The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 233

The Million Dollar Visit.

“He isn’t talking yet, but don’t worry, Brother, I’m going to make him talk,” Nathaniel said on the phone. He was referring to Ricardo Silva, the employee at Rexam Grand Hotel who mysteriously resigned the day after Silas got drugged.

“Thank you, Nathan. I appreciate you doing everything you can,” Silas said. “We might be on to something. We are going to check an orphanage in Port Arcliff.”

After the call ended, Silas explained to Noelle, “My assistant already contacted the orphanage and told them we’re coming. They believe we are a couple about to get married and looking to adopt a child. Since we don’t know what arrangement they have with Brian, it’s safer if they think we’re there as potential adoptive parents rather than searching for our son.”

“I suppose you are right, but won’t that raise suspicion? Usually those who adopt are people who struggle with fertility—older married couples,” Noelle asked.

“My assistant told them I would be giving a million-dollar donation after finding a child to adopt. That got their attention quickly. So I guess it doesn’t matter whether we are married or not,” Silas said.

“Okay,” Noelle said. She took several deep breaths while looking out at the road. “Silas, I hope this is it.”

He took her hand and held it. “I hope so too.”

It did not take long for them to arrive at the institution.

Port Arcliff Children’s Haven was a modest two-story building on the quieter side of the city. The paint on its walls had faded with time, but the place was clean and well-kept. A small playground stood in the yard, where a few swings and a slide showed signs of years of use.

The surrounding neighborhood was simple. There were rows of old houses, and a small grocery store on the corner.

A female worker met Silas and Noelle at the gates.

“Mr. Vander,” the woman said. “My name is Lorelie. I’m one of the staff members of this center. We are so excited to welcome you here.”

They shook hands before Lorelie continued, “Actually, we just had an open house, and normally we don’t schedule abrupt visits, but for the Vander family, we are open to anything.”

“Please, come this way,” Lorelie said.

Introductions were made as they walked. Lorelie explained their facilities, their sponsors, and how the kids were being educated.

“Some of these kids run away,” Lorelie said. “It’s better that they are homeschooled. That way it’s easier for us to monitor them.”

They had already made it inside.

There was a huge welcome area where kids ranging from three to seven years old were waiting for them.

“This is our waiting area, where parents who want to adopt a child often meet our kids,” Lorelie said. She glanced at a woman in her early fifties and introduced her. “This is our director, Miss Paula.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vander,” Paula greeted and shook Silas’s hand. She turned to Noelle and also extended her hand. “And miss?”

“Rowan. Noelle Rowan,” Noelle said before shaking Paula’s hand.

“You both are a lovely couple. Mr. Vander is so handsome, and Noelle is so pretty,” Paula commented. But quickly she paused. “But… are you really a couple?”

Instinctively, Noelle and Silas leaned in. Silas put his arm around her waist and said, “We are. Sorry if it doesn’t look that way. We have been very tired.”

“Yes,” Noelle confirmed. “Work.”

She looked at Silas with a smile on her face, and before she knew it, the man leaned in to kiss her lips.

Noelle, “…”

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