Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 92

Chapter 92: Battle for Authority

“What does that mean, Aura?” Abigail raised a questioning brow with disappointment laced in her tone. “I know this is bad timing for this conversation, but what is Xander’s reason for keeping your union a secret?”

Aurora sighed and took her hand instead while meeting her questioning gaze. “Abby, even I don’t want to be publicly acknowledged as his wife now. I’m not in the mood. I just want to be left alone to mourn my father’s tragic passing.”

“I understand,” Abigail sighed, slowly calming her nerves down as she hugged her. “I’m sorry for bringing that up.”

Aurora shook her head, clearly not offended by that. But she felt a little bit guilty for keeping some things out of her best friend’s ears. But there was no way she would ever mention Xander’s secret identity to her without his permission.

Also, there was still about a month left until he could publicly acknowledge her, so what’s the rush?

—

Late noon, Owen and his parents arrived to pay the Swift family a condolence visit along with Xander.

They were welcomed properly into the sitting room and served only water, but Stella was relieved to see them even though she didn’t show it.

“How could something so horrible happen just a few moments after we left?” Patricia asked, her entire face contoured in a frown.

“We have to blame it on fate for being so cruel to us,” Stephanie said, the rims of her eyes turning red.

Stella looked between Stephanie and Patricia and seeing how well they were getting along, she decided not to be left alone in that conversation.

“My husband didn’t deserve to die like this,” she said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief, a contrast to the black dress she was putting on.

Every member of the Swift family, including their servants has been on black outfits with no jewellery and makeup to show they are mourning their great loss since this morning.

“Mr. Swift was a good man,” Richard said with a soft sigh. “Once again, we are sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you,” Stella said almost immediately, stopping Stephanie from responding.

Patricia asked Stella about Olivia. “Owen told me she fainted yesterday. She must have been so shocked to see the scene.”

Just then, Olivia and Aurora appeared together and went to sit on the same couch which was rare. Their father’s death must have struck a strong cord in them, temporarily removing their odds against each other.

Aurora exchanged glances with Xander before quickly greeting Owen’s parents. Olivia did the same and turned her gaze away.

“My heart goes out to you both, be strong in these trying times,” Patricia said to them.

“Thank you,” they chorused.

Stella stared at Olivia for a moment before shifting her gaze back to Patricia. “I know our children just got married, and that Olivia should return with you, but unfortunately, I can’t let that happen.”

“It’s fine,” Patricia said, locking gazes with her husband and son. “We understand the situation. It’s fine for Olivia to stay here for a few days.”

Stella exchanged gazes with Olivia who narrowed her eyes at her slightly, before turning back to the family of three.

“I have only Olivia now,” she said, totally excluding Aurora as her close family. “Apart from the fact that I need her company, I am worried about her health and want her close so I can take care of her now that she’s pregnant.”

As soon as Stella broke the news, everyone in the room exchanged surprised glances before casting their eyes on Olivia.

“Mum!” Olivia called, totally disappointed and furious. She wasn’t expecting her mother to make the announcement to everybody without her permission.

Stella only spared her a glance before continuing, “We found out this morning after running a few tests at the hospital. On one hand, we have bad news that we are still not over with and on the other hand, we have a piece of good news. It’s confusing, not knowing what emotions to maintain.”

Patricia understood and comforted Stella seeing a tear stroll down her cheek. On the other hand, Olivia bit her lower lip. She knew what her mother was doing. She was trying to prevent her from aborting the child by announcing her pregnancy to the Swift family.

Meanwhile, Owen had mixed feelings about Olivia’s pregnancy because he had already made up his mind about her only to learn that she was carrying his child.

“I can only release Olivia after my husband’s funeral,” Stella finished, relaxing her back into the dark brown couch.

Patricia and Richard exchanged uncomfortable glances before turning to Stella. “Has the funeral date been fixed?”

Stephanie shook her head and was about to say ‘not yet’ when Stella answered with all confidence, “Yes. The funeral date has been fixed for this coming Friday.”

“So soon?” Richard inquired.

“Yes,” Stella confirmed with finality. Surprise crossed Xander’s face as Stephanie narrowed her eyes at Stella.

“What?” Aurora and Olivia exclaimed as their gaze darkened. “When was this discussed and who agreed to it?” Aurora asked as she looked between Stephanie and Stella.

“Even, I would like to know that,” Stephanie said, fixing her gaze on Stella, silently demanding an explanation.

Stella finally let her gaze fall on them before saying, “I made the decision myself for our good. Is there a problem?”

“Of course, there is a problem,” Aurora replied, her gaze icy. “How can you bury Dad so soon when he hasn’t received justice? What’s the rush?”

Stella fixed a gaze on her and said without a care in the world, “The criminal who wronged us has confessed, and will soon be brought to justice, so we are right on track.”

Aurora clenched her fists, not wanting to explode right in front of everyone, she got off the couch and stormed off. Olivia followed her next, clearly not in support of her mother’s decision.

Feeling the heated atmosphere that hung above them, Richard rounded up their conversation and got ready to leave with his family.