The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104: Hard Choices

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.” 1

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

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Chapter 104 Hard Choices

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“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.” 1

“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?

No wonder everything moved so quickly.’

“But,” Dennis said, turning to her, his eyes holding nothing but honest concern, “I’m truly happy you’re alive, Serena.”

A pause followed.

“I don’t know if you’ll ever give my friend a chance,” Dennis continued. “If you don’t, I understand. And please don’t do it just for the kids. But if you ever do it for yourself-if you ever find it in your heart to love him again— maybe the timing just wasn’t right back then.”

He sighed. “Still, I’m happy for you. What happened between you and Nathan was a mess, but at least you found where you truly belong.” 1

They drank their coffee in silence, occasionally watching where Nathaniel had wandered off with the children.

After a while, Dennis spoke again. “And I’m really sorry about what Timothy did. He used to be so nice to you.”

Serena winced. “He was nice to me in college.”

“After Nathan told us about his plan to leave you back then, Tim kept pushing Nathan toward Vanessa,” Dennis said. “But when your flight to Oakridge disappeared, he stayed with Nathan the longest to help search for you. I thought he felt guilty, but his actions today confused me. I never expected him to help Vanessa. Nathan has avoided her for years.” 4

}}

Serena didn’t say it, but she suspected Timothy had his own agenda. One thing was certain: she would keep her

distance.

The night continued according to schedule. After a brief press conference announcing the success of Kline BioSolutions’ new drug, the gathering finally came to a close.,

Everyone said their goodbyes.

Nathaniel accompanied Serena and her family back to the Astoria Hotel. The kids were fast asleep by then, and like before, he tucked them into bed and kissed them goodnight.

To her surprise, her parents remained in her suite. When Nathaniel and Serena stepped out of the children’s rooms, they found them seated on the sofa.

Sterling motioned for them to sit, and they did.

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Chapter 104 Hard Choices

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“The Hartleys’ transfer to Rexam has been finalized. They will arrive around the same time we would,” Sterling revealed.

“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.” 1

He called Gavin while on the road. “Get me all information about the Montgomerys in Rexam City.”1

offr LiLhyz Author

January 10, 2026. Thank you for patiently waiting. The next update will be on Monday.

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