What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 206

Tears streamed down Brynlee's face as she locked her tiny arms tightly around Kaia's neck, burying her face into her chest. It was as if she needed to breathe in her mother's scent just to feel safe.

Seeing her daughter in such a state of pure panic brought a sharp sting to Kaia's eyes, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

She couldn't hold back her own vulnerability in that moment, letting her quiet heartbreak mix with the overwhelming protective love she felt for her child.

The blinding anger she had felt just moments ago completely evaporated at the sight of her daughter's fear.

Kaia made a decision. She wasn't going to ask about the dress. She wasn't going to demand answers from Finnian, and she certainly wasn't going to confront Noelle.

Chasing the truth was pointless because the truth was already staring her in the face.

Let them keep their dirty little secrets. Let them rot in it together.

She wasn't going to waste another breath on it.

The sun went down, and just after six o'clock, the sound of a car engine cutting off echoed from the driveway.

Finnian walked through the front door in a sleek black trench coat.

Kaia was sitting in the living room, helping Brynlee practice her English pronunciation.

"Dad!" Brynlee cheered the second she saw him, running over.

Finnian crouched down with a warm smile and opened his arms, scooping her up. "What did you do today, sweetie? Dad's been so busy with work I barely got to see you. How about I take you out for dinner tonight?"

"Yes! Is Mom coming too?" Having been cooped up in the house all day, Brynlee was desperate to get out.

Finnian looked over at Kaia, his voice softening. "Do you want to come?"

Kaia didn't look up from her phone. "I'll pass."

Finnian didn't press the issue, but he studied her quietly for a moment. Noticing she looked a bit off, he asked, "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"

Kaia kept her eyes glued to the screen. "I'm fine."

Her tone was absolute ice, freezing out any further attempt at conversation.

Finnian's brow furrowed slightly. He opened his mouth to say something, but Kaia stood up and started walking up the stairs. Halfway up, she stopped, looked down at him, and said, "If you're taking Brynlee out, you take care of her yourself. Don't hand her off to anyone else."

Finnian's handsome face shifted slightly.

He clearly caught the hidden warning in her words. "I'll take good care of her," he replied flatly.

Kaia didn't say another word and disappeared upstairs. Finnian looked down at his daughter, a heavy, uncomfortable feeling tightening in his chest.

"Dad, Mom's probably just really tired from work. Can we buy her a present tonight to make her feel better?" Brynlee's big, dark eyes sparkled with excitement.

Noelle noticed immediately. She turned to Julian and asked loudly, "Has Miles been swamped lately? We've tried to get him out a few times, but he's always busy."

Julian shrugged. "My cousin's a total workaholic. Kind of reminds me of Dr. Chavez, honestly."

Heather forced a painful smile. Yes, Miles was obsessed with his work, but was that really the only reason he was avoiding them?

Finnian's eyes darkened as he listened. The more he thought about these little details, the more a familiar, jealous irritation gnawed at him.

Noelle let out an exaggerated sigh. "Kaia is different. Kaia never really fit into our group to begin with. But Miles... Miles has been hanging out with us for over ten years."

The implication landed like a bomb. Heather's face completely froze. The answer was right there in front of them.

Miles was distancing himself from the group because Kaia never wanted to be part of it.

The conversation eventually drifted to work and casual gossip.

Brynlee was getting bored. She leaned over and whispered into Finnian's ear, "Dad, can we go buy Mom's present now? The mall is going to close."

Seeing his daughter getting anxious, Finnian smiled and nodded. "Alright, we'll head over now."

His eyes flickered thoughtfully. It was almost May. Their Wedding Anniversary was on May 3rd. He supposed he did need to get her something.