Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Too Late for Regrets

A heavy sorrow settled over the Swift residence as each family member retired to their rooms, overwhelmed by grief. Abigail followed Aurora up the grand staircase, her heart aching as she watched her friend struggle to walk, eyes vacant, still reeling from the tragedy.

Silently, Abigail helped Aurora slip out of her blood-stained dress, guiding her into a warm bath scented with lavender. As Aurora closed her eyes, absorbing the water’s comfort, Abigail knelt beside her, her voice soft and soothing. “Aurora… everything will be alright,” she murmured, though she struggled to believe it.

Aurora managed a nod, though she felt anything but hopeful. When she finished, Abigail helped her into a plain silk pyjamas and tucked her under the duvet, watching as her breathing steadied.

After a pause, Abigail spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “Aurora… I know this might sound insensitive, but… could you tell me what happened if you feel like talking about it now?”

Aurora’s face crumpled, fresh tears spilling as she recounted the attack, her father’s final moments, and his ultimate sacrifice.

“It should have been me in the morgue right now, but my Dad’s there because he saved me.” Her voice trembled, dissolving into sobs as she buried her face in Abigail’s shoulder. Abigail’s own eyes misted over, and she hugged Aurora tightly, whispering, “I’m so sorry, Aurora. Your father loved you so much and wanted to protect you until the very end.”

Then, Aurora’s phone vibrated. Abigail pulled away gently, brushing away a tear from the corner of her eyes before answering it and handing it over. “It’s Xander.”

Aurora’s hand shook as she answered. “Xander…” she whispered.

Xander’s voice was warm and filled with concern. “Sweetheart, I’m home now. I feel horrible leaving you alone in this state when I should have been with you. Are you okay? I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Aurora’s throat tightened, her words a fragile whisper. “No, Xander. I’m… I’m not okay. I can’t ever be okay for the rest of my life. The scene of my Dad getting shot right in front of me and taking his last breath in my arms is etched deep in my memory, and it’s going to hunt me forever.”

“Do you want to switch to video?” he asked gently. “Let me see you.”

Aurora approved, and soon, Xander’s face appeared on her screen, his gaze steady and comforting. “I’m right here, sweetheart,” he murmured. “Don’t ever condemn yourself or feel unworthy of your father’s sacrifice otherwise, he would be unhappy. Your father played his role by saving you, which is what any parent would do for their child. Just know that your father is in a better place and would want you to be happy now.”

Xander’s words washed over Aurora, bringing her warmth and comfort until her sobs faded, and her breathing steadied. She managed a faint smile before saying goodnight, his presence giving her enough peace to finally close her eyes.

—

Elsewhere in the mansion, Olivia stirred awake in her bedroom and as she blinked, the memories returned—the sight of her father’s lifeless body. She gasped, sitting up and reaching for the IV in her arm as she cried hysterically.

Just then, her mother rushed in, eyes swollen from crying. She wrapped her in her arms, and Olivia crumpled against her, body jerking with silent sobs.

“Mum… why?” Olivia whispered, her voice breaking. “Why did this have to happen? What did Dad do so wrong to deserve this?”

Stella’s heart twisted with guilt and grief as she held Olivia close, brushing her hair back. “Your father didn’t do anything wrong, Olivia,” she murmured. “He didn’t deserve any of this wrong done to him right under his roof.”

Olivia broke into another round of sobs, prompting Stella to be by her side, soothing her until exhaustion pulled her back to sleep.

After making sure Olivia was settled, Stella returned to the empty master bedroom she had once shared with Adam. His absence filled the room, tangible and suffocating. Immediately, she felt a pang of regret as her fingers brushed over the side of his bed, the weight of her actions pressing down on her.

Unable to stay still, she began pacing, her heart pounding as dread clawed its way through her thoughts. The waiter, now in police custody, threatened everything. She slumped into a chair, her hands pressing against her face as guilt gnawed at her.

“I didn’t give that order! How could he make such a terrible mistake?” she murmured, her voice breaking. Her mind drifted back, reliving the moment her plan had been set in motion.

—

Flashback

After Adam had stormed off, Stella approached the waiter, watching as he picked up broken glass from the floor. She commanded him to look at her, her voice cold and steely. “I have a proposition. Are you interested?”

The waiter hesitated, studying her face. “Depends on the risk. What kind of job are we talking about?”

Stella’s expression was stone-cold. “If you’re caught, you’ll go to prison for life. But if it’s done right, no one will ever trace it back to you.”

The waiter’s expression hardened. “As long as my family is taken care of… as long as my wife gets $300,000, I’ll do it.”

“Good.” A thin smile touched Stella’s lips. “I need you to make sure my stepdaughter doesn’t learn about her real father. Follow her and my husband as soon as they leave the hall, and take care of it.”

The waiter nodded, his gaze steady as he replied, “Fine. I’ll get it done.”

Stella dialled her phone, arranging the transaction. A minute later, she held up the screen, showing him the confirmation. “The funds have been transferred. Now, it’s your turn. And remember, we never spoke to each other. Am I well understood?”

“Yes.” The waiter glanced at the phone before looking back at her. “And the weapon?”

“You will get it soon,” Stella said to him. “No mistakes.”

—

End of Flashback

Now, back in her empty room, Stella’s hands trembled as the full weight of her actions sank in. She collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face, words falling from her lips in a broken whisper. “Adam, I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean for any of this… I was after Aurora, not you.”

But regret, no matter how deep, couldn’t change what had already been done.