What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 207

Noelle's ears perked up the second she heard Finnian mention leaving. She turned to him with a soft, questioning smile. "Finnian, it's still so early. You're heading out already?"

Brynlee looked right at Noelle and answered seriously, "Dad and I are going to buy a present for Mom. We're in a hurry."

Noelle's eyes tightened for a fraction of a second before she forced a bright smile. "Is that so? Where are you planning to go? Can I come along and help you look?"

"Ask Dad. I don't mind," Brynlee said, flashing a sweet, perfectly innocent smile that made her look like a tiny angel.

Finnian glanced at Noelle. "Aren't you going to stick around for drinks with them?"

Noelle shook her head. "No, I'm good."

Finnian nodded. "Alright then, let's go."

Julian sat nearby, nursing his drink in silence. Seeing that Noelle was leaving too, he chuckled. "Alright, you guys go handle your business. We'll hang out a bit longer."

Finnian picked up Brynlee and walked out of the restaurant. Noelle drove her own car, and they agreed to meet in the mall's VIP parking garage.

Sitting at a red light, Noelle easily pieced together why Finnian was buying a gift for Kaia. May 3rd was their Wedding Anniversary. Every year, Finnian bought Kaia some obligatory, meaningless gift on this day.

A heavy wave of annoyance washed over her. It had been five or six hours since she posted those photos. Had Kaia seen them yet?

How was she feeling right now?

When Noelle arrived at the mall, she took the elevator up to the fifth floor. Finnian was already waiting for her outside a luxury jewelry boutique, holding Brynlee in his arms.

He was wearing a dark, tailored blazer, standing tall and commanding. With a beautiful little girl in his arms, he radiated this incredibly attractive, wealthy-father energy that had every woman in the vicinity turning to look at him. It was a picture-perfect scene.

As Noelle stepped off the elevator and saw them, she felt a familiar flutter in her chest.

The three of them walked into the high-end boutique. While Finnian wasn't a regular, the sales associates recognized Noelle's face instantly and immediately ushered them into a private VIP suite.

They sat down as trays of the newest, most exclusive jewelry were presented to them one by one.

Brynlee's eyes widened, completely mesmerized by all the sparkling diamonds.

Finnian, however, barely gave the jewelry a second glance, looking completely unimpressed.

Noelle had grown up dripping in luxury brands, so even the boutique's most exclusive, limited-edition pieces didn't faze her. She casually picked up a few pieces, trying them on without much enthusiasm.

"Dad, I love this one! I want to give this one to Mom," Brynlee said, pointing her little finger at a specific necklace.

Another tray of high-end pieces was quickly brought out.

Noelle reached for a stunning emerald and diamond necklace. She held it up to her neck, admiring herself in the mirror from every angle while the associate showered her with perfectly timed compliments.

"Finnian, what do you think? Does it look good?" Noelle turned to ask him.

Finnian had been looking at his phone. He glanced up and smiled politely. "Yeah, it looks nice. If you like it, we can buy it together."

"No, absolutely not," Noelle immediately refused, playing the independent card. "I'm paying for this myself."

She turned to the associate. "Ring them up separately."

"It's just a necklace. Let's put it on one bill, it's fine," Finnian offered smoothly.

"No, I need to learn how to treat myself," Noelle said, pouting slightly, playing the part of a woman who just needed to be coddled.

Just as she was setting the trap, a small voice broke the tension.

"Aunt Noelle, you're an adult. You should pay for your own things anyway! My dad's money is for my mom to spend. You can't use my dad's money!"