Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 60

Chapter 60: A Ray of Hope
Aurora’s restlessness only grew, her biological father’s identity gnawing at her thoughts whenever they drifted. Adam’s refusal to say anything fanned her frustration, and she found herself resenting her mother too. What gave her the right to order Adam to keep this from me?

But the mystery around her father wasn’t the only torment. Her deliberately erased memories weighed just as heavily, a twisted reminder that someone had gone to lengths to keep her in the dark.

“I must look like a fool, believing everyone’s lies,” she muttered, sitting in the glasshouse as the scent of flowers tried in vain to soothe her. “Surely, Mum would have left something, right?”

The thought struck her suddenly, and she bolted from the glasshouse, her purpose sharp and unyielding. Once inside, she called for Nene to prepare the car and dashed upstairs for her purse.

Nene appeared shortly, her brow lifting with curiosity. “Where to, ma’am?”

“Come along if you’re free,” Aurora replied, her tone brooking no argument. Nene’s quick steps followed her without hesitation.

At her apartment, Aurora went straight to her mother’s belongings, tearing through drawers, shelves, and boxes. She was relentless, searching every hidden corner, but by the end, the room lay in disarray, and she’d uncovered nothing.

She slumped onto the floor, a strangled breath escaping as her composure cracked. “She didn’t leave a clue,” she whispered, her words choked with anguish. “And my memories… they’re locked away when I need them the most!” Her voice broke, and she covered her face, letting the tears come.

Nene knelt beside her in silence, holding her hand with a gentle squeeze. It was a small comfort, but Nene knew there was little else to be done. “Ma’am, Mr. Scott will help you find him when he returns. You know he will.”

Aurora exhaled, steadying as she took in Nene’s words. She accepted Nene’s help to her feet and allowed herself to be led to the dining area, where she stared off, lost in thought. Who was he? And what kind of man would cut ties so completely with his family?

Her phone chimed suddenly, pulling her back to the present. She wiped her eyes and glanced at the screen. Her father’s name blinked up at her.

The message read: Aurora, I know you’re disappointed in me, and it’s justified. If you attend your sister’s wedding, I’ll break my promise to your mother and tell you everything you want to know about your father. You have my word.

Aurora read it twice, her heartbeat slowing as she absorbed the weight of his words. He was finally willing to give her the answers she needed, no strings attached except for her presence at the wedding. He’s finally going to tell me?

She almost began to cry again, relief flooding through her. It didn’t matter why her father had changed his mind—only that he had, and that she would soon know who her father was, and perhaps even the truth behind her missing memories.

At that moment, Nene returned. “The room has been tidied, ma’am.”

Aurora looked up at her, her resolve returning. “Nene, I’ll need an outfit for my sister’s wedding. My father has promised to tell me who my real father is if I attend. You know what to do.”

Nene’s lips curved into a smile. “Thank God! We won’t need to inform Mr. Scott, then,” she said.

Aurora nodded, barely able to contain her anticipation. For the first time in days, she felt lighter, eager for Olivia’s wedding day to come.

—

Olivia stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking in the sight of herself in her wedding gown. The dress was a masterpiece, intricately designed to fit her every curve perfectly. Delicate lace hugged her waist before cascading into layers of soft silk that pooled gracefully around her feet.

She ran her fingers along the beaded neckline, tracing the shimmering details with a satisfied smile. This was the gown she’d imagined all along, and thanks to her mother’s influence, it was hers on such short notice.

Turning slightly, she admired how the fabric hugged her hips, accentuating her figure. With a glint of satisfaction in her eye, she caught her mother’s gaze through the mirror and called out, “It fits perfectly! Every inch is exactly as it should be.”

Stella approached her, pride gleaming in her eyes as she took Olivia’s hands. “You look exquisite, my dear,” she said softly, tightening her grip. “May no envious eyes ever fall upon you.”

Olivia let out a delighted laugh, tossing her hair back as she returned her gaze to the mirror. “With a figure men can’t resist, marrying the man I’ve wanted all along—honestly, what more could I ask for?”

“Vintage Cella,” Stella replied without missing a beat, meeting Olivia’s gaze in the reflection. “And all the influence Major Walker can bring us.”

A smirk crept across Olivia’s lips, her eyes flashing with ambition. “Mother, you’re absolutely right. How could I overlook such crucial details?”

Stella, sensing the room wasn’t entirely private, motioned for the attendants to leave. Once the door closed, she turned back to Olivia, her expression shifting to something colder, more calculated. “Don’t ever forget what you should have, Olivia. Aurora has an eye for valuable things, and anything she sets her sights on, you should consider yours.”

Olivia frowned slightly, but her playful spirit remained. “And if she finds someone even more powerful and wealthy? Should I abandon Owen then?”

Stella didn’t hesitate. “Owen’s family holds significant influence, and there are few on par with them. But remember this: befriending Xander’s wife is paramount. Make her an ally, and let her turn against Aurora. Why should you be the only one dealing with your sister when others can do it for you?”

A sly grin stretched across Olivia’s face. “You’re brilliant, Mother. Poor Aurora—she missed out on being your daughter.” She let out a satisfied laugh, feeling the thrill of her mother’s plans settle within her.

When their private conversation ended, Stella called the helpers back in, directing Olivia’s stylist to select jewellery that would highlight her elegance. Several exquisite necklaces and earrings glittered under the lights, and Olivia watched in pleasure as each piece was chosen to enhance her radiance for the big day.

Her focus was broken by a sudden knock. The sound was sharp, almost frantic, and without waiting for permission, a servant slipped into the room, her face pale and her eyes darting nervously between Olivia and Stella.

“How dare you!” Olivia snapped, irritation flaring in her eyes at the interruption. “Speak now before I make sure you lose that insolent tongue.”

Stella raised a calming hand, maintaining her composure. “What is it?” she asked coolly.

The servant swallowed hard, taking a shaky breath. “Tea Time Gossip Blog, Madam,” she stammered, her voice trembling, “They posted an article about you, Miss Olivia, just minutes ago.”

Olivia scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Probably that pathetic blogger dragging Owen’s past relationship with my sister into the news again with my wedding around the corner. They’re so desperate.”

“It’s worse,” the servant interjected urgently, her hands shaking as she held out a tablet. “Much worse.”

Olivia and Stella exchanged a glance, both their expressions shifting as the room seemed to chill around them. Stella extended her hand, her gaze sharp as her fingers wrapped around the tablet.

“Give it here,” she commanded, her voice low and cold, the air around them tense as she began to read.