Kaia took a sip of her tea and said nothing.
That night, after checking into the hotel and taking a shower, Kaia sat down to review her notes for the next day's negotiations.
Silas had also showered, changed into casual clothes, and gone out for drinks with a few of the executives. When he came back upstairs, he was carrying a bag of artisanal desserts.
He walked down the hall and knocked on Kaia's door.
Kaia, wearing a modest pajama set, opened the door. Her freshly washed hair fell softly over her shoulders, her skin radiant, and her eyes clear. The stark contrast to her usual sharp, professional armor made her look incredibly soft and inviting.
To Silas, only one phrase came to mind: absolutely captivating.
"Brought you some late-night snacks," Silas said, smiling warmly, staying politely outside the doorway.
"Thank you." Kaia reached out and took the bag.
"Get some sleep soon," Silas added, his voice dropping into a softer, concerned register. "Don't stay up too late. I've got a solid handle on tomorrow's meeting."
Kaia nodded. "I will. Goodnight."
She closed the door, carrying the bag to the small table.
She hadn't eaten much at the welcome dinner and was actually quite hungry. She opened the packaging to find several exquisite pastries, a small jar of lavender-infused honey, and a light chamomile blend.
As she took a bite of a pastry and flipped through her notes, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call.
It was Finnian.
Kaia answered without hesitation. The screen lit up with Brynlee's chubby, rosy face. She looked like she had just been bathed and was tucked into bed. The phone was propped against a pillow, and she was resting her little face in her hands.
"Mommy, what are you doing? Are you eating something yummy?" Brynlee giggled.
Kaia held the phone up to show her the spread. "I didn't eat enough at dinner, so I'm having a little snack."
Brynlee eyed the beautiful desserts, practically drooling. "That looks so good! I want some!"
Kaia smiled. "If you want some, ask Layla to make you a treat tomorrow. She makes the best desserts."
"No, I want exactly what you have!" Brynlee pouted, crossing her little arms over her chest and throwing a mild tantrum.
Just then, a man in a gray bathrobe shifted into the frame. Finnian was lying on the bed next to Brynlee. His his eyes narrowed as he studied the screen, taking in Kaia's relaxed state and the food in front of her.
He recognized the elaborate packaging immediately. It was a famous artisanal dessert brand from a northern city. He knew it because Noelle was obsessed with them, and he used to buy them for her.
Finnian offered a tight, polite smile. "I thought you said you didn't like eating heavy sweets at night."
Kaia knew he was addressing her. She replied coolly, "People change. Things you used to like, you don't care for anymore. And things you never cared for suddenly become your favorite."

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The readers' comments on the novel: What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage
Please update soon. This story is good. And I'm hoping it won't go till 2000 chapters.. Although it's current slow pace is telling....