What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 235

It was unbelievable. How could Finnian have gotten Kaia pregnant?

Their marriage was essentially a business arrangement. They were supposed to be strangers sharing a roof. Why was she pregnant? Had they actually slept together like a real married couple?

Noelle's mind had spun out of control. Before she could process the chaos, she heard Finnian tell the family elders his decision: Kaia was keeping the baby. The agony she felt in that moment was indescribable.

Motivated by Kaia's pregnancy, Rafael had wanted a child too. But Noelle had refused. The thought that any child she bore would inherently be subordinate to Kaia's child killed the desire entirely. Her child had to be the future heir to the Sanders empire, or she wouldn't have one at all.

Fortunately, Kaia had given birth to a sickly baby girl. The massive weight on Noelle's chest was finally lifted, allowing her to breathe again.

Outside, fireworks suddenly erupted over the distant beach.

Noelle slowly stood up from the bar. The dregs of the red wine looked like dried blood at the bottom of her glass.

She walked to the window, crossing her arms as she watched the colorful explosions in the sky.

Remembering how carefully she had plotted over the years, only to lose everything, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Raising a hand, she wiped the moisture from the corners of her eyes, locking away her vulnerability.

"It's not too late. I can still rewrite the board."

Meanwhile, in a downtown hotel suite.

Kaia lay on her side while the man behind her gently coaxed Brynlee to sleep.

The little girl seemed anxious in the unfamiliar environment. She reached out with both hands, grabbing one of her mother's fingers and one of her father's, pulling their hands against her chest. Only then did she drift off peacefully.

As her daughter's breathing evened out, Kaia tried to pull her hand away so she could roll over.

Suddenly, Finnian reached out, his burning palm wrapping around her cool fingers.

Kaia froze instantly. She looked up at him. When his eyes met her clear, unwavering gaze, he slowly let go.

Kaia pulled her hand back, tossed off the covers, grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the sofa across the room.

Finnian's eyes darkened as he watched her. His tall frame went rigid.

They say a woman's heart dictates her desire. Men can separate physical intimacy from emotion, but women rarely do.

Kaia sat across from him and nodded. "Okay. If you have any revisions, let's hear them."

"You're asking for too little in the asset division." Finnian lifted his gaze, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. "Company equity, Brynlee's child support—you could easily demand three times what you've listed."

Kaia frowned, her tone calm. "I don't need your compensation. The shares under your name never belonged to me anyway, and standard legal child support is fine for Brynlee."

Finnian stared at her intensely for a moment before speaking. "I read the agreement very carefully."

He leaned forward, resting his clasped hands on the table, his jaw tightening. "There are a few clauses we need to discuss."

"Which ones?" Kaia looked at him, then added, "Do you mind if I record this? It'll make it easier to go over with my lawyer."

Finnian flinched slightly, his expression turning frigid. "Kaia, do we really have to do this?"

Kaia looked down at her hands, a faint, bitter smile touching her lips. "Finnian, let's not waste time circling this issue."

Finnian hadn't expected her to brush him off so casually. He pressed his lips together. After a long silence, he spoke. "I know I failed in my duties and responsibilities as a husband. I know I couldn't meet your emotional needs, and I know I made you feel wronged and treated you unfairly. But Kaia, divorce isn't the solution to everything. Especially not for people like us..."