What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 316

Kaia tapped play.

The footage started out shaky before slowly coming into focus. Seraphina's sweet, teenage voice drifted from the speaker. "Okay, it's set up. I'm recording!"

The camera panned across a misty mountainside. It was The Cloud Pine Corridor, the ancient wooden planks worn by time. Fog wrapped around the distant peaks, while vibrant green pine trees stood sharply in the foreground. It looked ethereal.

After capturing the scenery, the camera swiveled to catch a group of fresh, youthful faces.

Seventeen-year-old Seraphina flashed a peace sign and a bright smile. Then, teenage Julian and Miles Kendrick stepped into the frame, exuding effortless, boyish charm.

The camera swung to the back, focusing on three people.

Noelle walked in the middle. She looked around seventeen or eighteen, wearing a beige sundress, her long hair cascading down her back. Her bare shoulders looked incredibly delicate and luminous. She was holding a camera, framing a shot.

Finnian walked right beside her, already a head taller. Dressed in a black t-shirt and dark shorts, he looked rebellious and effortlessly cool.

"Finnian!" Seraphina called out, laughing. "You could at least cover yourself with the umbrella! Why is it entirely over Noelle?"

Finnian glanced at the lens, offered a small smile, and said nothing.

Hearing her name, Noelle turned and smiled radiantly at him.

Finnian's gaze was fixed entirely on her.

Suddenly, the video cut to black, as if a hand had slapped over the lens.

Kaia stared at the dark screen for a long time before setting her phone down.

He had held the umbrella completely over her head, choosing to stand in the blistering sun himself.

It was a deeply ingrained habit. He existed to take care of her.

And Noelle absorbed that care as if it were her absolute birthright.

Two minutes later, Silas texted: "Is it too late to unsend that?"

Kaia knew he felt guilty, worried that the video would hurt her.

"I already watched it. Thanks for sharing," she typed back.

"I'm sorry," Silas replied instantly, followed quickly by another message. "I'm going to delete the entire archive off my hard drive. I won't send you anything that upsets you ever again."

Chloe rolled her eyes, unfazed. She couldn't stand Noelle's arrogant, holier-than-thou attitude. Noelle acted like she was born superior, expecting everyone to grovel at her feet. They were simply like oil and water.

Pearl shot Chloe a harsh look. "Keep your mouth shut. When Mr. Sanders gets here, you eat and don't say a single word."

"So I'm supposed to play mute? No thanks," Chloe grabbed her purse and stood up. "I'm out. Enjoy your dinner."

"Hey! Get back here!" Pearl hissed, her face flushed with anger.

Noelle watched Chloe brush past her, a flash of pure malice in her eyes.

She wasn't a violent person, but Chloe constantly danced on her last nerve.

"Let her leave," Noelle said coldly.

With Noelle's dismissal, Pearl had no excuse to drag her daughter back.

Ten minutes later, Elaine and Finnian arrived.

Elaine walked in first, radiating effortless wealth and authority, with Finnian right behind her.