The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 55

**Chapter 54: Family Heirloom**

“To those who have journeyed alongside us, sharing in our joys and our sorrows, you understand the profound significance of this day,” Sterling proclaimed with a commanding presence atop the platform. Time had etched its marks on his once youthful visage, yet the warmth in his gaze spoke volumes of a father’s unwavering love and dedication toward his long-lost daughter, Serena.

“These past few days have felt nothing short of miraculous,” he continued, a smile breaking across his face like the dawn of a new day. “Join me in welcoming our beloved daughter, Serena Vander, back into our lives.”

Celine, standing proudly by Serena’s side, added with a glimmer of emotion in her hazel eyes, “She embodies strength, courage, and beauty—everything we ever prayed for.” Her soft, motherly smile radiated warmth, enveloping Serena in a cocoon of affection.

Silas, tall and handsome, stood with an air of pride that was unmistakable. “At last, we have found the missing piece of our family puzzle,” he declared, his voice resonating with joy.

“And she returns to us bearing the precious gift of life—two grandchildren on the way,” Sterling announced, his face alight with happiness. “We could not be more thrilled.”

Celine’s voice rang out suddenly, surprising Serena, “And upon our daughter’s return, we present her with one of the cherished Ellison family heirlooms.” Serena’s heart raced; her mother had never mentioned such a thing before.

With a graceful movement, Celine unveiled a stunning bracelet, its rich green hue capturing the attention of all present. “This is imperial jade, a treasure that has been cherished for centuries. It is one of the rarest pieces in existence, and it has always been destined for my daughter.”

Gasps filled the air, and eyes widened in astonishment.

Serena, well-acquainted with the allure of special stones, knew that century-old imperial jade could command prices starting at five million dollars. The value of this particular piece was undoubtedly even higher.

For a fleeting moment, she hesitated to accept the bangle, but as she caught the glimmer of emotion in Celine’s eyes, she slipped it onto her wrist without a second thought. “Thank you, Mother,” she said, her voice thick with gratitude.

“And from the Vanders,” Sterling chimed in, his face breaking into a grin as he rummaged through his pocket. “I present to you my mother’s ruby ring, a treasured heirloom that has been passed down to every eldest daughter.”

He chuckled lightly, a twinkle in his eye. “Fortunately for me, I was an only child.”

Serena felt a twinge of guilt and turned to Silas, who laughed heartily and reassured her, “Don’t fret, Sis. The firstborn son inherits the heirlooms.”

“Oh,” she exhaled, a shaky breath escaping her lips as relief washed over her.

A wave of applause erupted, filling the room with a chorus of appreciation.

Serena’s heart swelled with joy as she glanced at her hand, where the ruby ring now sat, a dazzling reminder of her newfound identity, replacing the memories she had shared with Nathaniel, if only for a moment. It was almost as if she could forget that she was carrying his children.

Shaking off thoughts of Nathaniel, she turned her attention to the clapping guests, offering a smile in Xavier’s direction before returning her gaze to her parents.

Thanks to her heartfelt introduction, Serena found it easy to engage with the guests around her. The Vander name commanded respect, and she was greeted with the kind of admiration typically reserved for royalty.

Silas’s friends complimented her beauty, while her father’s colleagues marveled at her academic pursuits in a field closely tied to the family business, impressed even further by her background in clinical research.

Sterling beamed with pride, declaring, “For the time being, she will serve as a consultant for the company, but once she welcomes her little ones into the world, my daughter will take on a more significant role within the company.”

“We eagerly anticipate it,” the executives replied, their enthusiasm palpable.

Celine’s social circle, moved to tears upon meeting Serena in person, clearly understood the depth of Celine’s pain over the years.

Turning to Serena, he continued, “Serena, this is your uncle. He is my half-brother, Melvin Vander.”

The term ‘half-brother’ echoed in Serena’s mind, sending ripples of realization through her thoughts.

She recalled her father’s mention of his mother’s early passing, how Sterling’s father had later become involved with another woman, although he never married her. Melvin Vander was the product of that union, a connection she had never expected to discover.

“I-I…” Melvin stammered, still in shock. “I can’t believe it.”

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Melvin enveloped Serena in a warm embrace. “Thank the heavens you’ve been found. You have no idea how hard I tried to assist Sterling in the search for you.”

***

Meanwhile, in Velmon City, Nathaniel sat at his desk, his brow furrowed as he scrutinized the evidence laid out before him.

Photographs, testimonies, and forensic reports cluttered the surface, painting a picture of potential foul play, yet lacking the concrete proof he desperately sought.

“What do you think we should do, Mr. Thorne?” Gavin inquired, breaking the heavy silence.

Nathaniel rubbed his temples, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. After a long, contemplative gaze out the window, he turned to Gavin with a resolute expression. “Contact Mr. White from the Bureau of Protective Services. We need to ensure her and her family’s safety by placing them under witness protection. Better safe than sorry.”

Gavin nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Yes, Sir.”