The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 190

Serena’s Answer.

“What do you think of my new design?” Serena asked, showing Nathaniel her latest design for the AI-powered massage chair.

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes as he accepted the design. He flipped through it while giving Serena side glances of betrayal.

“You don’t look like a powerful CEO right now. You look like a sulking lover,” she commented.

How could he not sulk?

First, she accepted the ring — but said she wasn’t ready to get married.

She took the sparkle but rejected the paperwork.

Serena signed up for… a free trial. It was like being engaged… spiritually.

Second, she took the morning-after pill.

Get it?

The. Morning. After. Pill.

In other words, she enjoyed the event but declined the sequel.

The only consolation he got was that Serena agreed to stay with him throughout the weekend. The kids would stay as well.

Nathaniel heaved a sigh. He did not respond and instead reviewed the details of the new design.

“It’s solid,” he said. “It has potential for both commercial spa deployment and private residential sales.”

“You could create tiered packages for wholesale buyers and partner with credit card companies to offer installment plans for private customers,” he added.

Serena smiled. She took back the proposal and kissed his cheek before stuffing it into her bag.

She initiated. That had to mean something, right?

His gaze landed on the ring on her finger.

It fit her perfectly.

From being bitter and sulking, Nathaniel’s heart softened. He pulled Serena into a hug and said, “Anything for you, Love.”

She smiled again. Then she pulled out several folders. “I need help with these.”

They were at her office, determined to make up for lost time because… of the long quickie they had at his house.

It was the first time Nathaniel walked into VanderMed Technologies. Naturally, the employees were curious about him and why he was casually walking into the office without a visitor’s pass.

He caught the stares and the whispers, but as far as Nathaniel knew, only Serena’s assistant knew who he was. And of course, Silas.

Serena and Nathaniel worked on her documents until seven in the evening.

He and Serena walked out of the office together with some employees who had worked overtime. Helene followed behind them.

One executive-looking employee dared to ask Serena, “Miss Vander, may we know who your special guest is?”

Nathaniel was liking this version of Serena’s brother.

***

The next day, Serena and Nathaniel attended a Family Integration Session at the therapy center with the kids.

The session hall had been converted into an activity area, a space for families to mingle with one another.

Many of the other parents were surprised to see Serena and Nathaniel attending together, even more so by how seamlessly they worked together during the activities.

Serena noticed how naturally Nathaniel slipped into leadership. He guided the children through each task, breaking instructions into simple steps, steadying Ali when she hesitated, and boosting Bastin’s confidence when he rushed ahead. Other families began watching them, quietly mirroring his approach.

As a family, they won the obstacle course, the balloon relay game, the scavenger hunt, and even the sack race!

For winning four out of five games, they received the “Family Teamwork Award.”

But to Serena, the most touching moment was during the family therapeutic bonding exercise.

The activities gradually slowed, and the laughter in the hall settled into softer chitchat. A therapist stepped forward, clapping her hands gently to gather attention.

“Alright, families,” she called warmly. “Let’s come together for our final bonding activity.”

The children were guided to sit in small circles on the foam mats. Parents followed, forming groups of four or five families per circle.

Serena and Nathaniel sat opposite each other at first, with Ali between them, and Bastin scooting close to Nathaniel’s side.