The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 283

Obsession Unmasked.

The wedding would be held in Rexam. It was what Serena wanted, and Nathaniel wanted to honor her wishes as well as her parents’.

After the consultation with his best doctors, Nathaniel and Serena lingered in Velmon for three days. Nathaniel attended several meetings, but even so, Serena came with him, sometimes as a quiet observer, but sometimes giving input herself.

In between, they made phone calls with the wedding planner.

On the fourth day, they returned to Rexam. They went straight to the gown fitting first.

Yes, Serena’s condition was serious, but Nathaniel did not want her to feel any of it. He continued with their daily routine as if nothing was wrong. He even continued to please her in bed, but with caution now.

“Love, I’m done with the fitting,” Serena said behind him.

When Nathaniel turned, he frowned. “Where? Why didn’t you let me see?”

“You are not supposed to see,” Serena chuckled. “But the gown is perfect. I’m glad the designer was able to accommodate our rush order.”

“Did the jewelry set look good with the gown?” he asked. Nathaniel had already bought a diamond necklace and earring set, accented with sapphires. It would match perfectly with her two engagement rings, whichever she would like to wear on the big day.

Serena beamed. She wrapped her arms around him and said, “They were perfect. Thank you.”

She leaned in for a kiss, and he granted her wish. Nathaniel even twirled her to the other side before dipping her for dramatic effect.

Serena laughed after that, and so did he.

Just then, Serena’s phone buzzed.

She immediately recognized the time and frowned.

Nathaniel took her phone and said, “It’s time, love.”

“Yeah,” she said.

He took her hand and asked, “Do you trust me to take care of it?”

“Of course, love. I will leave you to it. I don't want to get stressed over her,” she said. “I’ll go pick up the kids. If you need anything, contact Milo instead.”

Nathaniel nodded. Outside the bridal shop, the couple took two different cars. When Nathaniel entered his vehicle, he checked Serena’s phone, his eyes narrowing. He read the recent message.

Hermione: [I’m so glad you decided on the abortion. I’m waiting at my clinic so we can discuss it.]

Nathaniel replied: [I’ll be there.]

Hermione: [Did you tell Nathan?]

Nathaniel replied, still using Serena’s phone: [No.]

Hermione: [Good. It’s for the best. Don’t worry. I will be the one to explain things to Nathan. I’ll take care of you. And he will understand.]

***

Hermione’s eyes sparkled as she read Serena’s texts.

She knew it was wrong, but she could not help herself.

Thus, Hermione formulated a plan. She would convince Serena to undergo an abortion, and after that, she would wash her hands of it.

Hermione meant to tell Nathaniel that it was Serena’s decision, that she did not want the child.

When that happened, she already pictured Nathaniel hating Serena. And she would be there to offer words of advice and comfort him.

She was worried that her plan would not work, but thankfully, Serena came to her senses and answered her texts yesterday.

As Hermione sat behind her desk, her heart raced. She muttered, “I’m sorry, Serena, but you were in my way. I have to take you out of the competition.”

Her phone buzzed. When she checked it, she saw it was Serena. The text read: [I’m here. Be ready.]

A cold laugh escaped her lips. She said to herself, “Oh, I’m ready. I don’t know about you.”

It did not take long before Hermione heard a knock on her clinic door. She smiled, calling Serena in, “Come in.”

But much to her shock, the person who walked in was Nathaniel Thorne.

Military officers followed behind him. One soldier stepped forward with a warrant, saying, “You are under arrest for falsification of medical records, fraud, bribery, coercion, and attempted serious bodily harm.”

“You paid the hospital’s radiologist to exaggerate Serena’s MRI findings,” Nathaniel pointed out. “He tried to pressure Serena into getting an abortion and surgery. Because of that, you are not getting away.”

His voice turned lethal. “I assure you, your license will be revoked.”

Blood drained from her face. This wasn’t the dream she had been longing for.