Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Olivia’s Request

MONDAY.

Aurora left for work around 7 AM to wrap things up with her team as her Champagne launch would take place the following day.

They had a last-minute review of their entire plan before going to the venue. The interior decorations were set along with the table and chairs, only the guests’ seating arrangement was left.

Aurora had to cross-check the last part and stayed until every guest’s name was put on the table before doing a security check.

“Send a reminder mail to our guests by 5 AM tomorrow about the event in the evening,” Aurora instructed shortly before leaving.

Aurora arrived home at 1 PM to find Xander waiting for her in the garden. He had invited her to join him for lunch if she returned on time. She changed quickly and joined him. As she approached, Xander stood up and pulled out a chair to his right.

Aurora hesitated briefly between the offered seat and the one across from him before accepting his gesture. She wasn’t in the mood for another confrontation, her focus fixed on her upcoming event.

“How was your day?” Xander asked, smiling as he took his seat.

“Stressful but eventful,” Aurora replied, her tone detached.

Xander didn’t press, content that she had accepted his gesture. It was progress enough.

“Would you like some red wine?” Xander offered, holding up the bottle.

“No, thank you,” Aurora replied, picking some apple slices from the plate instead. “I’m saving myself for the lots of champagne tomorrow.” Xander nodded, setting the bottle aside.

“I visited my parents with the champagne you gifted them,” he said. “They loved it.”

Aurora’s face brightened almost immediately. “That’s wonderful! I’m glad they liked it.”

Xander smiled. “They deeply appreciated your effort and thoughtfulness and extended their regards. Disappointedly, my mother had a mishap so they can’t make it to your event.”

Aurora’s eyes widened in concern. “What happened? Is she alright?”

“She sprained her ankle after missing a step,” Xander explained. “Fortunately, it’s only a minor setback – she will fully recover in a week or two.”

Aurora exhaled in relief. “Thank God.”

A few minutes passed and Xander decided to break the other news. “I told them I was married.”

Aurora’s eyes widened. She choked on the apple, erupting into a violent coughing fit. Xander swiftly handed her a glass of water, which she gulped down, her face flushing crimson.

As she regained composure, Xander gently dabbed the apple juice splatters from her face and arms with a napkin. “My apologies,” he said.

Aurora’s curiosity got the better of her. “Why did you tell them? Did you reveal anything about me?” She was taken aback, recalling Xander’s insistence on keeping their marriage secret for three months.

She wondered what made him change his mind.

Xander understood her concern. “They were planning to set me up on blind dates. I had to intervene. I assured them I was taken, but kept you out of it. They do want to meet you next time I visit, though.”

Aurora nodded, relieved she had time to prepare. Unbeknownst to her, she had already committed to seeing their marriage through in her heart despite her anger towards him.

At least, Xander wasn’t the gangster she initially feared.

After lunch with Xander, Aurora returned to the master bedroom to make some calls before Nene came to meet her.

“Can I talk to you for a minute if you don’t mind?” Nene asked politely as soon as she stepped in and shut the door.

Aurora lifted a curious brow, closing her laptop and turning her attention to her. “Yes. Please, go ahead.”

Nene cleared her throat, took a deep breath, and continued, “I know you’re still upset with Mr. Scott, and no one expects you to forgive him immediately. However, consider the bigger picture – winning. Use his resources to your advantage; buy what you need and let him foot the bill.”

Aurora’s confusion deepened, prompting Nene to elaborate. “Mr. Scott invested significant time and resources selecting the finest items for you. If I may suggest, utilize what he’s arranged for the launch party. Accepting his gifts doesn’t obligate you to tolerate his behaviour. You’re simply prioritizing your own interests.”

Aurora listened intently, her silence stretching out as she weighed Nene’s words. She deliberately set aside her emotions, determined to make a clear-headed decision.

On the other hand, Nene took her silence for anger and quickly apologized, “Forgive me if I overstepped. I only want what’s best for you. I will take—.”

“You are right,” Aurora Aurora’s calm response cut her off mid-sentence. “I will only make decisions beneficial to me, and I don’t have to put up with anyone’s bad behaviour. Come get me in two hours to check out that room again.”

A small smile gradually appeared on Nene’s lips. “I will take my leave then.”

—

Olivia’s ‘Spraying Champagne’ cruise launch party kicked off around 8 PM with many influencers and popular socialites in attendance.

Her group of friends came ready to party, dancing to the tune of the music and already spraying a few bottles of champagne.

Stella smiled from ear to ear as she watched everyone enjoying the party, but when she glanced at Adam and saw his gloomy look, she tapped his arm.

“Have you forgotten how to smile? You look like you don’t want to be here.”

“I’m glad you are just realizing it.” Adam almost rolled his eyes.

He really hated late-night parties but had no choice but to attend. The media already saw him as a master-mind planner who put his two daughters against each other for some devious benefit.

Although he didn’t know where they got that wild idea, he didn’t want to harm his image anymore.

Stella almost rolled her eyes at him. She wanted to confront him, but Olivia brought Owen with her to their stand. Immediately the corners of her lips curved into a smile.

After exchanging pleasantries, Stella asked Owen, “You didn’t come with your uncle?”

“He has a quiet nature and doesn’t fancy this type of event,” he explained.

Just then, Adam said to him, “I got a call from your father yesterday regarding a family dinner this weekend.”

As soon as Adam revealed that, Olivia’s gaze widened in utter shock. Out of joy, she turned to embrace Owen without minding her parents’ presence.

“Thank you!” she screamed. Finally, his family have accepted her. Her joy knew no bounds now.

Stella was all smiles as well. Finally, they would be rid of the embarrassment.

A while later, Olivia was alone with her mother, watching the guests party hard with lasting smiles on their faces.

“Mum, can you disrupt Aurora’s launch party tomorrow?” Olivia requested. “I don’t want her to have a more successful event than me.”