What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 322

Finnian knew better than to make any demands. The Marital Separation Agreement he had just signed laid out the boundaries in black and white. He had no right to expect her to fulfill any obligations, and she had completely relinquished her role as his partner. In this apartment, they were nothing more than familiar strangers.

Brynlee blinked her big eyes, watching her mother leave before gripping Finnian's arm. "Dad, why does Mom have to work so late?"

Finnian was stumped by the simple question. Kaia wasn't working; she just couldn't stand being in the same room as him.

"Your mom is very dedicated to her job. She probably just has a few loose ends to tie up," Finnian offered, trying to sound convincing.

Brynlee crossed her arms and let out an annoyed huff. "Aren't you her boss? Can't you give her less work so she has time to rest and play with me?"

Seeing his daughter's adorable, scrunched-up frown, Finnian couldn't help but soften. "Alright, you have a deal. Your mom just did me a huge favor at work, so I'm giving her a whole week off to spend with you."

"Really? You promise? Grown-ups aren't allowed to lie." Brynlee jumped up in excitement, holding out her pinky finger. "Pinky promise."

Finnian chuckled, humoring her as he hooked his pinky around hers.

It was already mid-August, and Brynlee's summer break was almost over. She desperately wanted to go on a trip with her mother. Kaia had promised to take her abroad to visit Anna, and now, it seemed like her wish was finally coming true.

Once Brynlee was fast asleep, Kaia slipped back into the bedroom. Finnian immediately sat up. "Should I leave now?"

"You can sleep in the study if you don't mind the space," Kaia replied coolly.

Finnian's eyes widened in disbelief. Was he really reduced to sleeping in the study?

"If you mind, you know where the door is," Kaia added, her voice devoid of any lingering affection. She sounded like she was offering a cot to a homeless stranger.

Finnian pressed his lips into a tight line, a bitter taste lingering in his mouth. As the heir to the Sanders Conglomerate, he had never been treated with such casual disregard. But the thought of walking away didn't appeal to him. He genuinely wanted to stay close to his daughter.

"Alright. Can I get a light blanket?" he asked.

Kaia opened the closet, pulled one out, and handed it to him.

"Thanks," Finnian muttered stiffly before his tall frame exited the bedroom and headed down the hall.

Kaia slid into bed next to her daughter. The mattress still held a trace of his body heat. Frowning slightly, she rolled over to the far edge, creating as much distance as possible before drifting off to sleep.

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