The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 123

Traitors.

“Oh, my God!” Alice screamed. “I wish I were there. I’d slap this… Stefan Montgomery!”

Alice's face was red, as if she were in Serena's place. "I'm so mad!"

“I wish it too, but Alice, you’re occupied as it is, and trust me, you don’t want to make an enemy right now. You just moved here,” Serena laughed at her friend.

“How has your treatment been going?” Serena diverted the topic.

It took a while for Alice to calm down, but eventually she replied after tying her hair into a ponytail. “I’ve started my therapy. The doctor your family recommended is very thorough, and Xavier has taken me to my first two sessions."

“How are things between you and Xavier?” Serena asked.

Alice turned away and took a deep breath, “He's a lot quieter. He is thinking a lot. I’m still mad at him, but I can’t be totally ungrateful. He’s really trying to atone. Aside from taking me to therapy, he’s been helping Dad rearrange the house.”

There was still a lot going on with the Hartleys. Moving was never a one-time job. But because Nathaniel said he was staying for a few days in Rexam, Serena went straight to see Alice. They needed to discuss coming clean with her ex-husband.

“I came this late because of Nathan,” Serena finally admitted.

Alice sighed. “I know.”

“I’m sure there’s progress with the Holts case, but we just haven’t been able to discuss it because of Stefan Montgomery,” Serena revealed. “He’s at home right now with the kids. Dad allowed him to stay overnight.”

“What?” Alice’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, Serena. Tell me the truth, are you getting back together with him?”

“I didn’t say that,” Serena reacted defensively. “He’s there for the kids.”

Lena, who happened to walk by, froze for a moment. She hesitated but turned to Serena either way. “I honestly think Nathaniel deeply regretted the past. That’s all I have to say.”

Serena and Alice fell silent.

After Lena left for the kitchen, Serena asked her best friend, “What do you think, Alice?”

Alice leaned closer and held her hand, becoming teary-eyed. “No one has ever seen your pain more clearly than I have. It was real. So for me, take as much time as you need to evaluate the situation.”

“There’s no rush,” Alice added. “If Nathaniel is truly sincere, he’ll wait for you.”

“About speaking to Nathaniel, I’m ready to tell him I had recovered my memories long before,” Alice said. “Just let me know when the best time is.”

“Okay, then. I’m heading back.” Serena heard a car pull into the driveway. “That must be Milo.”

“Good night.” Alice stood up with Serena’s help and hugged her. “Kiss the kids for me.”

After leaving Alice’s home, Serena went straight to the mansion.

It was late. She feared she had already fallen asleep, but right at the door, Sterling was waiting for her.

“Dad?” Serena called as she took careful steps inside.

Sterling was already in his pajamas. He lifted his chin and said, “I need to speak to you for a second."

They walked back to the living room. Their exchange was brief, but meaningful.

“I just want to say I’m sorry. I never saw through Stefan. Until now, I couldn’t believe it.” Sterling was almost tearful as he reached for Serena’s hand. “I only wanted to assure your security and happiness, and I thought Stefan could give you that.”

Alisa and Sebastian shared the bed, both smiling at their father.

“The end,” Nathaniel said.

“Another one! Another one!” Sebastian requested.

Alisa nodded with a smile.

“You want another story, Ali?” Nathaniel asked his daughter. Alisa nodded. “I can’t hear you, baby.”

Alisa swayed her body at first, then spoke. “Another one!”

Nathaniel chuckled, pinching Alisa’s cheek lightly. “Good girl.”

They hadn’t seen Serena yet, so they eagerly listened to another story.

The last book Nathaniel read was 'Goodnight Moon.' It was the perfect story to get them ready for bed. As he read, he changed his tone and pointed to the items mentioned in the book. By the time he was done, the kids were satisfied.

Serena truly felt happy… until Sebastian said, “Daddy, you are so much better at reading bedtime stories than Mommy!”

Alisa nodded. "Yeah!"

Serena: “…”

'Traitors.'