Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 321

Chapter 321: A Fun Christmas Celebration
The grand lodge was alive with warmth and laughter that evening as the Scott family gathered to decorate the enormous Christmas tree. A crackling fire burned in the grand fireplace, casting a golden glow over the richly decorated space.

The air smelled of fresh pine, cinnamon, and the faintest hint of spiced wine as each family member focused on hanging ornaments and other stringing lights on the huge tree in the living room.

Aurora, seated comfortably on a plush armchair, tied red ribbons around the small golden bells before handing them to Xander to hang higher on the tree. Her baby bump made bending over difficult, and Xander made sure she didn’t try.

By the time the tree was fully decorated, it stood tall and magnificent, sparkling with golden lights, glass ornaments, and shimmering ribbons.

One by one, beautifully wrapped gift boxes were placed underneath. Every family member had carefully prepared their gifts, each one labelled with the recipient’s name.

“Tomorrow evening,” Old Mrs. Scott announced, smoothing down her elegant sweater, “we’ll open them together.”

The family murmured in agreement, and with that, the Christmas Eve celebrations ended as everyone retired to their rooms for the night.

—

The next morning, Xander, always one step ahead, had already planned something special.

“Let’s go out,” he suggested as he helped Aurora into her thick winter coat. “Just the two of us.”

Aurora looked up at him, intrigued. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Soon, they were walking hand-in-hand through the Christmas market in the nearby town. The streets were lined with glowing fairy lights and festive stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to steaming cups of hot cocoa.

Aurora’s eyes lit up as she took in the cheerful atmosphere. Christmas music played softly in the background, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and caramelized apples filled the air.

They stopped at a little booth selling handcrafted baby clothes, and Aurora couldn’t resist picking up a tiny knitted hat with bear ears.

Xander, watching her with amusement, leaned in. “If you like those ones, let’s pick more.”

“What about you, what do you like?” Aurora asked, watching him with a smile. She didn’t just want to be the only one making decisions for their child. She wanted him involved.

“I think we should get both male and female clothes since we aren’t sure of our baby’s gender,” Xander suggested.

Aurora chuckled, slipping her arm through his. “Of course.

After an hour of wandering through the stalls, Aurora let out a small sigh, rubbing her lower back.

Xander immediately noticed. “Tired?”

She nodded. “Just a little.”

He smirked. “If it weren’t for the bump, I would have carried you on my back.”

Aurora laughed at the mental image. “That would have been a disaster.”

“True,” Xander agreed, leading her to a nearby bench. “Let’s sit for a bit before we head back.”

They ended up spending a few more minutes watching the bustling market before returning to the lodge.

—

When they arrived, Aurora noticed something different—the cottages had been adorned with even more Christmas decorations, and classic carols played through the speakers outside.

Inside, the grand sitting area was filled with family members, the warm glow of the Christmas tree reflecting in everyone’s eyes.

The evening started with carol singing, laughter spilling into the room as everyone joined in. Even Old Mr. Scott hummed along, though he kept his usual composed expression.

Afterward, they moved to the grand dining table, where an extravagant feast awaited. A whole roasted turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, cranberry sauce, and an array of desserts filled the table.

Old Mrs. Scott raised her glass. “A toast,” she announced. “This champagne is my favorite… and before anyone asks, yes, it is Aurora’s Fruit Punch Champagne.”

Aurora, caught mid-sip of her own fruit punch, nearly choked at the mention. She knew the old lady loved her champagne, but she didn’t think that she would proudly announce it before everyone.

Laughter erupted around the table.

After the feast, everyone gathered around the Christmas tree, where the gifts were handed out according to the names labelled on them.

Each person received at least six gifts, except for Richard, Patricia, Owen, and Juliet, who received fewer. It was clear that Harrison and Eleanor had deliberately left them out.

But Aurora had received the most—ten in total.

Xander had given her two gifts instead of one, and on top of that, she had gifted herself something as well.

Ivy, ever the instigator, let out a low whistle. “Aurora, it looks like you’ve won Christmas.”

Aurora chose to ignore her comment and focus on unwrapping her gifts as her heart swelled with appreciation.

After the presents were opened, everyone moved outside to build snowmen.

Every husband was paired with his wife, and the challenge was set—who could make the best snowman?

Despite everyone’s best efforts, Old Mr. and Mrs. Scott won.

The old man lifted his wife’s hand in victory. “We’ve been doing this every year since we were married. Of course, we’d win.”

Applause and laughter filled the air.

But the fun didn’t end there.

Aurora, feeling mischievous, started a snowball fight against Xander. At times, she would run and hide behind his parents, laughing as they shielded her.

When it was Xander’s turn, however, they held him down, allowing Aurora to pelt him with snowballs.

As soon as they let him go, Xander dusted the snow off his coat and looked at his parents in mock betrayal. “That wasn’t fair.”

Old Mrs. Scott chuckled. “Your wife is pregnant. How could you possibly think of winning against her?”

More laughter followed.

Juliet, on the other hand, stood off to the side, watching with a small frown.

Owen had barely paid her any attention all evening, and when she had tried to pull him into the fun, he had brushed her off.

Now, as she watched Xander and Aurora playfully chase each other through the snow, she felt a bitter sting of jealousy.

Owen had been indifferent to her for most of the trip.

And she hated it.

—

By the time the celebrations ended, Aurora was exhausted.

Back in their cottage, she barely had the energy to change into her nightwear before collapsing into bed.

Xander chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled the duvet over her. “Tired?”

Aurora mumbled something incoherent, her eyes already half-closed.

Xander slid into bed beside her, pulling her into his arms and tucking the covers snugly around them.

As he felt the steady rhythm of her breathing against his chest, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

“Merry Christmas, Sweetheart,” he murmured.

Aurora, half-asleep, whispered back, “Merry Christmas, Darling.”

And with that, she drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep, wrapped securely in the warmth of his embrace.