The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 216

Upgrading the Relationship.

“Nathan, who are those people?” Serena asked, pointing to the group of protestors outside the military camp.

“They are probably people Marcus Caldwell paid to cause trouble for the ceremony,” Nathaniel replied, referring to Norman’s stepson.

Nathaniel did not have to do anything to the Caldwells. Norman did all the work. Nathaniel had intended to help put the Caldwells in their places, but his grandfather said it was his responsibility to bear.

“Norman’s stepson has been arrested for bribery, healthcare fraud, and extortion,” Nathaniel revealed. “His family is stirring trouble, hoping to shift public opinion, but that’s all they can do. Norman and I have gathered enough evidence to put Marcus in jail.”

“And since Norman has disowned him, he won’t hold up much longer. Most of his assets have been frozen due to the charges against him,” Nathaniel added.

Serena turned to Nathaniel with a worried expression. “I hope he and his family won’t cause any trouble for us.”

Nathaniel winked at her. “He’s a small fry. Nothing I can’t handle.”

A chuckle left his lips, his arm draping over her shoulders. “Let’s go, love. There is a special lunch gathering at the camp's pavilion. I’m starving.”

Then he pressed his lips near her ear, whispering, “But, to be honest, I’d rather eat you.”

“Stop,” she said, rolling her eyes. “There are people around.”

Not far from the parade ground, a large pavilion had been set up for the luncheon. The white canopy stretched across the lawn, with tall poles wrapped in ribbons in the camp’s colors. Beneath it, round banquet tables covered in crisp white linens were decorated with small red, white, and blue floral centerpieces.

A long buffet table stood along one side, attended by uniformed staff, while waiters moved among the guests carrying trays of drinks. Military banners lined the pavilion, and soldiers stood at ease along the perimeter.

The atmosphere was both celebratory and dignified, a fitting reception for the unveiling of Fort Neal Collins.

Nathaniel and the Vanders exchanged words with many military officials and businessmen who had ties with service members. For a while now, Norman had been proposing that Sterling take over a project meant for the military.

But apart from formal talks, officers who had served under Norman were also interested in Nathaniel’s life.

While being introduced to the current general, General Douglas Whitaker, Norman said, “This is Serena, Nathan’s—”

He was confused about how to introduce Serena. Norman ended up turning to Nathaniel. “When are you going to get married?”

The current general laughed at Norman’s words. He said to Nathaniel, “So, Nathan, where does your relationship stand?”

Their table was composed mostly of Serena's family, plus the kids and Bianca. Noelle was also there. Next to them were the Hartleys.

Nathaniel cleared his throat and smiled at the current general. “General Whitaker.”

He stood and shook the general’s hand again. “I have been through several titles. From ex-husband, full-time dad, obsessed suitor, secret lover. We have recently upgraded to being in love again.”

Nathaniel added with confidence, “I’m currently working my way back up the ladder, hoping to achieve the husband title again this year.”

Serena’s lips twitched.

Celine laughed her heart out while Bianca put her hands together and prayed.

The kids did not know what was happening, but they mimicked their Grandma Bianca and also prayed.

At the next table, the Hartleys were also amused.

“I’m kinda afraid of heights, so I think I’ll pass,” Noelle said, grimacing at the thought of hopping into a helicopter.

“You beat me in national math competitions, but a helicopter is where you surrender?” Silas said. “Relax. Unlike Brian, this machine was actually built to function properly. Hop on.”

Nathaniel earnestly thought it was only Silas’s way of helping Noelle forget her troubles, but little did he know his brother-in-law had ulterior motives.

They ended up on the same helicopter.

Noelle was indeed slightly afraid of heights, and Silas Vander seemed to enjoy that fact far too much.

From where they sat, Nathaniel and Serena noticed how tightly Noelle clung to Silas once the helicopter lifted.

“Promise me you won’t let me go,” Noelle said, gripping his arm.

“Mmm,” Silas replied calmly, placing an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t worry. I got you.”

Serena leaned closer to Nathaniel and whispered, “Are you seeing this right now?”

"I have a feeling, Silas will buy a helicopter soon enough," Nathaniel remarked, and Serena burst out laughing.

Later in the afternoon, Silas did the unthinkable.

They were returning to Rexam rather late. Only Serena, Bianca and the kids were staying at Greyhold overnight with Nathaniel.

Silas suggested to the rest of the group, "How about we take a chopper on the way back to Rexam? It's seriously efficient."