” Aurora asked without meeting his gaze.

Xander replied with a hint of amusement in his tone, “We had dinner early. And there’s nothing wrong with resting a little longer today.”

For a moment, there was only silence—the rhythmic sound of their breathing, the faint rustling of the curtains, and the steady beating of Xander’s heart beneath Aurora’s cheek.

Then, he spoke again. “Sweetheart, I need to tell you something.”

She tilted her head slightly. “What is it?”

“The next stage of our mission starts Thursday,” Xander said, his voice steady. “Asher and I will be traveling to Octavia Empire for a week before returning to Wing City. After that, we will wait until it’s time to leave again.”

Aurora didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she curled closer, burying her face into his chest.

One week. It didn’t sound like a long time, but to her, it felt like an eternity.

She knew this was his duty—his responsibility. But that didn’t make it any easier to accept.

Still, she didn’t complain. Instead, she whispered, “I wish you success. And please… come back on time for our next doctor’s appointment.”

Xander tightened his hold on her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I promise.”

And Aurora, despite the weight of her emotions, chose to believe him.