The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64: Marriage Proposal

Marriage Proposal.

“Miss? Your dad is asking for you in the study. He says it’s important,” Leslie, the maid, said after knocking on Serena’s door.

Serena smiled. She had just finished packing her things for the trip to Velmon City. I will be there. Where are the kids?”

“They’re in the playroom, Miss,” Leslie answered.

Serena made her way to her father’s study, and much to her surprise, the Montgomerys were there. Of course, Celine and Silas were also present.

“Serena, how have you been?”

When Serena turned to her left, she was stunned to see Stefan, the Montgomerys’ sole heir. She hadn’t seen him in six months. He had been in Europe, dealing with

business.

“Stefan? Long time no see,” Serena smiled.

Stefan held out a bouquet and handed it to Serena. He pecked her cheek and said, ” You look more and more beautiful each day.

His words made Serena blush. Stefan was truly a good-looking man. His intense, dark brown eyes always had a way of drawing people in. His smile, his stance, and even the way he smelled were always impeccable.

“Thank you, Stefan,” Serena said before taking her seat, coincidentally next to him. It was the only seat available.

The moment Serena settled in, she noticed the smiles on the faces of her parents and the Montgomerys.

Something was up, and she knew it.

“What’s going on?” Serena asked. She turned to her brother. If anyone would give her a direct answer, it would be Silas, but this time, her beloved brother averted his gaze. ‘What the-‘

“Serena, it’s been four years. The children have grown. You have moved on, figured we’ve given you enough time,” Sterling began.

and we

For some reason, Serena’s heart throbbed. She studied everyone’s faces, and all the same, the older adults were beaming. When she looked at Stefan, he was smiling as

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Chapter 64. Mariage Proposal

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well.

“Okay,” Serena finally said. “What is this about?”

“Serena, Charles, and I agree that you and Stefan should get married. That way, not only will our business relationship remain strong, but I can also be reassured that you’ll be in good hands,” Sterling said.

Serena blinked, and her face paled altogether.

When Serena turned to Stefan, his smile widened.

“What do you say, Serena?” Stefan asked.

“We will take care of you and the children, Serena,” Stella Montgomery promised.

“A-a marriage of convenience?” Serena asked.

“Well, Serena, you may call it that,” Celine suggested. “And it’s not so bad. Remember, your father and I were arranged to marry.”

“But you both fell in love before the wedding itself,” Serena pointed out.

“Aunt Celine, maybe Serena and I should have a private talk,” Stefan proposed before turning to Serena. “Shall we take a walk?”

They stepped out of the study and walked around the mansion. They remained silent for a few minutes before Serena finally asked, “Do you even love me? I heard you were dating someone a year ago.”

“Serena, didn’t you marry for love many years ago?” Stefan shot back. “How did that turn out for you?”

The question took Serena aback. For a moment, she was angered by his probing.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you,” Stefan said. “What I’m trying to say is, maybe this arrangement isn’t so bad. Why marry for love when you can marry for convenience? And don’t worry, I’m not in a relationship.”

“So you don’t even love me?” Serena presse.

“Why? Do you?” Stefan asked in return. He smiled and continued, “It doesn’t matter what state we’re in right now. We could still fall in love in the process. But at least with me,

I can assure you that I’ll take care of you. And I will never divorce you.”

“Our families have been business partners for years. Through this marriage, it would further strengthen our alliance,” Stefan turned to her fully, resting his hands on her shoulders. “Please, Serena. Think about it carefully. The children are still young, but

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Chapter 64. Marriage Proposal

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as they grow older, they’ll look for a father. could be that father for them.”

“You don’t have to agree right now, but consider the pros and cons,” Stefan added. He brushed his knuckles lightly against her chin. “My dear Serena, you are better off with me. I promise you that.” 1

He didn’t push further. Stefan simply guided her back to the mansion, his warm hand on the small of her back.

When Serena and Stefan returned to the study, she saw just how eager the Montgomerys and her parents were about the possibility.

Celine and Stella were already discussing wedding bells. Sterling and Charles were discussing business leadership with their families. Only Silas wasn’t taking part in the conversation. Instead, he was on his laptop, working.

“Oh, they’re back,” Celine announced. “So, Serena, what do you think of our arrangement?”

Serena glanced at Stefan one last time before replying, “I want to give it some thought.”

She smiled politely and added, “But I do acknowledge that Stefan is a remarkable person. I just don’t want to… rush into a decision.”

Silence stretched for a few seconds. It was Stefan who broke it.

“Serena deserves time to consider things. She needs to take the children into account too,” Stefan said. “I will patiently wait for her.”

“Okay,” Stella beamed. “We understand.”

Charles opened his arms for Serena and said, “But remember, no other family will take care of you or accept you more than we do. We’re practically family, Serena.”

Serena smiled. She knew this very well. The Montgomerys were very close to the Vanders. “Thank you, Uncle.”

She moved closer and accepted Charles’s embrace before hugging Stella as well.

The unexpected marriage proposal disrupted Serena’s careful plans. Truthfully, she didn’t know if she was ready-ready to open her heart again, ready to trust anyone outside her family, even the Montgomerys. What she didn’t know then was that some choices were never truly hers to make Trials would follow, loyalties would be tested, and in the end, one person would remain, but who?

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