What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 118

Looking down at Noelle, who was still clinging affectionately to her arm, Elaine felt the scales of her affection tip entirely in Noelle's favor.

Kaia didn't stay for dinner at the estate. Instead, she took Brynlee out to a chic Italian restaurant to meet up with her best friend, Celine.

They had reserved a quiet, highly private booth tucked away behind lush indoor greenery.

Celine arrived first. As a fashion designer, she looked like she had just stepped off a runway, wearing a minimalist white linen suit paired with massive, statement hoop earrings that screamed confidence.

The moment Kaia and Brynlee walked in, Celine couldn't resist scooping the adorable little girl up into a massive hug. "It's only been a few days, but you somehow got even cuter!"

"You smell so pretty, Celine! I love it!" Brynlee giggled, burying her face in Celine's neck and taking a dramatic sniff. "Mmm, like flowers!"

Celine burst out laughing and pulled a small, beautifully wrapped box from her designer bag. "Here you go! A little back-to-school present."

Brynlee took it eagerly, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Thank you so much! But I didn't bring you a present today."

"That's perfectly fine. Just tell your mom to upgrade her skincare formulas and send me a few free sets," Celine joked, winking at Kaia.

"Deal," Kaia smiled.

"Wow! A mini fashion designer kit! It has a little doll and all these tiny dresses! I love it!" Brynlee's big dark eyes sparkled with pure joy.

As the appetizers arrived, Celine shot Kaia a loaded look, silently asking for an update on the nightmare at home. Kaia's smile immediately turned bitter.

Seeing her expression, Celine's eyes softened with sympathy. The booth was isolated, and Brynlee had already trotted over to the empty seat next to the window, completely absorbed in dressing up her new doll.

Celine leaned in, keeping her voice low. "Did Finnian pull another stunt? Is he still prioritizing his precious sister-in-law? What fresh hell did he come up with this time?"

Kaia stared down at her plate in silence for a moment, took a sip of her water, and gave a brutally concise summary of the week's events.

"That is the most deranged thing I've ever heard." Celine looked genuinely horrified. "So, the whole widow-and-brother-in-law scandal wasn't twisted enough for them, so now they're going for an adoptive brother-sister forbidden romance? Has Finnian pickled his brain in expensive whiskey? Or did that homewrecker slip him a literal magic potion?"

Kaia opened her mouth to speak, but Celine held up a hand.

A tear slipped down her cheek. Kaia immediately grabbed a napkin and wiped it away aggressively, terrified her daughter would turn around and see.

Celine sighed heavily. A mother's love truly was her greatest weakness.

"Okay. Deep breaths. We'll take it one step at a time. The world isn't ending. Whenever you do finally walk away from the Sanders family, you are going to thrive. You'll be richer, happier, and totally free."

Right on cue, Brynlee trotted over, holding her doll high in the air. "Mommy! Celine! Look at her! I put her in the green dress because it's my favorite!"

Kaia swallowed the lump in her throat, forced a bright smile, and praised the outfit. Celine quickly pivoted the conversation, keeping the mood light and fun for the rest of the dinner.

After dinner, Kaia drove Brynlee back to the villa.

While stopped at a red light, Kaia's phone lit up with a text.

She glanced at the screen. It was from Finnian: "Got tied up. Won't be home tonight."