What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 266

Miles's face flushed an even deeper crimson, the heat spreading all the way to the tips of his ears. He shot a quick, desperate glance at Kaia before stammering, "I meant my handwriting isn't up to par..."

Seeing her father playfully tormenting him, Kaia quickly stepped in. "Dad, stop giving Miles a hard time. I'll hang up whatever you write, good or bad."

Warren chuckled, clearly pleased. "Alright, alright. I'll do it myself then."

Kaia retreated to the kitchen to help her mother, while Brynlee kept checking her smartwatch, pacing anxiously for her friend to arrive.

Finally, the doorbell rang again. Brynlee practically flew to the door and pulled it open, only to find Leo, Sophia, and Silas standing outside, all holding housewarming gifts.

"Uncle Leo, Aunt Sophia, Uncle Silas! You made it!" Brynlee beamed, playing the perfect little hostess.

Leo smiled warmly. "Look at you, Brynlee. You're doing a great job welcoming everyone."

Brynlee giggled proudly.

Leo and Silas had bumped into each other in the lobby and rode the elevator up together. As soon as Silas stepped inside, his sharp gaze landed on Miles, who was standing next to Warren by the calligraphy table. Silas's eyes narrowed slightly.

Miles noticed him and offered a polite, acknowledging nod.

Silas returned it with a smooth, unreadable smile.

Leo and Sophia greeted everyone as they filed into the living room, gathering around to watch Warren perform his artistic masterpiece.

Kaia came out of the kitchen to say hello, carrying trays of freshly washed fruit and snacks. As Silas picked up a grape, he casually asked, "Is Finnian coming?"

Kaia kept her tone perfectly neutral. "He left early this morning. He must have had something important to handle, so I didn't invite him."

A flash of amusement danced in Silas's dark eyes as he nodded. "I see."

Jane was a phenomenal cook, and with Kaia acting as her sous-chef, a massive spread of comforting, home-cooked dishes quickly materialized on the dining table.

By 11:30, Brynlee was losing her patience. "Where is Anna? Did she forget she was coming?"

Seeing her daughter's distressed little face, Kaia pulled out her phone and texted Simon: "Are you on your way?"

Simon replied instantly: "Downstairs."

Kaia looked down at Brynlee. "Anna and her uncle are right downstairs. Just wait one more minute."

"I'm going to wait at the door!" Brynlee cheered, running out to the hallway.

Silas and Miles exchanged a brief look, both having overheard the exchange. It seemed there was yet another uninvited male guest arriving for lunch.

Alarmed, Kaia rushed over and twisted the knob, only to find the little girl had locked it from the inside.

"Brynlee, please open the door. If you're upset, talk to me," Kaia pleaded softly through the wood.

Inside the room, Brynlee threw herself onto the bed and furiously dialed Finnian on her smartwatch via video call.

The call connected almost instantly. Finnian appeared on the small screen, sitting in the back of his car. The moment the feed stabilized, he saw massive tears streaming down his daughter's face.

His heart instantly clenched in panic. "Brynlee, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Did someone bully you?"

Brynlee's bottom lip trembled. Her emotions had spiked out of nowhere, and seeing his panicked face only fueled her tiny rage.

"Sweetheart, talk to me. Why are you crying?" Finnian demanded, his anxiety skyrocketing as she just stared at him, tears welling in her large, innocent eyes.

"You're a bad daddy! Today is so important, and you didn't even come for lunch! If you don't show up right now, I'm never talking to you again!" Brynlee cried out, aggressively wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She turned away from the watch, crossing her legs on the bed, absolutely furious and inconsolable.

Finnian's handsome face froze completely. The warmth drained from his eyes, replaced by a glacial chill.

Today was Kaia's first day in the new apartment? She was hosting a housewarming party?

And she hadn't even bothered to tell him.