The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 10

**Chapter 10: A Change in Weather**

A Change in Weather.

It was Nathaniel.

The moment the rich, intoxicating scent of his cologne enveloped her, a familiar ache pierced through Serena. It was a fragrance that once brought her comfort, now it felt like a cruel reminder of everything she had lost. She stood frozen, her heart racing, as his striking blue-gray eyes captured hers, slicing through the barriers she had built around herself.

“You came,” he said, his voice a deep murmur, almost as if he were surprised to see her.

Serena swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze. She couldn’t bear to look at her reflection, but she could sense the pallor of her cheeks. Her lips quivered as she attempted to form words. “I…”

But the moment his attention sharpened, a wave of vulnerability washed over her, and she instinctively turned her gaze away.

Nathaniel settled into the chair opposite her, and an involuntary reaction coursed through Serena. Her fingers clutched tightly around her coat, an unconscious shield against the emotional turmoil swirling within her.

After a brief silence, she found the courage to voice the reason that had compelled her to Velmon Regency. “Why did you blacklist me from working in the city?”

His brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. “What?”

“Why did you blacklist me from working in other companies?!” she snapped, her voice rising in a crescendo of frustration before she could rein it in. “I applied for a consultancy position and was told that the Thornes have unofficially blacklisted me in this city.”

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, a muscle twitching as he swallowed hard. “Who said that?”

“It doesn’t matter!” she shot back, her indignation flaring. “What more do you want from me, Nathan? You’ve already ruined my life. And now you want to prevent me from finding a job?”

“I—” His voice wavered, rising in pitch before faltering. He averted his gaze momentarily, gathering his thoughts. “I’ll look into it. But you wouldn’t be worrying about this if you hadn’t quit your job. I never asked you to resign—”

“That’s absurd, and we both know it,” she retorted, her voice steady but laced with anger. “Why would I remain in a company run by my ex-husband? The same man who manipulated my feelings and treated me like a pawn!”

She noticed him flinch, a barely perceptible reaction that almost escaped her notice.

“Then at least take the money I gave you. Use it to take some time off,” he suggested, his tone softening.

“Anyway, it doesn’t matter,” she said, her resolve hardening as she grabbed her bag and stood up. A fleeting thought crossed her mind about asking for the five million dollars again, but her pride held her back.

She could make it on her own; she had promised herself that!

“Go back to your seat,” Nathaniel commanded, his piercing gaze compelling her to return to her chair. “You’ve lost so much weight. At least finish your food.”

“I’ve already eaten enough,” she replied, smoothing down her coat as if to brush off the conversation. “Thank Dennis for me.”

“Sit.” His tone deepened, leaving no room for argument. “The gala just ended. You’ll run into my mom. It’s better if you stay here until everyone leaves.”

The mere mention of Bianca Thorne sent a shiver down Serena’s spine. She felt her breath hitch in her throat as her grip on her bag tightened. Slowly, she sank back into her seat, resigned to the situation. Since she was already there, she picked up the last piece of bread and chewed it slowly, savoring the momentary distraction.

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