Chapter 86
Clipler ne ometting that hayat
Mauching The age?
had the amptele asted tung to spen
“He teater no eres tus up,” ferting imoitepal, groaning as he shorida head. “This is the bely chance we’re phing him
They were seated and a round table, waiting ha fiathantet and hiera in arrive
siles and Metting shit didn’t lie the idea of Nathaniel mesting the children. They had reservations, and tereto understand why
A few days ago, she had felt the same way
After all, Nathaniel was still the man who had hurt her. His apologies, confessions, and promises to atone fedt come as a shock, including the relationship with Vanessa that never really happened.
Serena kept her walle up. But at the very least, she was willing to let him try to be a father to the children. She only looped he would never fail them, because just as Silas said, she would never give Nathaniel another chance
“I don’t know,” Celine said carefully. “Maybe he genuinely regrets it. People make mistakes. Not everyone gets the chance to correct them p>
Silas crossed his arms against his chest. “Regret doesn’t erase what it cost Serena p>
Celine looked away, “I’m not taking sides p>
But Serena knew what her mother wasn’t saying. Deep down, Celine still
remembered the boy who had once taken a beating to protect her all those years ago. In a way she had a personal biase towards Nathaniel
Silas scoffed. “Stefan is better suited for Serena p>
“I think so too,” Sterling acknowledged.
Serena cleared her throat and reminded her family, “Guys, we are here for the kids. This is not about us. Whatever we had, it was over p>
“What are you talking about? I’m hungry,” Sebastian grumbled. “I want the surprise now. What is it? Is it a cake p>
“Or ice cream p>
“Big cake p>
“Chocolate p>
“No, Bastin,” Serena said calmly.
Sebastian wasn’t deterred.
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“Is it fries p>
“Happy Meal p>
“With toy p>
“No toy,” Ali said flatly.
“Still want fries,” Sebastian insisted. Then he frowned.
“Is it a dinosaur p>
“You’re not getting a dinosaur,” Silas hissed.
“Are we going to the park p>
“Beach p>
“Zoo p>
“Zoo has snacks, right?” Sebastian asked.
Celine and Sterling both laughed, but then Sebastian tilted his head and asked, “Is it something that stays p>
The room went quiet. All of them seem to have the same question. ‘Will Nathaniel stay p>
“Well, we don’t-
“Serena began.
“I’m staying p>
The voice came from the doorway.
Everyone looked up.
Nathaniel stood there, clad in a white polo shirt and blue trousers. He didn’t look imposing in casual wear, yet his broad frame and calm bearing gave him a presence that settled heavily over the room.
His shirt fit him perfectly, tracing the solid lines of his physique in a way that was subtle, yet unmistakable.
The moment he stepped fully inside, reactions flashed across every face.
Silas narrowed his eyes.
Sterling took a slow, measured breath.
Celine’s expression eased for a brief moment before she composed herself.
“I’m staying,” Nathaniel repeated, glancing at Sebastian.
Serena felt his attention settle on her. His blue-gray eyes were calm but searching, lingering just long enough to
unsettle her.
“Good afternoon, Serena. Silas,” Nathaniel said evenly. “Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Vander p>
“Uncle?” Sebastian asked, his brow lifting. “Are you bringing my surprise p>
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Alisa followed her brother’s gaze. As usual, she studied Nathaniel from head to toe. When he smiled at her, she gave him a thumbs-up.
Sterling leaned back, crossing his arms.
“Did I see that right?” he whispered to Celine.
“I told you,” Celine murmured back.
“Surprise?” Nathaniel echoed, his smile widening slightly at Sebastian. “I definitely have surprises for you p>
Just then, Gavin walked in, carrying several shopping bags.
He handed the first set to Nathaniel, who passed them to the children.
“These are from me,” Nathaniel said. He reached for another set of bags. Then he paused. “And the others are from p>
He stopped.
Serena’s gaze shifted toward the door. She noticed a figure peeking from behind it.
Bianca.
Nathaniel’s mother was watching the twins from outside.
Then Bianca disappeared.
Serena frowned. She clearly remembered Nathaniel asking whether it would be all right for the children to meet Bianca. He had promised that Bianca genuinely wanted
to see them.
Almost as if Nathaniel had anticipated her thoughts, he explained, “Mother didn’t know how to face you again. She said she’d wait in the lobby p>
“Well, it’s only right for her to feel ashamed,” Sterling said firmly. “But if we’re setting rules, she should be here p>
While the adults spoke, Ali listened quietly, her eyes sharp and observant. Sebastian, on the other hand, was already busy tearing into his gifts.
The remaining bags, those from Bianca, had already been handed over.
“Wow! I got Hot Wheels!” Sebastian exclaimed. “And a… bubble machine!” “Quick, Ali, open yours!” he urged.
The twins were soon completely absorbed.
“I’ll go talk to Bianca,” Serena said, rising from her seat.
“I’ll come with you,” Nathaniel said immediately.
Gavin followed behind them, saying, “I will get the rest of the bags, Mr. Thorne p>
They found Bianca in the lobby, weeping openly as she wiped at her tears without care. For a moment, the sight
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almost made Serena forget how many cruel words this woman had once thrown at
her.
“Mother,” Nathaniel called.
Bianca turned at once.
When she saw Serena, she went completely still. Her gaze lingered for several seconds before her eyes filled with tears. She covered her mouth, shaking her head, and Nathaniel stepped forward just in time to steady her.
“Serena Bianca sobbed. “I’m sorry. For everything I said before-for casting you aside because I believed you were Victor’s daughter p>
Her voice broke. “I was wrong p>
Bianca had already apologized days ago, but this was different.
This apology wasn’t for words spoken in anger.
It was for years of hatred that had never truly belonged to Serena.
LiLhyz Author
January 2, 2026.
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