The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 279

Something Is Wrong.

“So, how did it all go down?” Serena asked.

They were walking around, from one boutique to another, and Serena thought it was the best time to ask.

Alice flushed. She looked at Xavier, who was paying for Claire’s clothes. Then she whispered into Serena’s ear. She told her the whole story.

“What?” Serena’s eyes widened. “You mean to tell me it all started with one horny night?”

Alice laughed her heart out. “Can you lower your voice?”

Thank God no one could hear, and Nathaniel had gone to the nearest pharmacy.

Alice and Serena were in one section of the boutique, sitting down. Alice sucked in a deep breath and revealed, “Well, to be honest, I had liked Xavier since we were in college.”

“Even while you were in a relationship?” Serena asked, leaning back, because Alice did have a long-time boyfriend.

“Yes, and no,” Alice said. “I liked Xavier, but I never crossed that line. I did love my ex, unfortunately.”

“I never pursued those feelings for Xavier because I had always known he liked you,” Alice explained.

Serena fell silent. She said, “I’m sorry. I wished you had told me.”

"If I had told you, you would have pushed me to Xavier, and he'd drift away," Alice pointed out.

"That's a possibility," Serena nodded.

“But it’s different now,” Alice declared.

“Actually, I might have noticed the shift,” Alice continued. “Those late nights we’ve been spending together, the recent trips to the hospital—I noticed the change in the way he treated me.”

“It was like a subtle acknowledgment of what we could be if we were a couple,” Alice added.

“Yeah, like he’d call you a lover,” Serena said, smiling.

“Or when he casually talks about having a family with me,” Alice went on. “Lately, every time our hands met, it felt like something more was there. I can’t explain it. All I knew was that something had been changing between us.”

Serena was already in tears. “I know I cried over this already, but I’m just so happy. I’m happy that Xavier has you, and I’m happy that you are in his good hands. I can’t ask for anything more for my two best friends.”

Alice also wept. She was touched by Serena’s sincere words. “And I’m happy that you are here, always supporting me.”

The two friends embraced, and when they pulled away, Nathaniel had returned with a bottle of water and a pill.

“Here, love. This is safe for pregnant women,” Nathaniel said, handing a bag to Serena.

“What’s that?” Alice asked.

“Oh, I had a headache when I woke up,” Serena replied before taking her medication.

“Didn’t you get that checked?” Alice asked.

“I went to a doctor,” Serena assured her. “I was told it could be a migraine.”

“Because initially, doctors don’t look too deeply during the first consultation. They usually prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms and ask you to observe,” Nathaniel reminded her. “But since you’re still having headaches now and then, it’s time to go back. Better yet, come with me to Velmon, where the best doctors are on my team.”

“Yes, Serena, you should listen to your husband,” Alice suggested.

“But you said you are going to handle the expansion of Stonewatch,” Serena pointed out, referring to Norman’s company. “I have a friend who is a neurologist, love. She just returned from abroad. We can see her when we return.”

He didn’t linger, nor did he extend any invitation. It was clear that he only meant to say hi.

After he left, Claire said, “He is not so bad.”

“Yeah,” Xavier nodded. “He isn’t at all.”

***

Serena and Nathaniel left Cedar City with Claire the very next day.

Xavier and Alice remained for a few more days to finalize contracts. By the time they returned to Rexam, it was already Thursday.

Alice was at the office, organizing Xavier’s files when Serena walked in.

Her eyes were red, and her body was shaking.

“Alice, what do I do?” Serena asked. She immediately hugged Alice and said, “Something is wrong with me. What should I do? The kids are still so young. Nathan—why?”

The way Serena cried made Alice nervous.

Her best friend was panicking.

Alice's heart drummed loudly against her ribcage. She cupped Serena’s face and said, “Calm down. Tell me everything that happened.”

They sat down on the sofa.

Serena took deep breaths, but the tears kept falling. “Alice, I—”