The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 9

**Chapter 9: The Gala**

The Gala.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce tonight’s recipient of the prestigious Industry and Economic Excellence Leadership Award, Mr. Nathaniel Thorne, the esteemed CEO of NC Pharmacies and Kline BioSolutions.”

The room erupted in applause, a wave of appreciation that washed over the crowd. “At only twenty-seven years of age, Mr. Thorne has not only transformed NC Pharmacies from a modest one-billion-dollar valuation to an astonishing twenty billion, but he has also been the driving force behind initiatives that have generated thousands of jobs, broadened access to healthcare in rural areas, and made essential medications significantly more affordable throughout our state.”

“Under his visionary leadership, Kline BioSolutions has experienced a similar meteoric rise, pioneering innovations in biotechnology that are uplifting communities nationwide. Let us all extend a warm round of applause for Mr. Nathaniel Thorne!”

Serena’s gaze remained fixed on Nathaniel as he rose from his seat. There was an effortless elegance in his demeanor, a magnetic charisma that seemed to draw the eyes of everyone in the room without him even trying.

As he stepped onto the stage, his strikingly masculine features commanded immediate attention. His dark brown hair was meticulously styled, perfectly complementing the disciplined and composed aura he exuded.

These were the very qualities that had captivated Serena from the start, traits she had admired deeply. Even now, after their divorce, she found it impossible to deny the allure he possessed.

“He is just so handsome,” someone whispered nearby.

“His wife is so lucky,” another voice chimed in.

“But wait, I heard they’re separating. He only used her to get back at Victor Kline.”

“I heard he and Vanessa Holt are dating now,” someone else added, their tone laced with intrigue.

A flurry of gossip wafted through the back rows of the Velmon Regency’s Grand Ballroom, and as Serena listened to the murmurs, she instinctively stepped back behind a cluster of reporters.

In that moment, she felt small, almost invisible. She didn’t want to be seen, not now.

Tonight was the Velmon Chamber of Commerce Awards Night, a gala proudly sponsored by the Office of the Governor. This marked Nathaniel’s second consecutive year receiving this honor.

Last year, they had celebrated together in Paris, a city filled with romance and laughter. But now, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Nathaniel would be sharing this moment with Vanessa, the actress who had evidently captured his attention.

As her thoughts drifted to Vanessa, she craned her neck, searching for familiar faces in the crowd. And there she was—Vanessa Holt, seated beside Bianca Thorne, both women beaming with pride and clapping enthusiastically for Nathaniel.

Serena felt a familiar ache rise within her. She remembered the days when she had been the one sitting there, proudly cheering for Nathaniel, looking at him as if he were her whole world. But now, witnessing their joy, she found herself caught in a cycle of pain, wondering if perhaps enduring this hurt repeatedly would somehow hasten the fading of her love for him.

Other familiar faces filled the room—Nathaniel’s friends, Gavin, and many others who had always been a part of his life.

But she was the lone figure missing from that circle.

Replaced.

‘Perhaps this was a terrible idea,’ Serena thought, a wave of regret washing over her. ‘No, this was a foolish decision altogether.’

What could she possibly gain by confronting him about the way he had blacklisted her?

She watched one last time as Nathaniel delivered his speech, his voice steady and confident. And just as she turned to leave, she felt a sudden, intense gaze upon her.

When she glanced back, their eyes met, an electric moment that seemed to freeze time. Even from across the room, she sensed Nathaniel had recognized her.

“Pardon me,” he said, his voice calm as he returned to his notes. “As I was saying, this year has brought both significant achievements and notable challenges…”

Feeling utterly defeated, Serena turned away, her heart heavy.

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