Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire

Aurora arrived at her apartment. And as soon as she let herself in, she hurried over to the living room, her gaze, darting across the space.

Abigail sat on the chaise couch staring at the huge bouquet of red roses sitting prettily on the centre table. The man she had rushed home for, was nowhere to be found.

"Where is he?" Aurora breathed, her gaze moving between her best friend and Xander's gift.

"He didn't come up," Abigail revealed. "He had the security at the gate deliver the bouquet to your doorstep instead."

A deep sigh escaped Aurora's lips as she relaxed against the couch, breathing heavily. "Maybe the security didn't let him in because I didn't approve."

"Aura, wake up!" Abigail almost rolled her eyes. "Xander is a fucking Billionaire, and you know what billionaires have? Access and Influence. No one can stop him if he wants to come up."

Aurora sighed to herself again. She felt like an idiot for downplaying Xander's authority, especially knowing he easily brought her into the engagement party on Friday.

"Aren't you going to call your man and thank him for the hundred roses?" Abigail asked.

Aurora walked over to the table and knelt over the bouquet, immediately falling in love with the vibrant colours as the fragrant blend of sweet, floral and slightly spicy notes hit her nose.

It was her first time receiving a huge bouquet.

With Abigail's assistance, she snapped some pictures next to the roses and sent the best shot to Xander with the caption, "Thank you for the hundred roses. I love them."

Xander, who had been waiting for her reaction all day, quickly replied "I'm glad you love all 99 of them." And sent a photo of a red rose lying across his bare muscular chest. "I kept the hundredth one for myself."

Heat crept up Aurora's cheeks when she saw the photo. She wasn't expecting to be teased.

She quickly redirected their conversation. "I will see you tomorrow."

"Abby, what does 99 roses signify?" Aurora inquired, putting her phone down.

Abigail smirked with one glance at the bouquet. "I will love you forever or want to grow old with you."

---

WEDNESDAY.

With Aurora's leave starting today, she organized the stuff she would take to Xander's place before driving to a famous exotic bridal shop with Abigail.

Aurora tried on a few wedding dresses and let Abigail vet her looks.

"This one hides your natural curves," Abigail said thoughtfully as her gaze accessed the silk organza material.

"Good thing I don't plan to show them off," Aurora remarked, staring at herself in the mirror.

Although everything about her wedding with Xander would be taken care of by a professional team, she still wanted to get an idea of the choices she would be making.

Having achieved her goal, Aurora slipped back into her two-piece outfit and got ready to leave. But as she stepped out of the changing room dedicated to her, she bumped into Olivia and Owen.

A glint of surprise momentarily flashed across their eyes.

"Sister, what are you doing in a bridal store?" Olivia taunted, her eyes shimmering with delight. "At least I have a man and a wedding to plan. What do you have?"

Owen smirked. "I think she's still hung up on me." Staring at Aurora, he said, "Indulging in fantasies with me in mind is unhealthy and uncultured. You need to understand that you have lost me for life and that I would never leave Olivia for you."

"Sister, you really need to get a hold of yourself!" Olivia advised, holding onto Owen's arm possessively. Today, she wore a v-neck dress that stopped mid-thighs and showed off a part of her ample chest. "Owen is no longer interested in you. Do you want him to make a billboard out of it before you finally get the message?"

Aurora scoffed in disbelief. The ability of these two to get ahead of themselves and insinuate things that had nothing to do with her amazed her.

Wasn't it clear between them who was actually indulging in fantasies?

"I understand you don't want to give Owen up so easily, but he is mine now, so you–."

"Spare me the nonsense!" Aurora's eyes flashed with annoyance and a hint of impatience. "I don't chase after every stolen item; only the important ones."

Olivia's mouth hung open as Owen's eyes widened in shock, watching Aurora walk away.

"Did she just call me insignificant?" Owen's gaze darkened as realization dawned on him.

On the other hand, Abigail high-fived Aurora as soon as she stepped out. She was thrilled with her witty comeback and had been ready to intervene having overheard the entire conversation.

"Olivia is just 23 yet she speaks to you in such a manner. What a rude brat! You should twist her tongue next time!"

---

At noon, Aurora arrived at Xander's place and was greeted with a hug and a soft kiss at the corner of her mouth.

"Welcome." Xander's eyes crinkled at the corners, his right hand at the small of her back, guiding her inside as the servants carried her stuff in.

"I'm glad you made it for lunch. How was your ride up here?" Xander inquired as he grabbed a warm towel from a servant waiting in the hallway and passed it to her.

Aurora's gaze softened. She wiped her hands clean and let the servant take the towel back. "It was an interesting one."

"Next time, let me help you," Xander said as he grabbed a glass of Lavender cocktail from another servant's tray and handed it to her. "I don't want you to bother with trivial things."

Aurora's gaze darted around, trying to enjoy the beauty of the interior decoration and finishings she couldn't appreciate the first time she visited.

Xander noticed her interest and promised, "I will show you around after lunch."

Arriving at the large dining area, Xander pulled out a chair for Aurora next to the head chair before sitting there.

"After the tour, you will be doing a little paperwork to help the staff cater to your needs, especially, your diet. Also, the doctor will be here later for a comprehensive medical wellness check," he informed her.

Aurora's mouth formed an 'O' as she slowly nodded. She understood that her lifestyle had been upgraded by simply saying 'yes' to Xander's marriage proposal.

After lunch, Xander showed Aurora around. They started from the ground floor and walked their way up. And there was not a section of the house that Aurora didn't fall in love with.

The luxury in Xander's furnishing was on a different dimension, and it's a good thing their taste matched.

Xander showed Aurora all the rooms on the second floor before taking her into his home office where Liam was waiting. He had been in a meeting with the latter before her arrival.

A few minutes later, Xander got a call and excused himself, letting Aurora continue to explore with Liam by her side.

"It seems like Xander studies a lot," Aurora noted as she walked towards the tall bookshelf by her far right. She scanned it and was immediately attracted by the slanted bronze sculpted object at the centre.

"Mr. Scott is inquisitive and loves to read," Liam revealed as he closely followed her.

Aurora nodded in approval, her eyes, admiring the sculpture. "What is that?"

"Just a decorative piece," Liam replied. But as soon as she reached out to touch it, he quickly called out to her, "Ms. Swift."

Aurora dropped her hand, turning to meet his polite gaze.

"Mr. Scott has an impressive fruit garden at the back," Liam said, beckoning her to follow him. "I will show it to you."