The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 43

**Chapter 43: My Family**

When Serena and Xavier stepped into the expansive Rexam Advanced DNA Diagnostics Center, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The Vander family was already gathered, their collective energy palpable as they awaited her arrival.

The first figure that caught Serena’s eye was Silas Vander. Tall and fair-skinned, he stood with an air of quiet confidence. As Serena scrutinized him more closely, she noticed the striking similarity in their hazel eyes, a detail that sent a shiver of recognition through her. It struck her that the only notable difference lay in the contours of their faces. Silas’s features were sharply defined, almost regal, while her own were softer, more rounded, like a gentle embrace.

Xavier, standing beside her, had often described Silas as somewhat distant, a man who kept his emotions well-guarded. Yet, to Serena’s surprise, he offered her a genuine smile and said, “It’s nice to see you again, Serena.” His voice was warm, dispelling some of the tension that had been building within her.

Turning to Xavier, Silas added, “Mr. Dorian, I must say, your recent promotion was quite the unexpected surprise.” His tone was light, but there was a weight behind his words, as if he was acknowledging the complexity of their shared circumstances.

Suddenly, a quivering voice broke through the moment, full of emotion. “Is that her?” The question floated from behind Silas, trembling with anticipation.

Before Serena could fully process the situation, an older woman appeared, her likeness to Serena unmistakable. The resemblance was so strong that it made Serena’s heart race, tightening her chest with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

“Oh, my god,” the woman exclaimed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

She appeared to be in her late forties, yet her poise and grace made it difficult to determine her age. Her light brown hair, reminiscent of Serena’s own, was neatly styled into a bun, and her fair skin bore the same softness that Serena recognized in her own reflection. The same shade of hazel eyes sparkled with emotion, revealing a depth of feeling that transcended mere physical resemblance.

Despite the initial impression of youthfulness, Serena noticed the delicate lines around the woman’s eyes—lines etched by years of joy and sorrow alike.

Standing before this striking woman, Serena found herself momentarily speechless. Her lips parted, but the words she longed to say remained lodged in her throat.

“This is my mother, Celine Vander,” Silas introduced, his voice thick with unspoken emotion. There was a tremor in his throat, hinting at the vulnerability he was trying to conceal.

“She’s your sister, Silas! She is your sister! I can feel it in my bones!” Celine Vander cried, turning to Silas with a fervor that was both joyous and desperate.

In an unexpected rush, Celine enveloped Serena in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed, “My dear princess. We have been searching for you for over twenty-three years! I thought I would never see you again.”

Serena felt the weight of Celine’s emotions wash over her—a tempest of guilt, longing, and an unyielding frustration that tugged at her heartstrings.

“I had almost died after losing you, and not a single day goes by without me wondering where you have been, if you were still alive,” Celine whispered, her grip on Serena tightening with each passing moment.

Overwhelmed, Serena felt her own tears spill forth, unbidden. The bond that seemed to pulse between them was undeniable, a connection that transcended mere genetics, deeper than any test could ever hope to quantify.

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