The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71: Day of Revealations

“I’m sorry,” Alice said. “I know we’re supposed to be friends, but I don’t remember.’

“Alice.” Serena broke down into sobs. She ran to her and held her tightly. “We’re very close. We’re like sisters.”

“Alice, I missed you so much. I almost gave up on life when you disappeared,” Serena admitted, her chest. constricting. Her tears flowed freely, soaking Alice’s jacket. “I’m so glad you’re alive. I’m so glad you made it. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t come back sooner.”

“But now I’m back,” Serena promised. “I’ll make sure I never leave your side again.”

Serena didn’t know how long they stood at the front door, overcome with emotion, but eventually they all made their way inside.

They discussed a few things, including how Nathaniel had seen her in Velmon the day before. However, when questions arose about where she had been, Serena chose to keep those details between herself and the Hartleys.

Nathaniel respectfully gave them space and waited in the car with Gavin. Milo stood guard outside.

When Serena was alone with Alice’s family, she revealed, “Xavier Dorian took me to Rexam City. That’s how my life changed.”

“I believe Xavier called you. He should have mentioned me,” Serena said.

Lena and Bernard exchanged looks. They turned to Landon, but he only shrugged.

“We received many calls from concerned friends,” Lena admitted. “Maybe we forgot. But if he had mentioned you, we would have remembered.”

“Maybe we were too broken to think clearly back then,” Bernard suggested.

Hearing that, Serena’s heart sank. ‘Had Xavier truly contacted the Hartleys? Or had that been a lie?’

She made a mental note to address it later.

“I can imagine how difficult it must have been for all of you. I’m sorry,” Serena said, wiping her tears. “I was also going through a lot at the time. I almost lost my babies. I disconnected from the news so I could rest and continue with the pregnancy.”

Only then did the Hartleys remember Serena’s pregnancy.

“The babies?” Lena asked.

“Yes. I had a twin pregnancy,” Serena said. “Please don’t tell Nathan. I’m not ready yet. I don’t know if I ever will be.”

Lena and Bernard exchanged glances.

“It’s not for us to tell,” Landon said quietly.

“We didn’t tell him you were pregnant either,” Lena revealed. “Because we didn’t even know if you were truly alive. We didn’t want to burden Nathaniel further. He was… so heartbroken after we thought you were gone.”

‘Heartbroken?’ Serena thought. ‘Why would he be heartbroken? Because he learned Victor had hurt me? Because he felt guilty?’

More questions surfaced, but Serena didn’t have time to dwell on Nathaniel. Her priority was Alice and the

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Hartleys.

“I’ll explain everything,” Serena said. “But now that I’ve found you and Alice, I want to invite you all to relocate to Rexam, where Alice can receive better medical care.”

She turned to Alice and held her hand gently. “Maybe there, she’ll be able to recover her memories.”

“I’m with the Vanders now,” Serena added. “My family can work with the authorities to assume responsibility for your security. In Rexam, you’ll be safe.”

“Because you married into the Vander family?” Lena asked, clearly recalling Nathaniel’s assumption.

Alice remained silent the entire time, quietly observing Serena.

Serena let out a faint sigh.

“Actually,” she said, “I found out I’m not Victor’s child. I’m the missing daughter of the Vander family from Rexam, and Silas Vander? He’s my twin.”

The Hartleys were stunned.

The revelation drained the color from their faces, then gave way to disbelief, anger, and raw emotion. Over the next half hour, Serena told them everything that had happened to her over the past four years, and they lived through each painful turn of her story with her.

“I tried to find you, but you guys disappeared,” Serena said, sniffing. “If I had known Nathaniel would be the key to finding you, I would’ve come back sooner. But I was avoiding him.”

The Hartleys understood her reasons. They didn’t judge her. They were remarkable people-people who deserved far better than what life had handed them.

That day became one of revelations, shared between Serena and the Hartleys. Even so, it wasn’t the last surprise Serena would face.

Later, when Serena finally had a moment alone with Alice in her room, her best friend suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her into a tight embrace, tears spilling freely.

“Serena,” Alice cried, her voice shaking. “I have something to tell you.” 2

What Serena heard next shocked her.

LiLhyz Author

December 22, 2025. Thank you for patiently waiting, and thank you for the gems, the reviews, and the comments. The next update is tomorrow. About photos, I’ll try to get more photos out this weekend. It’s just been crazy busy due to the holidays. For those who are new to my novels, please follow me on social media to see images of your favorite characters.

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