What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 329

Dexter tapped furiously on his iPad, relaying the data. "Yes. She's at the Four Seasons Hotel downtown. Her friend Celine is registered in the same suite."

Finnian nodded. "Get us a room there."

"Do you want to call her first to let her know you're in the city?" Dexter suggested carefully.

Finnian shook his head. "No. I'll just find her."

He knew perfectly well that if he called, Kaia wouldn't bother answering.

At 7 PM, the group arrived at an elegant French restaurant.

Kaia wore a stunning, minimalist black dress. The stark contrast highlighted her luminous skin, and her hair was swept up in a loose, effortless twist, exposing the elegant curve of her neck. She radiated a quiet, unbothered confidence.

Brynlee was dressed in wide-leg pants and a fitted tee, her hair braided into cool little pigtails. She even wore a pair of tiny sunglasses, strutting into the restaurant with maximum attitude.

Even Celine had dressed down, walking lazily alongside them. "Kaia, why don't I take Brynlee to the arcade or something? You and Simon can have a proper dinner."

"We're all eating together," Kaia replied flatly. Although she had signed the separation agreement and was technically a free woman, she wasn't comfortable going on a solo date with Simon.

"But Celine, Mr. Quinn said he was bringing Anna! I want to see Anna!" Brynlee cheered.

Celine burst out laughing. "Oh, right! I totally forgot about that. Fine, let's all go."

When they reached the table, Simon was already seated with Anna on his lap. The little girl kept craning her neck, scanning the entrance for her best friend.

When she finally spotted Brynlee, Anna let out a squeal and scrambled out of the booth. Brynlee grabbed her hands, and the two girls spun in excited circles.

Watching her daughter's absolute joy, Kaia felt the heavy knot in her chest loosen.

Simon found it impossible to look away from Kaia. Her simple dress somehow amplified her breathtaking, untouchable elegance. Every time she looked his way, he found himself struggling to hold her gaze.

"Where's Sylvia?" Celine asked, taking a seat.

"She had a work event tonight," Simon explained. "But she wants to invite all of you over to her place for dinner tomorrow, if you're free."

Simon paid the bill and motioned toward the exit. "I'll drive you back to the hotel."

"Thanks!" Celine beamed.

Simon opened the rear door of his rented SUV for Kaia. Once she settled in, Brynlee climbed into her lap and passed out almost instantly. Simon took the driver's seat while a delightfully tipsy Celine claimed the passenger side. The car smelled like crisp, expensive cologne, and the AC was humming softly.

A slow, incredibly romantic duet drifted from the stereo. The raspy male vocals intertwined with the breathy female singer, creating a deeply intimate, intoxicating atmosphere that wrapped around the occupants of the car.

It was the kind of song that easily pulled a person down into their own memories.

Simon kept his eyes glued to the road, his mind racing. He desperately wanted to check the rearview mirror to look at Kaia, but he was terrified of giving himself away.

In the backseat, Kaia wrapped her arms around her sleeping daughter, pressing a kiss to her temple. As the chorus swelled, she froze.

Years ago, she used to listen to this exact duet on repeat, dreaming about her spectacular future with Finnian.

It felt like a lifetime ago. Back when she was a star student presenting on stage, and Finnian had confidently interrupted her with an impossible question. She remembered the way his dark, predatory gaze had slowly shifted into deep admiration and amusement as she flawlessly answered him.