The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 13

**Terms Were Unspoken by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 13: Something Off**

Something felt distinctly off.

Alice grimaced as she absorbed Serena’s words echoing from the living room of her apartment. She cradled her coffee cup, taking a slow sip, and shook her head in disbelief. “So, that’s really what happened? He went to all that trouble for you?”

Serena nodded, her expression a mix of resignation and weariness. “Yes, that’s exactly why I didn’t make it back here sooner.”

Alice raised her eyebrows, a look of incredulity washing over her face. “Why does it feel like—”

“I really don’t want you to overthink this, and honestly, I’m not going to either,” Serena interjected, her tone urgent. “Maybe he’s just… become accustomed to playing the part of the perfect husband. Perhaps it’s merely a habit, a routine he can’t seem to break.”

Alice fixed her gaze on Serena for a moment, as if weighing her words against the urge to argue. Instead, she let out a soft sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly. “Maybe.”

Serena, sensing the shift in mood, decided to steer the conversation elsewhere. “So, how was the night shift?” she asked, her voice brightening a bit.

“It’s exhausting,” Alice replied, her brow furrowing slightly. “On top of that, I have to keep an eye on the night shift team. It’s a lot of responsibility.”

Alice glanced at the clock on the wall, her eyes widening as she realized it was already two in the afternoon. “Oh, it’s time for your check-up. Let’s get going.”

The reminder jolted Serena; she had almost forgotten about her first prenatal visit. They quickly changed into more suitable clothes and hurried out the door, making their way to Grand Mercy Hospital.

Before long, Serena found herself lying on the examination table, the coolness of the room sending a shiver through her. After the ultrasound, she and Alice sat down with Doctor Wilma Smith, who wore a serious expression as she reviewed the results.

“Miss Kline, I’m pleased to report that your pregnancy is healthy,” Doctor Smith began, her tone professional yet warm. “However, I am quite concerned about your weight. I’m prescribing some supplements, but you really need to eat more.”

Alice chimed in, her voice filled with concern. “She’s just been overwhelmed with everything lately. She wasn’t this thin before all this chaos.”

That was an undeniable truth. Serena had likely shed around twenty pounds in the past two months, weighed down by her family’s troubles and Nathaniel’s troubling behavior toward her.

The circumstances surrounding her family were no secret; the media had ensured that everyone was aware. Thankfully, Doctor Smith already knew Serena through Alice and was familiar with her situation.

“Doctor, is there any way we can keep this pregnancy under wraps?” Serena asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded reassuringly. “Absolutely. Patient confidentiality is paramount. No one will know.”

Gently, Doctor Smith squeezed Serena’s hand, a gesture of solidarity. “You’re facing a lot right now, Serena… but motherhood has a unique way of transforming pain into purpose. Once you hold your baby in your arms, all of this will feel like it was worth it. Trust me, you are making the right choice.”

Tears welled up in Serena’s eyes as she nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you… I really appreciate it.”

Afterward, she had her blood drawn for prenatal tests. By the time she and Alice wrapped up their visit, the clock was inching towards five in the afternoon.

As they strolled down the sterile laboratory hallway, they began discussing dinner plans. Alice, enjoying a rare day off, was eager to treat Serena.

“We should hit up a buffet. My treat,” Alice declared, playfully looping her arm around Serena’s. “I’m determined to make you gain those pounds back, okay?”

A soft smile crept onto Serena’s face as she meticulously folded the receipts from her tests, her mind momentarily distracted from her worries. She was so preoccupied that she didn’t notice the figure in front of her until she collided with him.

“Oh—sorry!” she exclaimed, her receipts scattering across the floor.

She knelt down to gather them, but her eyes were drawn to the tie the man was wearing.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Earlier that day, as Nathaniel prepared to leave the villa, Vanessa’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Nathan, your mom called. She wants me to accompany you to her appointment,” she said, her tone casual. “But I haven’t had anything to eat yet. How about you?”

“Breakfast? I haven’t eaten either,” he replied, his stomach grumbling in agreement.

“Let’s grab a bite first and then pick her up,” Vanessa suggested, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.

“Sounds good.” After glancing at the time, Nathaniel added, “I’ll swing by to get you.”

He picked up Vanessa from her parents’ mansion, and they settled down for breakfast at a nearby café. However, Nathaniel barely touched his food, his mind elsewhere as Vanessa chatted animatedly. He offered only nods and murmurs in response, lost in his own thoughts.

Soon after, they arrived at the Thorne residence to pick up Bianca.

Since his separation from Serena, Nathaniel had been staying with his mother. Just the night before, he had told Bianca he would be at a hotel for work.

She hadn’t questioned him, but he silently prayed she wouldn’t delve deeper into his life.

A maid assisted Bianca down the stairs, her voice laced with concern. “Sir, Madam is experiencing severe headaches again. I’ve already administered her medication.”

Vanessa stepped forward instinctively, offering her arm to Bianca. “Aunt, don’t worry. My uncle is the best neurologist in the country. He flew across the state just to see you. I promise he’ll figure out what’s going on.”

Bianca managed a weak smile, patting Vanessa’s hand gently. “That’s why I adore you.”

Vanessa blushed, glancing shyly at Nathaniel, who couldn’t help but smile at the exchange.

Noticing Vanessa’s reaction, Bianca turned to Nathaniel, her eyes sparkling with approval. “Don’t you think Vanessa is wonderful, son? I truly believe she’s the answer to our prayers. I like her very much.”

Nathaniel smiled warmly at Vanessa, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you, Vanessa. I genuinely appreciate everything you’re doing. My mother means the world to me.”