The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 103

Cute Voice.

“Bastin, Ali, this is your Uncle Dennis and Uncle Peter,” Nathaniel introduced his other two best friends to the twins.

“Wow, another uncle?” Sebastian reacted. His eyes gleamed as he folded his arms against his chest and added thoughtfully, “That means I’m going to get more gifts.”

Peter and Dennis laughed, while Serena shook her head. “Bastin.”

But her son didn’t read her expression. Instead, he looked between the two men and asked innocently, “Uncles, where have you been for three years?”

Dennis choked on his laugh. “Straight to the point, huh?”

Peter blinked, then leaned closer to Dennis and muttered, “Do we owe him back pay?”

Dennis sighed dramatically. “Three birthdays, three holidays… Peter, I think we’re bankrupt.”

The two friends chuckled. Although Nathaniel also chuckled, he said, “Come on, guys. What are the six gifts?”

They were at Serena’s table. Silas and Sterling had found their permanent seats at the Vice President’s table. They were discussing serious business.

Only Celine and Serena remained with the twins, along with the nanny.

Dennis gave Sebastian a high-five and winked at him. “Expect a special delivery in Rexam soon.”

“Yeah!” Sebastian thrust his fist in the air, rejoicing. “I like cars, I like dinosaurs.” His grin grew wider. “I like red shoes!”

“McQueen shoes,” Dennis suggested.

“Yes!” Sebastian exclaimed, before giving suggestions for his sister. “And Ali likes pink stuff, plushies, and puzzles.”

"Well noted," Peter said, sounding very amused.

After attending to Sebastian, the two men turned to Alisa.

Dennis smiled at Alisa, then shifted to Serena. He said, “As beautiful as her mom.”

When he glanced at Celine, Dennis choked on his spit, adding, “And Grandma!”

Celine laughed and said, “Thank you. I’m very proud.”

Since Silas and Sterling’s seats were empty, Peter and Dennis settled in. Milo offered his seat to Nathaniel, and they all gathered around Alisa and Bastin.

“Ali is special,” Nathaniel explained to his best friends. “Just like my dad, but she is brilliant.”

“Ali, say hi to your uncles. This is Uncle Dennis and Uncle Peter,” Nathaniel introduced.

Serena watched as Nathaniel took control of the situation, yet in a subtle way. He encouraged Alisa to come closer to him, and when the little girl did, he said, “Say hi, Uncle Dennis, Uncle Peter.”

It took seconds before Alisa answered, “Hi.”

But her voice was very faint.

Dennis was about to answer when he looked like he’d had a lightbulb moment. He and Peter both looked at Nathaniel. The latter was giving them facial gestures—a cue.

Ali flushed. She turned to her father and smiled. Then she glanced at Peter and Dennis and said, “Hi.”

“Aww,” Dennis and Peter said simultaneously.

Dennis put a hand on his chest, while Peter gave her puppy eyes.

“Hi, Uncle,” Alisa added. Their reaction clearly encouraged her that she giggled right after.

Dennis gently took Alisa’s hand, holding it for a moment. “Thank you, Alisa. Hearing your voice makes my day.”

Nathaniel and his best friends spent a good amount of time at their table, engaging with the children.

At the next table, Bianca sat with several executives from Kline BioSolutions. They appeared aware of her past condition, checking on her regularly. The sight brought Serena a measure of relief.

Earlier, Serena had felt it was necessary to help calm Bianca, regardless of their past. Bianca had looked on the verge of a heart attack after her confrontation with Vanessa. Whatever unresolved feelings Serena still had toward Nathaniel’s mother, Bianca was the twins’ grandmother. Serena wouldn’t want Alisa and Sebastian to lose their grandmother, someone they had only just met.

Vanessa and her family were dealt with, not entirely yet, but it was the start. It gave Serena a sense of justice, but at the same time, it brought back the anger she had tried so hard to forget. She might have appeared composed, but her encounter with Vanessa had stirred something deep inside her.

Sure, she was happy for the children, and yes, her divorce had led her to Rexam, but it still did not erase the choices that Nathaniel and Bianca had made.

Some things were settled, but not everything could be undone.

For now, Serena chose to observe.

Later, Serena had time to sit down with Dennis alone. She discovered two things: one aligned with Nathaniel’s words, and one contradicted them.