What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 3

"Okay."

Kaia ended the call, the blood draining from her hands until her fingertips felt like ice.-

The next day was bright and sunny. Kaia woke up early to get her daughter dressed for school.

The little girl, still in her sleep sack, was sprawled on her pillow, mumbling sleepily and refusing to get up. Kaia cooed softly as she lifted her into her arms. The faint, milky scent of her daughter was a small comfort.

As Brynlee had gotten older, she had fewer night terrors. When she was one or two, she would often wake up in the middle of the night with a sudden nosebleed. She was a stubborn child and would sometimes refuse to let anyone clean her up. In the morning, dried blood would still be crusted on her little face. Kaia had endured it all.

Watching her daughter's eyes flutter open, her little lips pouting, she asked, "I want Daddy to take me to school. He promised."

Kaia froze. She knew that on the way to school, Finnian always told Brynlee a little story. It had become a cherished routine, and Brynlee insisted on it every morning.

"Daddy is still at the estate helping with the guests. How about Mommy takes you today?"

Brynlee's face fell. She immediately raised her smartwatch to call her father.

"Hello, Brynlee!" Finnian's gentle voice came through the speaker.

"Daddy, can you come back and take me to school?" Brynlee asked, her voice full of disappointment.

Finnian immediately soothed her over the phone. "Brynlee, how about Daddy picks you up from school this afternoon? Okay?"

"Then you have to bring me a toy. Only then will I agree."

"Deal. Daddy will definitely bring you a toy this afternoon."

Kaia stood by the bed, waiting for her daughter to finish the call before dressing her.

Just as they were about to hang up, she heard a few soft coughs from Noelle on the other end, followed by her saying, "Finnian, I don't feel well..."

The call disconnected.

Kaia's fingers, holding the clothes, tightened.

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