What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 292

Noelle tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, giving him a clean, smiling look. "The rest is up to your skills. Mr. Wolfe has opened the channel."

"Thank you, Noelle. You're a fantastic business partner," Martin said, his voice incredibly soft, utterly captivated by her.

She blinked, letting out a playful laugh. "Sure, the business is successful, but there's no one standing behind me. Ah, life. It can never be too perfect. If your cup is too full, fate will inevitably take something away."

"Noelle..." Martin murmured in infatuation. "Can I call you that?"

She glanced back at him. "Just stick to Ms. Lawrence. It feels a bit strange otherwise. We're just friends."

"But I don't want to be just friends..." A surge of assertiveness hit him. "I want to take things further. You are the most beautiful, gentle, and understanding woman I have ever met. I know that if I miss out on you, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Noelle stared at him blankly before her expression turned serious. "Mr. Rhodes, I think you must be drunk. I'll pretend I didn't hear that. We are strictly friends."

Her firm rejection, coupled with the brisk night breeze, instantly sobered him up a fraction.

Remembering Finnian's warning, the desperate hope in Martin's eyes dimmed.

"I spoke with Mr. Sanders earlier," Martin decided to come clean.

"Oh." Noelle didn't seem surprised. Anyone wanting to marry her would naturally have to get past Finnian.

She turned her head, resting her arms on the railing, her gaze drifting toward the distant lights. "What did he say?"

Martin gritted his teeth secretly, looking disappointed. "He refused to let me marry you."

Noelle lowered her eyes, hiding her emotions. She had anticipated this. He would never let her marry anyone else. She already knew that.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Rhodes. You are a good man, but you aren't my choice," she said calmly, looking up.

"Noelle, I..." Martin wasn't willing to give up just yet.

"I think we are better suited as friends. I hope you can help me out with the elders so I'm not put in a difficult position." She smoothed her long hair. "I just helped you out with Mr. Wolfe. I trust you won't refuse me a small favor in return, right?"

He stared at her, his affection surging. Though he desperately wanted her, he feared Finnian's wrath.

"We're still friends, right?" he asked hoarsely.

"Yes, we can always be friends," she smiled.

"Alright, that's enough for me. I'll handle the elders," Martin caved, unable to deny her small request.

Laura gathered her things and left.

The door clicked shut. Dexter peeked in from the hallway to ask if Kaia needed anything. She shook her head, telling him to go rest. Dexter insisted he would just sleep on the bench outside and wouldn't leave.

The room fell silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner.

Kaia stared at the ceiling, a wave of lingering terror washing over her as she recalled the fire from earlier that day.

Using Finnian as an excuse to send Laura away left her feeling utterly desolate now.

She knew better than anyone that Finnian wasn't coming.

Closing her eyes, the memories flooded back like a tidal wave.

Seven years. Over two thousand, five hundred days and nights. She had tried to find even the slightest trace of genuine affection in that vast stretch of time.

On the third night of their marriage, he had walked into their bedroom, his smile polite and restrained. He showered, emerged in his pajamas, and turned off the lights. Even the bedside lamp. The room had been pitch black.

Then, as if executing a crucial mission, he had solemnly cupped her face, pinned her to the mattress, and fulfilled his marital duties.