What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 126

"You've always been such a thoughtful girl," Elaine praised softly. Even though she didn't lack anything, women always loved receiving presents—especially when they were carefully selected by Noelle and suited her perfectly.

"Mom, whenever I see something I like, I just want to buy it for you. I don't know why," Noelle said, leaning affectionately against Elaine's arm. "I always feel like it's never enough."

"It's more than enough. I don't need anything, your thoughtfulness is what counts," Elaine replied, clearly enjoying the emotional validation.

"Mom, this dessert shop is great, try this!" Noelle let go of her arm and quickly slid a small plate of cake in front of Elaine.

Elaine took a bite. "It is good. Not too sweet."

Noelle smiled happily and started eating as well.

After a couple of bites, Elaine asked, "You went to Finnian's birthday party, right? How was it? Did everyone have a good time?"

Noelle swallowed her cake, her smile slowly fading. "It was really fun. But... Kaia didn't come. I think Finnian was a bit disappointed."

She paused for a second before adding, "Finnian mentioned Kaia was working overtime. Her husband's birthday, treating all his friends, and she didn't show... It's a bit disrespectful..."

Elaine slammed her fork down heavily onto the table, her face darkening. "Is that so? Is Veridian that busy? Too busy to attend her husband's birthday?"

"I'm not exactly sure. But you know how Kaia is, Mom. Veridian just launched, and Kaia is eager to prove herself, so she puts work first. It's understandable," Noelle concluded with a sympathetic sigh.

Elaine fell silent, the smile completely vanishing from her face. "Humph. Eager to prove herself? She's getting too independent."

Noelle quickly put on a reassuring smile. "Mom, don't be mad. Your health is more important. Kaia is just career-driven, it's not a big deal. After all, she's contributing to the Sanders family."

"She works for the Sanders family, yes. But first and foremost, she is a daughter-in-law of this family. Her most important duty is maintaining the family's dignity and her husband's honor. The birthday party might not have been a major event, but outsiders pay attention to these things. What does it look like when the wife is absent? If word gets out, people will think we mistreat her." Elaine was fuming. She firmly believed Kaia was getting too arrogant and forgetting her place.

"That's true, Mom. Kaia didn't use to be like this. She used to understand the rules and see the big picture. I don't know why her personality changed so much," Noelle said, putting on a confused expression.

Elaine felt that Kaia having such strong opinions and a dominant personality was bad news for the Sanders family.

Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that Kaia was a top-tier scholar and a brilliant woman—meaning she had excellent genes for the next generation—Elaine never would have agreed to let her marry into the family. And now look. She was married in, but completely out of control.

"Noelle, you are sensible. Remind Finnian not to let these domestic trivialities distract him. He works so hard every day and carries a lot of stress." Right now, Elaine felt her son had married the wrong woman—a wife who didn't know the first thing about being considerate.

"I will, Mom," Noelle agreed meekly, hiding a deeply satisfied smile in her eyes.

"Uncle Silas, here is Mom's birthday present for you." Brynlee handed the box over. "And I have something to say: Happy Birthday!"

Silas's eyes lit up with genuine joy. He opened the gift right in front of Brynlee and exaggerated his reaction. "Wow, it's my favorite fountain pen! Thanks, Brynlee!"

Brynlee grinned, showing her little teeth, her eyes turning into happy crescents.

Kaia couldn't help but feel a little speechless at Silas's dramatic reaction.

Brynlee was immediately distracted by the various toys and models around the room. Silas stood up, his eyes smiling as he looked at Kaia. "My cousin will be here soon. You two didn't come together?"

Kaia replied flatly, "I had a shift at the Holistic Wellness Center today. We were coming from different places."

Silas's smile deepened. "Grab a drink. I need to go greet some guests at the door."

"Go ahead." Kaia immediately walked over to join her daughter in admiring Silas's collections.

Finnian arrived a little later, dressed in a sharp, perfectly tailored gray suit. The moment he pushed the door open, his eyes immediately found Kaia.