The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 52

**Chapter 52: Welcome Home II**

Nestled to the side was a spacious walk-in closet, its shelves already brimming with a delightful array of new, sophisticated clothing. As Celine surveyed the vibrant fabrics, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, reminding her of the countless outfits Nathaniel had lovingly selected for her over the years.

“I was absolutely thrilled when I went shopping,” Celine confessed, a hand fluttering to her mouth in a playful gesture of surprise. “I might have gone a little overboard.” She turned to Serena, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Tomorrow, we’ll try on all your clothes, especially the maternity ones. Don’t worry, we can always swap sizes if something doesn’t fit just right.”

Serena felt a warmth spread through her chest, deeply touched by her mother’s thoughtfulness. “Thank you, Mom. I really love everything,” she replied, her voice soft and sincere.

As she stepped further into the room, she caught a glimpse of Xavier, then turned her gaze back to her family, a smile blossoming on her face. “The room is absolutely gorgeous,” she marveled, taking in the elegant decor and the welcoming atmosphere.

Once she had placed her luggage neatly to one side, the family gathered around the long dining table, which was laden with a feast that looked almost too beautiful to eat. It was a moment of reconnection, a chance to share stories and laughter as they began to weave their lives together once more.

“Your mom is fifty-one,” Sterling announced, breaking the ice with a grin.

“No way!” Serena exclaimed, leaning back in her chair, her eyes wide with disbelief. “I always thought she was around forty-six or something,” she joked, chuckling at her own misjudgment.

Sterling took Celine’s hand in his, a loving gesture that spoke volumes. “You and your brother inherited that youthful glow from your mother. She’s not just beautiful; she’s kind and nurturing too,” he said, his gaze warm and affectionate. “That’s why I love her so much.”

Serena watched in awe as her mother’s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. Celine met her husband’s gaze, her eyes shimmering with love. “And I love you so much,” she replied, her voice thick with emotion.

“And your dad is still quite young at heart,” Celine added with a playful smile. “He’s fifty-seven, but those gray hairs are just a testament to all those years he spent working tirelessly.”

Curiosity sparked in Serena’s eyes. “How did you two meet, Mom? Dad?” she asked, eager to uncover the story behind their love.

“This should be interesting,” Silas chimed in, taking a hearty bite of chicken as he leaned back, ready to listen.

Xavier leaned in closer, his interest piqued.

Sterling cleared his throat, a hint of nostalgia in his expression. “We were introduced through your grandparents,” he admitted, a touch of vulnerability in his voice.

“Oh,” Serena said, her brow furrowing slightly as she processed this revelation.

“But even though our marriage was arranged for practicality, we found love during our engagement,” Celine interjected, her eyes sparkling with fond memories. “I had just met your father, and he was so incredibly charismatic. Who could resist falling for him?”

As Celine spoke, a soft blush crept across her cheeks, and Serena couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with happiness.

However, a flicker of sadness tugged at Serena’s heart as she thought of Nathaniel. She blinked rapidly, forcing herself to push those thoughts away. ‘I have to forget him,’ she reminded herself, redirecting her focus back to her parents. “I’m really glad you both found love in each other,” she said earnestly.

“Yes,” Silas chimed in, his handsome smile infectious. “We’re heading abroad to your mother’s homeland, the Novara Isles.”

“But before that, we want to celebrate your return,” Sterling added, his tone shifting to one of anticipation. “Just a small gathering with family, close friends, and our business partners. We’ve already set the date for next Friday. Then, we’ll leave the following Saturday.”

Serena’s gaze caught her father’s momentary hesitation. “Serena, we’ve decided not to announce your return to the public just yet. Our friends and business partners will be informed, but we’re keeping the media out of it for now. Given that we’re planning to file a case against Victor, we don’t want to alert any of his associates who might be connected to your kidnapping.”

Serena nodded slowly, understanding the weight of their decision. “I completely understand,” she replied, her heart heavy with the implications.

She wasn’t quite ready for the entire world to know about her return. What if Nathaniel found out? The mere thought sent a shiver down her spine. Would he come looking for her?

But even more terrifying was the notion that he might not care at all.

“I’m here to help in any way I can,” Xavier declared resolutely. “I’ll dedicate the next month to ensuring that Serena can reclaim the last twenty-four years of her life, even if it means living in the office.”

That afternoon, Xavier excused himself, leaving Serena to bask in the warmth of her family’s love.

As evening descended, the Vanders shared a video with Serena that stirred a torrent of emotions within her, bringing tears to her eyes as she watched the moments captured on screen, each frame resonating with memories and feelings she had yet to fully confront.