The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 283

Uncertain Findings.

“I felt so pressured. It wasn’t like Hermione at all… no,” Serena said, shaking her head. “That wasn’t normal. Doctors don’t push decisions like that.”

“It felt like she was trying to corner me into a decision,” Serena added. “Thirty percent chance of survival? How can I accept that?”

She sighed, and then a tear rolled down her face. “But I did see the imaging and the results. It read—”

Serena accessed the results online again and read, “Well-defined extra-axial mass consistent with meningioma.”

“Honestly, the fear came rushing to me,” Serena admitted. “What if something goes wrong and my kids won’t—”

She couldn’t even finish the sentence.

Alice immediately embraced her. “Don’t think that. Nathan won’t let anything happen to you.”

Her best friend was crying with her too.

“Let’s take a look at the results together,” Alice said after pulling away.

They settled on the couch, reviewing everything.

The two best friends researched on their own. What they discovered was not consistent. Some sources suggested surgery, while others said it wasn’t urgent. But one article clearly suggested that pregnancy could accelerate its growth, resulting in more risks.

At that moment, Serena’s phone rang.

When she looked at her phone, she saw it was Hermione.

Serena chose not to answer it.

A text came through, and she read it.

Hermione: [Serena, I’m just concerned about you. Please see me as soon as possible. If you are concerned about Nathan’s feelings, we can keep the results a secret from him.]

Serena frowned. She chose to ignore Hermione’s texts completely.

She wasn’t going to keep this from Nathaniel, because if anyone could help her now, it was him.

Nathaniel had all the resources in the country for neurological disorders. He built that research institute for Bianca, and now it might be of good use to her.

“Where’s Nathan right now?” Alice asked.

“He’s coming home. I haven’t told him about the results,” Serena responded.

Just then, Xavier walked in on them. Seeing the sadness on their faces, he asked, “What’s going on?”

It was because of the results that Xavier and Alice went with Serena to the Vanders's estate. Silas and Noelle had already moved to the penthouse, but they still came over upon hearing what happened to Serena.

Nathaniel arrived just in time to learn the truth.

Everyone looked heartbroken.

They had to separate the children, leaving them in Bianca’s care while they talked it out. Theo was with them too.

“I’m taking you to Velmon immediately,” Nathaniel declared. His hands were firm as he gestured. “I’m going to let the best doctors look into this. We will decide based on the best available options.”

“A meningioma is typically benign,” Nathaniel explained. “The danger lies in its growth and the pressure it places on surrounding brain structures.”

Noelle said, “Serena, you’ve been through so much, and you have given so much for your kids. I’m pretty sure this illness won’t stop you either.”

“I agree,” Alice said. It was her turn to hug Serena. “You are the strongest woman I know. You overcame Victor. You can overcome this.”

As for Xavier, he did not say much, but he embraced Serena so tightly that it felt more powerful than words.

That night, Serena packed her things. She stayed with Nathaniel.

As they were preparing for bed, she said to him, “Nathan? What if we put the wedding on hold? Let’s just wait until this is all over.”

Nathaniel froze. He turned to Serena and put his arm around her, then pulled her into a warm embrace. “Never.”

“Marrying you is the only thing I want in this world. No matter what happens, the wedding will push through. I want to be your husband,” he declared.

“But, but—” Serena did not want to sound negative, but she also wanted to be practical. “What if… if anything happens to me, I’d want you to be free.”

He held her tighter. “No what-ifs. I want to be your husband forever. I will be the person you can lean on, and I will stand by you through this.”

“I would not want to be free,” Nathaniel said. “I’ve waited so long to find you. How dare you push me away because of a benign tumor? That’s not going to happen, you hear me? Never.”

“I’m sorry,” Serena cried. “I did not mean to sound negative. I’m just a bit afraid.”

“It’s normal for you to feel that way,” he said, pulling away. He cupped Serena’s face. “But I swear to you, my love, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Nathaniel’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I love you too much. I want us to grow old together and have grandkids. Remember that.”

“I love you too, Nathan,” Serena cried. “I love you so much. Thank you for loving me the way you do.”