Chapter 33
**Chapter 33: Meet Vanessa p>
Allow me to introduce Vanessa.
“I know Nathan was involved in the rescue operation,” Vanessa asserted over the phone, her tone unyielding. “If you choose not to meet me, I assure you, there will be repercussions that you won’t appreciate. But don’t fret; I won’t bite. I simply want you to grasp the truth p>
Serena’s grip on the phone tightened, her heart racing. “What truth?” she
demanded, her voice barely concealing her rising anxiety.
“When we meet, you will understand,” Vanessa replied enigmatically. “Let’s convene at the café in the Velmon Grand Regency lobby p>
A tempest of anger surged within Serena, yet a chill of dread crept up her spine at the thought of what Vanessa might reveal. Reluctantly, she agreed to meet Vanessa later that afternoon.
As expected, Vanessa exuded an aura of perfection. It was as if she had stepped out of a fashion magazine, her favorite color clearly red. The halter-style dress she wore clung elegantly to her figure, while her flowing blonde hair and piercing gray eyes drew the gazes of everyone in the hotel lobby, making her the center of attention.
“Serena, you’re late,” Vanessa greeted her with a bright smile, lifting a cup of coffee to her lips as if savoring a moment of triumph.
“I’m not feeling well,” Serena replied tersely, her irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
“I can imagine how difficult this must be for you,” Vanessa said, her voice dripping with feigned sympathy. “I did some digging into the Hartleys, and they appear to be genuinely nice people. It’s easy to see why Nathan would want to help them.” She gestured toward Serena’s coat. “Would you like the staff to take that for you p>
“No, thank you. I’m just feeling a bit chilly,” Serena lied, her heart racing as she carefully maintained her composure. “As I mentioned, I’m not well p>
“Oh, I’m truly sorry to hear that,” Vanessa replied, her tone shifting to one of concern. “What can I get you? Coffee? Tea p>
Serena settled into the chair across from Vanessa, her posture stiff. “I don’t need anything,” she replied curtly.
“Suit yourself,” Vanessa shrugged, a hint of amusement playing on her lips.
“What do you want from me?” Serena pressed, her patience wearing thin.
“Honestly?” Vanessa leaned in, her expression turning serious. “While I understand that Nathan is just a naturally helpful person, I still find it rather peculiar that he would go to such lengths for you, Serena. That’s why I felt compelled to speak with you today p>
With that, Vanessa set her coffee down and rummaged through her bag, producing a document that she handed to Serena with an air of finality.
“I’m pregnant with Nathan’s child,” she stated matter-of-factly.
Serena’s hand quivered as she stared at the ultrasound report, Vanessa’s name glaring back at her. The document indicated she was six weeks along, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Her mind struggled to process the reality before her.
*So they were really together… perhaps long before everything fell apart,* Serena thought bitterly.
“Our families are currently discussing our engagement,” Vanessa continued, her voice dripping with triumph. “In fact, we’re planning to hold an engagement party the day after your divorce is finalized. I just want to make sure you don’t misinterpret Nathan’s kindness p>
“You and Nathan will never be together. Bianca will never accept you,” Vanessa added, her confidence unwavering. She gestured to herself, as if to emphasize her superiority. “I’m the one he loves now, and I’m carrying his child. We’re going to build a family together. He will be my husband and the father of my future children.” “Please,” Vanessa leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Stay away from Nathan, and for goodness’ sake, try to stand on your own two feet.” A bitter taste filled Serena’s mouth, but she forced herself to remain composed. *What about me? I’m also pregnant! And with Alice gone, I have no one else!* Serena screamed silently in her mind.
Indeed, Vanessa was fortunate. *She gets the love. She gets the family. She gets him… and I am left with nothing p>
Serena handed the ultrasound report back to Vanessa, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. “Congratulations. I’m sure Bianca will be thrilled p>
“Of course,” Vanessa replied, a smug smile spreading across her face. “Bianca and I have a wonderful rapport p>
“Don’t worry,” Serena said, her tone clipped. “We’re technically already divorced. The waiting period will end in two days. Then you can celebrate with Nathan p>
Vanessa’s smile widened, but Serena detected a glint of mischief in her eyes. “I’m glad we have an understanding. This way, I won’t have to complicate things for you p>
“Is there anything else? I have to go,” Serena said, rising from her seat, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere.
“Nothing more,” Vanessa said, her voice smooth and dismissive. “Goodbye, Serena p>
As Serena stepped out of the hotel, an inexplicable heaviness settled in her chest, Her entire body felt numb, as if the weight of the world had pressed down upon her. Perhaps was because she had shed so many tears over the past weeks that now, they refused to come. Instead, she clenched her fists and drove around town for nearly two hours, letting the anger and despair swirl within her.
When she finally returned to Alice’s apartment, the reality of her situation toomed over her. Her interview at Oakridge University was scheduled for the day after her divorce from Nathaniel was finalized. With a sense of purpose, she began packing her things and preparing her research proposal, knowing it was a crucial part of the final interview.
Around nine that evening, just as she intended to settle down for the night, her phone rang unexpectedly.
It was Nathaniel.
With a mix of hesitation and dread, she answered.
“Serena, about earlier… I didn’t get a chance to ask for details about Alice,” Nathaniel’s voice came through, steady but laced with concern. “There’s still no sign
of her, but the search and rescue team is continuing their efforts. The authorities are looking for any potential motives p>
For a moment, silence enveloped them, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Serena recalled Vanessa’s words and felt a pang of guilt. She couldn’t bring herself t tell him about the paternity test. “Who would want to hurt Alice? She’s one of the kindest people I know,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Okay,” Nathaniel said. “I’ll pass that along to the authorities p>
A heavy silence enveloped the conversation. Nathaniel didn’t say goodbye; he lingered on the line, as if waiting for her to say something more. “Serena, regarding the divorce… maybe we should postpone it for a while,” he suggested, his tone shifting to one of concern. “You’re going through a lot.” “No,” Serena interjected firmly. “It’s best that we get this over with p>
“I’ll see you at the courthouse in two days,” she said flatly, her heart feeling as if it were encased in ice. “I appreciate your help in searching for Alice, Nathan, but it’s time we end this p>
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
“I have never been more sure in my life,” Serena replied resolutely. “Goodbye, Nathan p>
Two days passed in a blur.
At last, the moment arrived for Serena and Nathaniel to obtain their divorce certificate.
Standing face to face in the courthouse, Nathaniel’s expression was a mixture of concern and hope. “Are you absolutely certain you don’t want to delay this?” he asked again, his voice low.
Serena met his gaze, taking in the familiar features of the man she had shared her life with for the past four years. Each line of his face was etched in her memory, every angle painfully familiar. She opened her mouth to speak, her heart racing. “Nathan “
And just like that, the weight of their shared past hung in the air, waiting to be addressed.