The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 290

Forever Again.

“How often do you get headaches?” Doctor Weiss asked.

“It’s about three times a week,” Serena answered. “And admittedly, it doesn’t go away quickly after taking paracetamol. Sometimes, I have to rest.”

Doctor Weiss turned to Nathaniel.

Serena’s husband responded, “I am not letting her work. I swear, Doc. In fact, it’s the reason why we are in Velmon—with my entire family.”

Behind Nathaniel, Sebastian, and Alisa were playing with blocks that Doctor Weiss had given them.

It had been a month since the couple discovered they were expecting two babies. They knew they had to take care of the pregnancy, especially with Serena's condition.

Thus, they had spent almost a month making work endorsements so Noelle could temporarily carry on Serena’s responsibilities. At the same time, they had been packing, and Nathaniel wrapped up some pending work with Stonewatch.

Nathaniel wanted Serena to be closer to her doctors. They were also planning to stay in the mountains near Velmon for a while, living quietly, away from the city, because a calm and relaxing environment could help ease the demands on her body.

Her dear husband had hired a private occupational therapist for Alisa’s treatment, who could also tutor Sebastian.

Nathaniel could continue working remotely while staying in Velmon, with easy access to everything he needed.

As for Serena, her job was to think of nothing more than herself and their coming babies.

Nathaniel took her hand and said, “We’ve already agreed that she will take the remainder of her pregnancy off work, at least until we make a decision about the surgery.”

Serena nodded. Because the tumor wasn’t expected to resolve on its own, surgery became the most viable option. She had already accepted that. Her illness used to frighten her, but Nathaniel was always reassuring, insisting he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

His words became her affirmation, and she believed in them wholeheartedly.

“Actually, Doctor, I still have a very demanding task, like planning the babies’ room in Rexam, and deciding what they want to eat, because, damn, they are giving me crazy food cravings,” Serena cut in, and both men in the room laughed.

“That is indeed tough,” the doctor said, nodding. “But hopefully, time away from work will help you and the babies relax. It can make a difference. However, carrying twins places greater demands on the body, and in some cases, hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy can affect tumor behavior. That’s why regular check-ups are very important.”

“We will, Doctor,” Serena said, smiling.

Before heading to the mountains, they went to their previous marital home.

This was Serena’s second time being there, and her first time going inside since the divorce. It would also be the first time for the twins. On previous trips, they had always stayed at a hotel.

“Kids, this was Mommy and Daddy’s home before,” Nathaniel revealed. “I hope you like it here.”

Serena and the kids walked in. What she saw inside made her smile.

“Daddy, that’s us!” Alisa pointed to the portrait hanging on the wall.

A family photo taken at their wedding hung on one wall, with a newly framed wedding portrait displayed across from it.

By the TV stand, there were many picture frames of their entire family, from their first trip to the local theme park, to their succeeding vacations, up to their honeymoon trip.

“This is my favorite!” Alisa took one picture of herself and hugged it.

“I think this picture is the best!” Sebastian pointed to one of them at the Rexam Theme Park, where they were all making silly faces.

“From now on, this is our second home whenever we come here to Velmon,” Nathaniel declared. “Do you guys want to see your room?”

“Yes!” Sebastian exclaimed.

On the third day, they left for the Silverpine Mountain Resort. After settling into their cabin, Nathaniel took them out for a walk around the reforestation grounds.

Bianca did not come with them. She said she was too old to be exploring the mountains. But she loved the view, so she stayed back in her cabin.

As they walked, Serena smiled, relishing the scent of trees, the wind against her face, and the sight of green everywhere.

All of a sudden, Nathaniel slipped an arm around her and said in a low voice, “Don’t think I don’t know what you did to our tree.”

Serena blinked.

It took her a few seconds before she laughed. “What do you expect me to do, Nathan? You deserved to be erased from my life back then!”

“Shhh.” Nathaniel hissed. His handsome face grew complicated as he looked back at the kids running around the trees. “The kids will hear you.”

He guided her to the tree in question and said, “I’m sorry, love. I know that was my fault.”

Before Serena knew it, they were standing by the tree where she had completely carved off her name. Only Nathaniel’s name was left—scratched.

“The good thing about this tree is that it’s grown enough for us to carve into it again,” Nathaniel said. Then, with a faint smile, “Let’s write our names again, love, and carve our path properly this time. I’ll even pay the resort to ensure it survives any… acts of vengeance.”

Someone from the resort helped them peel off a layer of the trunk, allowing them to have a clean surface.

This time, Serena and Nathaniel carved their names again, and somehow, forever felt within their reach.

Nathan & Serena.

Forever.