The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 31

**Chapter 31: Find Alice**

**Find Alice.**

“Nathan.” The voice broke through the chaos, and Mrs. Hartley was the first to call his name, her tone laced with desperation. She rushed towards him, her eyes wide with fear, pleading, “Nathan, please help us find Alice. Please.”

Alice’s mother was on the verge of collapsing, her hands trembling as they gripped Nathaniel’s coat. Tears streamed down her face, and it was clear she was barely holding herself together.

“Mrs. Hartley,” Nathaniel said, his voice steady but filled with urgency, “I’ve reached out to everyone I could think of. More teams are already on their way.”

His gaze remained fixed, unwavering, not just on Lena’s quaking hands but also on the ominous darkness of the river that loomed below. The genuine concern etched on his face conveyed to Serena that this was no mere act; he was deeply invested in the search for Alice.

“Nathan, we truly appreciate your help,” Alice’s father, Bernard, said, his voice trembling as he placed a reassuring hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “We will find a way to repay you, somehow.”

“There’s no need for that,” Nathaniel replied firmly, his expression resolute. “Finding Alice is what matters most right now.”

Alice’s brother stood silently nearby, his eyes filled with unspoken dread, yet he nodded in acknowledgment of Nathaniel’s presence.

The Hartleys were familiar with Nathaniel; he had been a guest in their home on several occasions, celebrating Alice’s birthdays and attending various family gatherings.

Serena couldn’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and confusion. It was commendable that Nathaniel wanted to help, but it baffled her that he would do so considering his desire for a divorce and his intention to sever ties with her.

“Sir, food and water have arrived,” a voice called out, breaking the tension.

Serena turned to see Gavin approaching, and she was surprised to realize she hadn’t even noticed which vehicle he had come from.

Tents had been hastily set up along the roadside, providing a semblance of comfort for Serena and the Hartleys while the search continued. They served as temporary shelters for police officers and volunteers involved in the operation, a small oasis amidst the chaos.

As the hours dragged on, the clock struck three in the morning, and still, there was no sign of survivors. The grim reality set in when one lifeless body was recovered, but it was so charred that identification was impossible.

Nathaniel approached Serena at the tent, his demeanor calm yet urgent. “You need to get some rest. Please, just try to rest,” he urged, concern etched on his face.

Serena wrapped her coat tighter around herself, seeking warmth and comfort. She met Nathaniel’s piercing blue-gray gaze, and the worry written all over his features made her heart ache. Tears spilled over as she whispered, “Thank you for helping.”

He nodded, his voice soft yet firm. “You really need to rest.”

Just then, more reinforcements arrived. Nathaniel explained, “These are private search and rescue teams equipped with underwater and thermal scanning technology. They should yield better results. Please, get some rest. Let me handle the search.”

Serena’s heart felt like a heavy stone, but she recognized the need to close her eyes, if only for the sake of her pregnancy. She nodded slowly and made her way to an empty tent that had a makeshift bed. To her relief, she found Alice’s mother resting there as well.

Initially, as she lay down, tears streamed down her cheeks. She prayed fervently for Alice’s safety, her mind racing with thoughts.

*Maybe she managed to escape the car.*

*Perhaps she was swept downstream, clinging to hope.*

*Alice is a strong swimmer,* Serena thought desperately. *She could have fought through the current.*

Eventually, exhaustion overtook her, and as her eyelids grew heavy, her hands remained clasped together, still hoping against hope.

***

Morning broke, bringing with it a sense of foreboding.

Serena awoke, the same sinking dread weighing heavily on her heart. Just as she was about to step outside, Nathaniel entered the tent. His hair was tousled, sleeves rolled up, yet somehow he exuded a sense of calm and striking presence that seemed almost unfair.

He seemed surprised to find her awake and cleared his throat, attempting to mask his own fatigue. “Serena, you should eat something for breakfast.”

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