What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 15

The dark suit he was wearing seemed to be the same one from yesterday.

Tall and handsome, he looked out of place in the simple, modest courtyard.

"Mom, this is a birthday gift for Dad." He offered a warm, apologetic smile, handing over a beautifully wrapped gift box.

It contained top-grade aged tea and an artisan tea set, both quite valuable.

Afterward, his assistant, Dexter, brought several bottles of fine red and white wine from the car and stacked them on a table to the side.

Looking at her outstanding son-in-law, Jane was genuinely pleased.

"You shouldn't have brought so much. Your father took Brynlee out to play. Kaia, take care of Finnian. I'll go help with the last few dishes," Jane said quickly.

"Okay." Kaia turned to get the teapot to make some tea.

Just then, Finnian received a call.

He stepped out into the courtyard to take it.

As Kaia was filling the kettle, her mind wandered, and the water overflowed. She quickly grabbed a paper towel to wipe it up.

She heard Finnian's deep voice behind her. "Why didn't you tell me today was Dad's birthday?"

Kaia finished wiping up the water and said coolly, "I thought you were busy, so I didn't want to bother you."

"Next time there's an important day like this, be sure to remind me," Finnian said before sitting down on the sofa.

Kaia stood waiting for the water to boil, her fingers clenching almost imperceptibly.

He still came, acting the part of the dutiful husband as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

As if all their previous conflicts, his favoritism, and their arguments never existed.

What he wanted to maintain, always, was that surface-level harmony.

Just as the tea was ready, another car pulled up outside. A moment later, her older brother, Will, and his wife, Lindsey, walked in.

Will ran a company, and Lindsey's family owned a well-known hotel chain.

"Will, Lindsey, come sit down for some tea," Kaia greeted them with a smile.

He wore a well-made gray cashmere coat over casual trousers, with a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. In the sunlight, he looked refined and scholarly, exuding the calm confidence of a seasoned professional.

"Kaia!" Dr. Miles Kendrick spotted her in the doorway as soon as he entered the courtyard, his eyes deepening slightly.

"Miles!" Kaia went to him and took the gift bag. "I didn't expect you to come."

Miles was the vice president and a top cardiac surgeon at the prestigious private Prestige Medical Center. He was also one of Warren Chavez's most brilliant former students.

Coming from a family of doctors and being a master of both academia and practice himself, he was widely regarded as a young prodigy in his field.

He was one of Finnian's friends, a business associate, and someone he had known since childhood. They had a deep connection.

Kaia led him into the living room, where Miles smiled and greeted Finnian and Will. "Looks like I'm late."

Finnian smiled when he saw his friend. "Come have a seat. Have some tea."

Miles took the tea and asked, "Where's the Professor?"

Jane came out to greet him. "Miles, you're here! Your professor took his granddaughter out to play. They'll be back soon."