The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 37

**Chapter 37: Missing**

The word hung in the air like an uninvited guest—missing.

As the clock struck seven in the evening, Nathaniel and Dennis made their way to the engagement party, their presence commanding attention even before they stepped through the grand entrance of the Velmon Grand Regency Hotel. Nathaniel, clad in a sleek black suit, exuded an air of authority and poise, while Dennis, in a soft beige suit, radiated a more approachable warmth. Together, they were a striking duo, but it was Nathaniel’s undeniable charisma that drew the most gazes.

Whispers floated through the crowd like leaves caught in a gentle breeze.

“Is that Nathaniel Thorne? I can’t believe how handsome he is in person,” one voice remarked, her tone laced with awe.

“Vanessa is incredibly lucky. They’re together, right?” another chimed in, a hint of envy coloring her words.

“Dennis Mercer is quite the catch too,” someone else added, as they watched the two friends approach.

Navigating through the elegantly decorated venue, Nathaniel and Dennis soon reached the front-row tables where the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Bianca, Nathaniel’s mother, stood to greet them, her expression a mixture of relief and mild irritation.

“Nathan, how could you arrive late? You know how important this celebration is to the Holts,” she reprimanded, her hands on her hips.

“Apologies, Mother,” Nathaniel replied, glancing at Dennis with a hint of a smile. “Dennis needed my assistance with a few things.”

Bianca’s gaze darted to Dennis, who cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to suppress a sheepish grin. “Sorry, Aunt,” he said, his voice slightly strained.

“You, Timothy, and Peter are all the same. Always relying on Nathan,” Bianca continued, shaking her head in mock exasperation. “Did you bring gifts?”

With a slight flourish, Nathaniel raised a paper bag. “Here you go.”

Dennis followed suit, displaying his own present. “I brought mine too, Mrs. Thorne.”

“Fantastic! Now, let’s go greet the Holts,” Bianca urged, her excitement palpable.

As they made their way to the front of the venue, the Holts were busy welcoming newly arrived guests, showering them with gifts and congratulations. Nathaniel’s other friends, Peter Wells and Timothy Harlow, were mingling nearby, their laughter mingling with the festive atmosphere.

Vanessa spotted them almost immediately, her bright gray eyes sparkling with delight. “Nathan, you made it!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing with genuine happiness.

“Of course he would,” Bianca interjected, her tone lightening. “We wouldn’t miss this celebration for the world.”

With a warm smile, Vanessa gestured towards the celebrants. “Nathan, Aunt Bianca, I’d like you to meet my cousin, Delilah Holt, and her fiancé, Helbert Martinez.”

“Delilah, Helbert, this is Nathan,” Vanessa introduced, her smile radiant. “And this is Aunt Bianca, Nathan’s mother, and Dennis, his best friend.”

Nathaniel extended his hand toward Delilah and Helbert, his voice steady. “Congratulations on your engagement. We’re looking forward to celebrating your wedding.”

This moment was monumental for the Holts, as the Martinez family held significant influence in Velmon City. A union between the Holts and the Martinezes was not just a personal milestone; it represented a powerful alliance. Though not as affluent as Nathaniel, the Martinez family wielded considerable sway in the community.

“Thank you, Nathan, for joining us,” Delilah replied, her smile genuine. She turned to Vanessa, curiosity glinting in her eyes. “So, how are you and Nathan getting along? Any exciting news?”

“Oh, Delilah, let’s not go there,” Vanessa chuckled, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “Nathan and I are just friends. He’s helping me with my career, and I’m assisting him with Aunt Bianca.”

Vanessa laughed lightly before turning to Nathaniel. “I’m sorry, Nathan. It’s just what the media keeps saying about us.”

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