Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Deliberately Suppressed Memories

Aurora stood in front of the bathroom mirror, studying her reflection. The tears had dried, but the redness around her eyes told the story of the vision she had witnessed. No, it wasn’t just a dream. It felt like something far more real, more sinister.

Her mind replayed the moment Olivia had blurted out that Adam wasn’t her father, and the way Stella had reacted—shocked, then quick to silence her, covering it up like it had never happened. Now, as the weight of that possibility sank in, Aurora felt her heart plummet into her stomach.

Xander was gone, off on his mysterious trip, and Abigail was away on a shoot. She had no one to turn to, no one to help her untangle the mess in her head.

A few minutes later, she made up her mind. Grabbing her phone, Aurora booked an urgent appointment for 2 PM with a neuropsychologist at a private hospital. She dressed quickly and left for work without a second thought, skipping breakfast entirely.

Nene had noticed the cloud of sadness hanging over her but could only offer a packed lunch as comfort as there wasn’t much she could do.

“Let me see the data analysis,” Aurora said, her tone distant as she reviewed the sales report for Fruit Punch Champagne.

The numbers showed a 15% increase. It wasn’t much, but it was something. Aurora allowed herself a brief moment of relief. At least the rumours swirling around her supposed affair with Xander hadn’t dented her product’s performance.

Despite the scandal, Fruit Punch Champagne was still outselling Spraying Champagne in the market.

As the clock struck 2, Aurora gathered her things and headed out for her appointment. When she arrived at the hospital, a nurse confirmed her booking and led her to the neuropsychologist’s office.

—

Aurora sat in Dr. Lee’s office, her hands twisting in her lap, the familiar wave of anxiety creeping through her.

The neuropsychologist’s office was cozy, but no amount of warmth could ease the tight knot in her stomach.

Dr. Lee’s gentle smile softened the air between them. “Tell me about these visions, Aurora,” she encouraged, her pen hovering above the notepad, poised and ready.

Aurora drew in a shaky breath. “It’s… strange. I see myself as a child in these visions, hearing my parents argue. But it feels like more than a dream. Olivia said something once…about me not being our father’s daughter. And her mother hushed her.” Her voice trembled as she narrated the scenes in her visons.

Dr. Lee’s expression shifted, her eyes narrowing in thought. “You’re wondering if these visions are tied to your past?”

Aurora nodded. She could feel her pulse in her throat, the tension growing with every word.

Dr. Lee scribbled briefly, then looked up with calm certainty. “Aurora, it appears you’re experiencing fragments of recovered memories.”

“Recovered memories?” Aurora blinked, her brows furrowing. “I don’t remember losing any memories.”

“That’s the nature of suppressed memories,” Dr. Lee explained, her tone measured. “Sometimes, the mind locks away painful or traumatic events to protect itself. It’s possible these visions are your mind’s way of bringing them back.”

Aurora’s heart skipped a beat. “If that’s true, why wouldn’t my father have told me? Wouldn’t he have corrected me if I don’t remember things… clearly?”

Dr. Lee’s eyes softened with understanding. “It’s possible your memories were deliberately suppressed. Perhaps there’s something even your father may not have been able to tell you.”

The word “deliberately” hung heavy in the air, and Aurora felt the floor tilt beneath her. Her breath quickened, shallow gasps filling the sudden silence of the room. Deliberately suppressed? Her mind spiralled, the weight of the possibility crashing into her like a tidal wave.

Seeing her panic, Dr. Lee calmly handed her a paper bag. “Breathe, Aurora. Slow and steady.”

Aurora clutched the bag and followed Dr. Lee’s instructions, inhaling deeply, though her hands trembled slightly. After a few moments, the room stopped spinning, and her breathing began to slow.

Dr. Lee placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “This is a lot to take in, but it’s important to give yourself time. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. One step at a time.”

Aurora stared ahead, her thoughts swirling like a storm. Her father—her protector… The only one who loves her in that house—how could he hide something so significant and life-changing from her?

The idea gnawed at her, leaving a bitter taste on her tongue. “Maybe it’s time to talk to him,” she murmured, the uncertainty clinging to her voice like a shadow.

—

The weight of Aurora’s session with Dr. Lee pressed down on her like a physical burden. The drive home had been a blur, her mind so scattered she’d nearly gotten into an accident.

Aurora stepped into the house and headed for the stairs. Carried away by her thoughts, she didn’t notice Nene coming towards her, her eyes sharp with concern.

“You’re home early, Mrs. Scott,” Nene remarked, studying her expression. “You left for work without having breakfast and now you look disturbed. Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine,” Aurora replied quietly, continuing in her steps. “I’m just exhausted.”

“Oh! I will have someone set the bath for you immediately,” Nene replied. “The kitchen made some Ribollita, I will—.”

“Nene, I will just have the bath,” Aurora said, cutting off the rest of her words. “I’m going to back to my family’s residence today to spend the weekend.”

Nene was stunned into silence as she watched her for a moment. “Are you sure you are okay?” she inquired, feeling the visit was too sudden.

“You have nothing to worry about,” Aurora assured her and carried on.

Although she had said that to dismiss Nene’s concern, the latter still followed her into the master bedroom.

Nene went into the walk-in closet, pulling out a small travel bag. “Let me help you pack.”

Aurora sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Nene efficiently gathered her clothes. The silence between them was comfortable, Nene’s presence a quiet reassurance.

After zipping up the luggage, Nene prepared a warm bath and emerged from the bathroom. “You’re sure you’ll be okay?”

Aurora gave a small smile. “I will.”

“Just in case, Mr. Scott left his men to watch you. They will immediately intervene if your environment poses a threat,” Nene said to her.