What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 404

"I wouldn't say that," Finnian retorted, his expression souring. "It's just how I navigate the business world. A form of self-preservation. Who isn't a little hypocritical? Are you completely transparent?"

Kaia shot him a mocking look. "You're not just a hypocrite; you're full of double standards. You set the rules for everyone else but break them yourself."

His face darkened further. "What is that supposed to mean?"

She pulled her hair over her shoulder, focusing the dryer on the ends. "When Silas and I get close because of work, you issue warnings. But you and Noelle are constantly hugging in the office, spending hours alone behind closed doors, and you see absolutely nothing wrong with it."

"There isn't anything wrong," he said rigidly. "She fainted. I carried her to get medical help. What's the problem?"

She thought for a second and shook her head. "Nothing. It's completely normal. Only..."

"If it's not a problem, why bring it up?"

"Finnian, I admit you both handle things smoothly. On the surface, your actions seem justifiable, leaving no room for criticism. But... it disgusts me." She looked up, meeting his eyes. "You mentioned office gossip? Have you heard what people say about you and Noelle?"

He scowled. Of course he had heard. He had even fired a few people to set an example and suppress the rumors.

"People aren't blind. It's obvious who you treat best, who your priority is. You try to hide behind excuses just to ease your own conscience." She switched off the hair dryer. The sudden silence in the room was deafening.

He felt a surge of panic as he watched her speak with such eerie calm.

"Noelle and I..."

"I know. She's family. You treat her well out of instinct, duty, and responsibility. Save it, Finnian," she cut him off, reciting his usual excuses before he could.

His face flushed hotly. For some reason, hearing her say those words felt like a slap in the face.

Leaning against the wall, she stared at him calmly. "Don't give me that 'family' excuse. When a man marries and starts his own family, he needs to establish boundaries. That means keeping distance from female friends, female relatives, even parents, to prioritize his own home. The core unit is the married couple. Of course, saying this now is pointless because our marriage is just a contract. Expecting that from you is unrealistic. But a piece of advice: when you marry your next wife, try maintaining some actual boundaries."

He stood there, stunned by her speech.

"I'm tired. I'm going to bed." She felt she had said too much.

He watched her walk out and collapse onto the bed, her long hair fanning out beautifully across the sheets.

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