What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 135

"My mom said that after the car crash, she had amnesia and was saved by Chole's father." Noelle let out a mocking laugh. "As for the real reason, I can guess it's not nearly as simple as she makes it sound."

"So, have you forgiven her?" Finnian asked.

"Forgiven?" Noelle gave a bitter, helpless smile. "She's still my mother. I can't just leave her to die. Finnian, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep this from you. I just didn't know how to bring it up. She appeared so suddenly..."

Noelle finally turned to look at Finnian. The cold wind whipped her long hair around, and her eyes laid bare her unmasked vulnerability and fear. "Finnian, can you keep this a secret for me? I'm terrified..."

"Terrified of what?" Finnian watched her quietly, his voice laced with concern.

Noelle lowered her head, looking utterly helpless. "I'm afraid that if Mom and Grandma find out, they'll kick me out of the Sanders family. Especially Grandma. I don't know why she's never liked me, but if she finds out I have my own family now, she'll definitely have a reason to... Finnian, I don't want to leave the Sanders family."

Seeing the tears shimmering in her eyes, Finnian felt a tug at his heartstrings.

"Noelle," his tone softened considerably. "Don't cry. You did nothing wrong. Grandma's dislike isn't personal; it's purely about business interests. If you don't want to leave the Sanders family, then you won't. At Mom's birthday banquet, you'll be officially recognized as a daughter of the Sanders family."

Noelle stared at Finnian blankly for a long moment before a relieved smile broke across her face. "Okay. Knowing you have my back, I'm not afraid anymore. Finnian, can we keep this from Kaia too? She's been holding a lot of prejudice against me lately. I know she's a good person, but... I just don't want to risk it."

"Don't worry. She won't find out," Finnian reassured her gently.

"I'm freezing. Let's go back," Noelle said suddenly, hugging her arms.

Finnian led her back to the car, and Noelle tiredly leaned her head against the seat and fell asleep.

A moment later, a man's suit jacket was draped over her, carrying the faint, crisp scent of pine.

Subconsciously, Noelle nuzzled her face against the collar of the jacket to draw more warmth, pulling it tighter around herself.

The black Bentley drove away from the riverfront, heading toward a high-end apartment complex in the city center.

By the time Finnian returned to the mansion, it was already 11 p.m.

Kaia had long since fallen asleep with Brynlee.

The next morning, when Layla was getting ready to hand-wash Finnian's shirt, she immediately caught the scent of cherry blossoms. This wasn't the first time Layla had noticed it, and her whole body froze for a moment.

She recognized that scent. She used to smell it on Noelle all the time. Kaia, on the other hand, always carried a faint, clean scent—like crushed tea leaves and sandalwood. The two fragrances were distinctly different.

Layla sighed softly, glancing toward the master bedroom as if a massive weight had been placed on her chest.

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