The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 177

Within The Family Only.

Everyone’s attention was on Serena.

She blinked. Somehow, she also felt her uncle was at fault. Melvin knew that they had an ongoing legal case with the Holts. Lincoln, the soldier, had warned Melvin against getting out of the car, but he still did.

Even if his reasons were noble, it did not change the fact that his actions led to her kidnapping.

“I can’t help but feel betrayed,” Serena admitted. “I think at this point, there’s nothing wrong with keeping some facts just between our families — even from Alice and her family.”

“Anyone could slip,” Serena added.

Celine immediately covered her mouth. She admitted, “I could also slip.”

“Precisely,” Nathaniel said. “That’s why we all need to be careful.”

Nathaniel turned to Silas. Serena’s brother was seriously drinking his coffee. The man asked, “Do you have any objections, Silas?”

“No,” Silas said. “I agree with Nathan. The information about Victor should only remain within our direct family.”

There was a long pause, but eventually, Sterling placed a hand on his chest. “Very well.”

In the next hour, they planned.

Trust had been drawn in a circle. And from that moment on, anyone outside it would become a question.

***

“The tests are all normal,” the doctor said, referring to Serena’s X-rays. “The discomfort that Miss Vander is experiencing is due to bruising on her lower body and legs. She will recover in a few days, after some rest.”

The X-ray results came in the afternoon, so Serena was finally free to leave, but while they were packing their things, someone knocked on the hospital suite door.

“I heard Serena is being discharged. So am I.”

It was Melvin. He smiled, looking teary-eyed. “Serena, I’m glad you were saved.”

Serena smiled at Melvin. “Thank you, Uncle. Nathan and Silas found me.”

“Is your driver here to pick you up, Melvin?” Sterling asked.

Melvin nodded. “Jean is also here.”

Suddenly, the door to the suite opened again. Melvin’s wife, Jean Vander, walked in.

“Serena, what a terrible thing that has happened. I scolded Melvin so much for being so careless,” Jean said, approaching Serena and offering a hug.

“Sterling,” Jean turned to Serena’s father, “punish Melvin however you want.”

“Um.” Melvin gulped. He looked down, his face pale as a ghost. “It was partly my fault.”

“Uncle, Aunt,” Serena said. “Let’s forget about it. What’s important is that I am now safe.”

"Yes," Celine remarked. "We wished you hadn't gotten out of the car, but we don't blame you entirely."

Melvin and his wife waited in the lobby for them. When Serena’s discharge papers had been processed, they made their way to the lift.

Serena and Nathaniel walked side by side.

“Serena, you head home with your parents,” Nathaniel said. “Silas and I are going to the military camp.”

“What?” Serena turned to him.

Seeing the hint of fury in Nathaniel’s eyes, she knew exactly what he intended to do. And Serena? She wanted to be part of it. “I’m coming with you.”

“No,” Silas and Nathaniel said at the same time.

“I want to see it. I want to see him suffer,” Serena said, her voice strengthening. “Only then will I be able to sleep at night.”

Serena did not give Nathaniel a choice. She wanted vengeance, and she wanted it right then and there.

So instead of returning to Rexam with Sterling and Celine, she went to Fort Greyhold for the very first time.

***

Meanwhile, back in Rexam, Xavier was looking out the window from Bastin’s room. He was deep in thought.

“What are you thinking?” Alice called, walking in with her cane.

“I’m thinking about… Nathaniel Thorne,” Xavier said, glancing at Alice briefly before turning to look past the trees. “I—”