The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 110

Meeting Stefan.

“Flowers for a beautiful lady.”

Serena was caught off guard when she saw Stefan enter her office on a Thursday afternoon. He brought her white lilies and a gift box.

“Ah, thank you,” Serena smiled at him.

Stefan looked particularly put-together that day. The contrast of his dark hair and eyes against his pale skin stood out, and the knit top he wore softened his appearance while still outlining his solid build.

“I just came from a business trip and thought of you when I walked into a wellness store in Montclair Heights,” Stefan said as he took the seat across from her desk.

Immediately, Serena’s eyes went to the gift box. She opened it and was surprised to find a thoughtful gift. It wasn’t jewelry. It wasn’t lavish; it was something useful to her as a person and as a mother.

They were essential oils.

“I assume you have a diffuser,” Stefan said. The faint laugh lines at the corners of his eyes revealed his genuine anticipation for her reaction.

“Yes, I do,” Serena answered. “Thank you. I love these. I especially use them to calm myself, the kids, and eucalyptus for when they’re sick.”

“Very useful indeed,” Stefan commented with a nod.

There was a brief, awkward pause before he asked, “So Mom and Dad told me you’re all going to the lake house. It’s been a while since we’ve gathered for a trip like that.”

“Yes,” Serena nodded.

It had been four years since they last visited the Montgomerys’ lake house. In the years after, they only saw each other on special occasions. More recently, Stefan had been especially busy, and Serena herself was consumed with raising the twins.

“The kids will be all over the place. I hope you won’t mind,” Serena said.

A laugh escaped Stefan’s lips. “I love kids.”

“Really?” Serena asked with a smile. She had seen him greet and talk to the twins before. He seemed comfortable around them, but she wanted to hear more.

“I do,” Stefan said. “I love their curiosity, their sweet, innocent smiles. Even when they’re wrong, they’re just so easy to love.”

His words surprised her.

After a moment, Stefan shared something even more unexpected.

“In fact,” he said, “I’ve been thinking about adopting a child.”

Serena stilled. She blinked a few times before clarifying, “You want to adopt a child?”

“Yes. There’s an orphanage our family donates to every year—St. Elara’s Children’s House—and I’m interested in taking in one child,” Stefan explained.

“He’s about four years old.” He shrugged lightly. “He seems smart and—”

“A handsome young man,” he added with a small smile.

“I met him twice already, and I was moved by his desire to have a family to call his own,” Stefan continued. “I’m interested in adopting him, Serena. I want to make a difference by giving one child a home.”

“I’m telling you this because our families wish for us to marry,” Stefan said carefully, “and I wanted to know how you feel about it. If you were to consider me as your husband, would it offend you to raise a child who isn’t yours?”

Serena was rendered speechless. She never expected this from Stefan.

“I like nature,” Serena said.

“So do I,” Stefan replied.

“I prefer to relax in the mountains, surrounded by pines, rather than on the beach.”

“I’m more of a beach person,” Stefan admitted, “but I suppose someone has to introduce me to the mountains properly.”

He winked and added, “I’m open to learning. Then we’ll know it’s working—when neither of us feels like we’re giving something up.”

Serena chuckled. “We’ll see.”

Just as they were starting to feel comfortable with each other, Stefan’s phone rang. He answered it, his expression brightening with every second.

After the call ended, he said excitedly, “You won’t believe this. My family and I have been trying to partner with Retired General Norman Collins. He was appointed as the military’s commanding general three times before retiring.”

“He owns several rehabilitation centers across military bases,” Stefan continued. “However, his successor mishandled the business, and its reputation took a hit. Still, it’s a solid operation overall.”

He paused before adding, “Apparently, there’s new leadership now. I don’t know who it is yet, but I’m meeting him soon. We might finally have a chance to collaborate.”

“Serena, imagine having the military’s lifetime support—it’s a multi-billion-dollar deal!” Stefan said, unable to hide the gleam in his eyes. “If I pull this off, my dad will be pleased.”

“That’s great,” Serena said. “I hope you get the deal.”

Then, as the surname settled in her mind, Serena frowned.