A Love Buried by Secrets novel Chapter 8

The Lowell family was one of the top elites, so Serena had heard her fair share of rumors when she moved in. She had even consulted Karen in private. As such, she knew for a fact that her mother had not come between Elliot's parents.

However, even if she told this to Elliot, he wouldn't believe her.

This was why she needed Vincent to confirm it personally. She was hoping to draw the truth out of him indirectly.

"People talk... And it seems that even Eli thinks that way."

Vincent let out a heavy sigh. Rubbing his temples, he recounted the story in detail. "Back then, your mother and I were in love and planned to get married. But the gap in our status was too great, and we were forced to separate.

"When your mother got married, I intended to stay single for life. But my family pressured me into an arranged marriage. Eventually, I signed a contract with Eli's mom for a ten-year sham marriage, with plans for a divorce afterward.

"After the wedding, however, she tore the contract up and tried to go back on her word. She even drugged me—that's how Eli came to be.

"When the ten years were up, I still chose to divorce Adeline. She used Eli as an excuse to refuse, so we never publicly announced the separation. It wasn't until two years later that I reunited with your mother and found out she'd been widowed for years.

"I pursued her again, and that's how we built the family we have now. Adeline started causing all kinds of trouble after that.

"Upon hearing about my marriage to your mom, she tragically took her life. To honor her memory, your mother and I decided not to clarify the rumors. I can't believe that they've reached your ears—how absurd!"

Seeing Vincent so fired up, Serena quietly ended the voice recording. She then requested to see the contract, which Vincent readily provided.

"This isn't something we can explain to Eli easily. All these years, he's held a grudge over his mother's death. Since you're his peer, take this and show it to him instead."

Serena accepted the paperwork and nodded solemnly.

Back in her room, she imported the recording to a USB drive and placed it in a gift box along with the contract. She picked up a ribbon and was just about to affix it to the box when Elliot knocked on the door and entered.

Catching sight of her mostly empty room, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Rena, why is your room so bare? Where are all the things I gave you?"

Serena calmly made up an excuse. "I didn't like them, so I threw them out."

Elliot didn't press further. Instead, he handed her another gift box. She opened it to find an extravagant evening gown.

"Rena, tomorrow's my birthday. I was thinking of announcing our relationship at the banquet. Will you wear this dress and go together with me?"

Serena gazed into his expectant eyes and nodded. "Alright."

His smile deepened. He bent down to kiss her, but she quickly handed over the gift box.