Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: A Crumbled Vow

Adam met Aurora’s piercing gaze, and for a moment his lips moved as if to begin, but he hesitated. Finally, he let out a long sigh, his expression heavy with the weight of what he was about to reveal.

“Tell me,” Aurora pressed, her eyes unwavering, refusing to let him back away this time.

Adam opened his mouth again. “Your father is the ma—”

Before he could finish, Stella’s voice rang out from across the hall, cutting through the moment like a blade. “Adam! Where have you been?” Her tone was sharp with urgency as she approached them briskly, her eyes flicking suspiciously to Aurora. “The priest has arrived. We need to greet him together so the ceremony can begin.”

Adam shot Aurora an apologetic glance. “We’ll continue this after the wedding, I promise,” he said hurriedly before moving to follow Stella.

Aurora took a step forward, reaching for his arm. “Dad—” she called, but he was already gone, Stella at his side, her back rigid as if defending her retreat. Aurora could only watch them disappear, her hopes of clarity retreating with them.

Frustrated, and resolving to keep her calm, Aurora smoothed her dress and, taking a steadying breath, made her way through the house to the outdoor venue.

Guests milled about, their laughter and greetings mingling with the soft, ocean-scented breeze. She caught sight of the Scott family gathered by the entrance, including Owen and his parents, as well as Xander and Asher, who had arrived together.

She approached Owen, whose discomfort was palpable despite his attempts at formality. His usually smooth confidence was noticeably absent, and he looked away, as though avoiding any challenge her presence might pose. She met his gaze with a steady smile, extending her hand in greeting.

“Congratulations on your wedding, Owen. I’m genuinely happy for you and Olivia,” she said, her voice pleasant and warm, though her eyes held a glimmer of mischief.

Owen hesitated before taking her hand for a brief shake. “Thank you,” he replied shortly, withdrawing his hand and shifting uncomfortably. His bruised pride—and perhaps other bruises as well—seemed to weigh heavily on him, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant day.

Owen’s face tightened, likely knowing that Aurora must have seen the scandal that still lingered online. But he turned to his parents, cutting the interaction short. “Mum, Dad, let’s head in. I don’t think the priest should be kept waiting.”

With that, his parents offered Aurora a strained but polite nod before they moved ahead, with Owen following shortly behind, though not without a word to Xander. “Uncle,” he said, glancing back.

Xander nodded. “Go on. I’ll be right there.”

As Owen strode away, Aurora turned to Xander, her voice light but loaded with irony. “Mr. Scott, your nephew doesn’t seem too thrilled about marrying the love of his life.”

Xander chuckled. “Mr. Scott, is it? I thought I was your husband.”

Aurora smirked. “Outside the walls of your villa, you’re Mr. Scott to me—my ex-boyfriend’s young and rich billionaire uncle.”

Xander chuckled, glancing at Asher, who couldn’t suppress his laughter. “As long as you acknowledge I’m young and rich, I suppose I’ll survive the formality.”

“Shall we?” Aurora gestured, leading the way with Xander and Asher in step beside her. They followed a path lined with roses and flickering lanterns toward the altar area, which overlooked a pristine stretch of coastline.

As they approached the sea-view terrace, Aurora’s heels clicked against the marble floor, the sound blending with the ocean’s rhythmic murmur. Rows of seats framed the aisle, each occupied by guests awaiting the start of the ceremony. The altar was a vision of white roses, eucalyptus leaves, and ivy cascading down the columns that stretched toward the sky.

“Are you upset that I’ve kept our marriage under wraps?” Xander whispered in a voice that only Aurora could hear.

She didn’t break her stride, her voice steady. “Did I ever say I was?”

“Not directly. But your attitude says a lot.” Xander gave her a sidelong glance, a faint smile in his eyes. “Once your father tells you what you want to know, I’ll meet him officially. Then, we’ll make the announcement.”

Her gaze remained forward, though a hidden smile softened her lips. Xander didn’t notice, but she relished the moment as they reached the seating area before parting ways.

Just as they settled in, the live band began playing a soft, melodious tune, and all eyes turned to the end of the aisle. Owen appeared first, his steps steady but stiff as he moved toward the altar. His expression was a hollow mask, his mouth a thin line, while his gaze remained fixed on the floor ahead of him.

Aurora watched, her lips curving into a smile that held more satisfaction than joy.

Moments later, Olivia emerged on Adam’s arm, radiant in a fitted, jewel-encrusted gown that sparkled under the soft light. Her hair was pinned back in a sleek updo, while an elaborate diamond necklace adorned her neck. Despite her elegance, Aurora noticed Olivia’s rigid posture and the slight twitch in her hand, where her fingers gripped Adam’s arm tightly.

As they approached the altar, Adam placed Olivia’s hand in Owen’s with a quiet, unreadable expression before retreating to his seat.

Soon, it was time for the personal vows, each one written in their own words, meant to solidify their promises before family, friends, and—today—prying eyes.

Owen went first. His best man handed him the carefully folded pages he’d prepared weeks in advance, then retreated out of view. Owen cleared his throat, his expression strained but determined as he met Olivia’s eyes.

“Olivia, I’ve been in love with you since the first time I laid eyes on you,” he began, voice soft but steady. “The journey to finally getting your attention wasn’t easy, but every moment was worth it… I don’t regret a single second.” His voice rose with what he thought was sincerity as he continued. “We understand each other in ways I never thought possible. Today, in front of our family and friends, I promise to always love and protect you… to treat you right, now and always.”

For nearly three minutes, he continued reading his lengthy, carefully penned vows. He ended with a final, “I love you,” letting out a sigh of relief as he folded his papers, clearly pleased with his own words. A round of applause rippled through the crowd.

Then it was Olivia’s turn. Her chief bridesmaid stepped forward, passing her the neat sheet of paper containing her vows. But Olivia’s hand closed around it, crumpling the page in her fist without a second thought. A collective gasp echoed through the guests as her fingers tightened around the paper, crushing it as she turned to face Owen.

For a moment, she said nothing, only holding his gaze in a silence that felt too heavy, too loaded. Then she spoke, her voice cold but laced with a strange, mocking warmth.

“Owen, I know exactly how much you love and care for me,” she began, pausing to let the words hang between them. Her eyes narrowed, a faint glint in them as she continued, “So I’ll get straight to the point. Today, in front of everyone—our loved ones, and the priest here to unite us—I promise to return every affection you show me, every single one, a hundredfold.”

A stunned silence fell over the guests, then soft murmurs of confusion and surprise began to ripple through the crowd.