The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 104

Hard Choices.

Later, after a dose of sweets, the kids became restless, especially Sebastian. Nathaniel decided to walk them around the venue. That way, other executives and employees could meet them.

Everything was out now. They all knew the twins were his children.

Nathaniel looked proud, and Bianca walked with him.

Peter excused himself to make a phone call, while Celine went to join Sterling, who was still engrossed in conversation with the Vice President.

Serena yawned, already tired for the night. Dennis noticed and said, “I could also use a cup of coffee.”

He ordered two cups, and soon they began catching up.

“It’s really good to see you again, Serena,” Dennis said. “Honestly, I grieved when we thought you took that flight to Oakridge City.”

“You grieved?” Serena almost laughed.

“Of course. We were friends,” Dennis said.

“No,” Serena corrected. “You were Nathan’s friend. Not mine. You aren’t just his friend, you’re his best friend. If you were my friend, you wouldn’t have sided with him.”

Silence settled between them before Dennis spoke again. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s understandable,” Serena said. “Alice would have had my back even if I committed a crime.”

“I’m sorry about Alice too,” Dennis said. “Nathaniel tried so hard to find her.”

Serena stilled. It surprised her that Dennis didn’t know Alice was alive. It seemed Nathaniel had been serious about protecting her.

She chose to say nothing more. The Holts might be under investigation, but they had no solid proof yet.

“Are you married, Dennis?” Serena changed the topic. “Didn’t you marry the girl you were on and off with?”

“No,” Dennis said outright. “We called it quits three years ago. Never got back together. She and my mother didn’t get along.”

“So you chose your mother,” Serena commented without thinking. “Just like Nathan.”

“Wouldn’t you?” Dennis asked back. “If someone asked you to choose between your mother and him, who would you choose, Serena?”

Serena was momentarily stunned. Her eyes drifted to her mother, then back to Dennis. “I’d choose my mom, of course.”

“I’m not saying it’s the right choice,” Dennis said, “but it’s a hard one to make. Back then, Nathaniel genuinely thought Bianca was dying. That, and everything else on his mind, including the case against Victor, weighed heavily on him.”

“I think he was afraid that the longer he stayed, the uglier it would get.”

“But he still cared for. I want you to know that,” Dennis continued. “That night you attended Milona’s birthday? It was his jacket that I put on you.”

“Remember when he received that leadership award, and you showed up? He asked me to check on you, make sure you ate something. He even told me what dishes you liked.”

Serena frowned and softly muttered, “I thought it was strange you kept popping up everywhere.”

“Yes,” Dennis admitted. “I was also worried about you.”

“He bought your house—you already know that,” Dennis continued. “What you probably don’t know is… he arranged your job in Oakridge City. Including your accommodation.”

Then, he shook his head. “It just got fucked up with the flight disappearing.”

Serena was stupefied. 'Nathaniel arranged the job in Oakridge?

“Please take good care of them,” Nathaniel replied. “And if there’s anything I can help with, let me know.”

“Nathan, I’d appreciate it if you could take the lead in determining whether the Holts had anything to do with Alice’s accident,” Serena said.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. “I will see to it.”

A smile formed on Serena’s face. She couldn’t wait for Alice to meet the twins. In Rexam, she could see the Hartleys openly. Alice and her family could use their real names.

“I know you plan to see the kids soon in Rexam,” Sterling added, “but next weekend, we’ll be going away with the Montgomerys to their lake house.”

“The Montgomerys?” Nathaniel echoed.

“The Montgomerys,” Silas repeated. “The family of Serena’s fiancé.”

Serena’s mouth fell open. “Silas, Dad!”

Before she could say more, Sterling raised his hand. “That’s a family matter we’ll discuss without Nathan, Serena. He will have no say in this.”

Sterling turned to Nathaniel and said, "You may leave, Nathan."

***

Nathaniel drove home in deep thought after leaving the Astoria Hotel. His eyes narrowed as he thought of Serena's father.

"I will be respectful, Mr. Vander, Sir," he muttered. "But I will not just sit back and watch my family being taken away from me."

He called Gavin while on the road. "Get me all information about the Montgomerys in Rexam City."