The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 121

Serena’s Ex-Husband.

When Nathaniel Thorne asked about the medical technology supplier, Stefan’s father proudly declared their close relationship with the Vanders.

And Stefan? He even acknowledged Serena’s beautiful face.

It made Melanie grit her teeth.

'So what if Serena is a Vander heiress? So what if she has the face of an angel? So what if Serena spearheaded VanderMed’s latest technology? Stefan will never love her,' Melanie thought from her seat. 'I’ve been on Stefan’s side for five years. He comes home to me, and we have a son together.'

'Serena can have the ring, the title, the public attention,' Melanie convinced herself. 'I have Stefan’s nights. His passions. His secrets. His real self.'

“I can see that look in your eyes,” Stella grumbled, interrupting her thoughts. “Don’t you even think of competing with Serena. You are no match for her. The only reason I tolerated you is because my son is stubborn. Remember your place. You are only a mistress.”

Yes, Stefan’s family had never approved of her.

For one, she was Stefan’s secret lover. The Montgomerys had only found out about her and Mathew last year.

Stella and Charles were outraged!

That was when they had begun pressuring Stefan to marry Serena.

Melanie wanted to retort against Stella, but she knew there was no point in fighting back. She could only hope that Stefan would follow through with his plans and never abandon her. At least, through the Vanders, their son, Mathew, would have a brighter future.

For Mathew and for Stefan’s ambition, she was willing to make the sacrifice.

But what was this?

When the Vanders arrived, they declared war!

To Melanie's shock, Serena had uncovered their secrets, and it was all thanks to her attempt to commit suicide by taking unprescribed medication.

A commotion erupted and led to Stefan being punched by Silas Vander.

Melanie and Stella tried to reason with Silas, but it was useless. They were only putting themselves at risk.

Silas… was a strong man.

Finally, when Stefan managed to free himself, he did not hold back. He gave the Vanders a piece of his mind.

Stefan: “What makes your sister so special?. She’s someone else’s leftovers, and her daughter can’t even talk properly!”

Stefan: “And those kids? You think they’re special? The boy is loud, spoiled, and always clinging to people."

Stefan: “And Alisa? She’s slow in the head. Everyone can see it.”

Melanie completely agreed!

The Vanders were lucky Stefan even considered Serena. How dare they turn this around, as if Serena had better options?

If Sterling hadn’t been eager for the marriage, Stefan wouldn’t have been forced to fake feelings. He wouldn’t have had to lower himself just to make everyone happy.

At that point, Stefan's mother collapsed to her knees, crying. She begged for everything to stop. “Please, Mr. Thorne, we didn’t know. Celine and Sterling never told us who the twins’ father was.”

“Is that your excuse for letting your son plot against my family?” Nathaniel scolded.

“No, no!” Charles finally spoke. “We didn’t know Stefan was planning this—”

“But you knew about his relationship with his secretary, and you knew Stefan had a son!” Sterling interrupted.

“We didn’t want them,” Charles replied. “We wanted Serena to be our daughter-in-law.”

“The fact is, you lied to us! Had we known Stefan had a secret family, we never would have agreed to bring up the engagement,” Silas hissed.

“You!” Stella turned to Melanie and stood up. She began hitting her. “This is your fault! If you hadn’t seduced my son, our family would have become one with Sterling and Celine!”

Melanie barely managed to escape Stella’s furious blows when Nathaniel turned to the hospital’s board of directors and declared, “Either remove the Montgomerys as shareholders, or Stonewatch will terminate all negotiations.”

Faced with that ultimatum, the board quickly caved.

“We’ll remove them!”

“Effective immediately!”

“Stefan, you’re fired—Melanie as well!”

“Charles, we’re sorry, but the board will proceed with a vote to remove you next week.”