What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 386

The current Kaia didn't even spare him a probing glance or a questioning tone.

Finnian picked up his phone, pulled up her profile, typed a few words, and then deleted them.

At this hour, his daughter was probably asleep. He had been late for her registration today; she must be so disappointed in him.

Just as Finnian was wallowing in his frustration, a video call popped up on his phone. He answered it quickly.

Brynlee's face filled the screen. She leaned in closer and yelled cheerfully, "Dad! We're having barbecue! Look, Mom bought me yogurt!"

Finnian's eyes narrowed. As the camera panned around, a slew of familiar faces came into view. Simon Quinn was there with Anna, and Dr. Miles Kendrick was sitting nearby. Right next to Kaia sat Silas Sanders, and he could even hear Celine's voice in the background.

Finnian had no idea Kaia was out in such a lively crowd. Compared to his total isolation, her side of the screen radiated warmth and camaraderie.

"It's so late. Why are you still out?" Finnian forced a smile for his daughter.

"Because I start classes tomorrow, and Mom goes back to work tomorrow! Uncle Silas wanted to treat us to barbecue, so I invited Anna. Uncle Miles came to see Grandpa this afternoon, so he came too!" Brynlee babbled happily.

Finnian suddenly understood how they had all ended up at the same table.

"Mom, I'm on a video call with Dad. Do you want to talk to him?" Brynlee asked, turning the camera toward Kaia.

Kaia, delicately eating a skewer of lamb, didn't even look up. "Mom's busy. You talk to him."

Brynlee rested her chin on her hand, her big, dark eyes staring seriously at Finnian. "Dad, Mom wants to eat, so she doesn't have time to talk. Are you still at the office? Did you eat dinner?"

Finnian looked at his daughter's beautiful little face. She was so smart and precious.

"Yeah, Dad ate. I'm just reviewing some files," he lied.

"Dad's life is so hard, working so late. Do you want me to ask Mom to pack some food and bring it to you?" Brynlee asked, instantly sympathetic.

"No need. I'm fine. You guys eat, I'm heading home soon anyway." Finnian knew Kaia would never deliver him food. It was more dignified to reject the offer himself.

"Really? Okay, see you at home! Love you!" Brynlee hung up.

Finnian held his phone, his fingers stiff. His daughter actually thought he was going back to Kaia's apartment.

It was past midnight by the time Finnian finally left the office.

As the elevator descended, the floor numbers ticking down one by one, Finnian caught his reflection in the mirrored doors. He felt a sudden, sharp disconnect from the man staring back at him.

When he reached the ground floor lobby, Dexter and the driver hurried over.

Around 7:30, Kaia walked downstairs holding Brynlee's hand. The little girl was dressed in her full school uniform, her hair tied in cute braids, wearing a pastel blue backpack, happily swinging her mother's hand.

Kaia wore her usual crisp white button-down and slacks. Her makeup was minimal, her aura clean and elegant.

"Dad! You're here so early!" Brynlee let go of Kaia's hand and bolted toward Finnian.

He scooped her up and tossed her in the air, earning a fit of giggles. "Dad, did you wait long?"

Kaia stood a few feet away, watching the father-daughter interaction with an unreadable expression.

"Say bye to Mom. We're heading to school," Finnian said, glancing at Kaia.

Kaia waved to her daughter, watched the black Bentley pull away, and turned to get into her own car.

Finnian dropped Brynlee off at the school gates. He unbuckled her and carried her to the entrance.

Just then, Simon Quinn was also at the gate. He was crouching down, adjusting Anna's collar, reminding her to eat her lunch, drink lots of water, and tell her teacher if she needed anything.

"Anna!" Brynlee shouted joyfully.

Simon looked up just as Finnian approached with Brynlee in his arms.