What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 472

She had cut out all drinks except water and juice, prompting the women at the table to praise what a dedicated mother she was already becoming.

A woman sitting next to her set down her silverware and smiled. "Noelle, once the baby is born, what kind of grand gift is Mr. Sanders going to give? This is his actual nephew, after all. He's bound to do something huge, right?"

Everyone at the table looked at Noelle, their eyes brimming with curiosity and envy.

It was as if she were carrying Finnian's child, rather than Rafael's.

They seemed to believe that Finnian's attitude would single-handedly determine the lifelong prosperity of both her and the baby.

Gripping her glass, Noelle maintained a gentle, flawless smile. "Finnian said he would help me raise the child. He promised they wouldn't grow up feeling like outcasts without a father figure."

She didn't feel like she was lying. Finnian had, in fact, said those exact words.

Right now, he seemed to have sobered up somewhat from the web of ambiguity she had spun around them, but she had no way out. The moment she traveled to Canada alone for the procedure, she had burned all her bridges.

She had to give birth to an heir for the Sanders family. As long as she remained rooted in the household, she could ensure that with Kaia gone, no other woman would ever step foot through their doors.

Even if Finnian didn't marry her, he would undoubtedly share the burden of raising the child. After all, she had been raised under the protective care of him and his brother. That sense of duty and obligation was carved into Finnian's very bones. He wasn't a cold-blooded man.

There were times when Noelle had considered giving up. All the scheming and manipulation were exhausting.

But she simply couldn't stomach the judgment, the disdain, and the mockery of outsiders.

From the very first day she had joined the Sanders family, she had heard the relentless whispers behind her back.

"She's just an adopted stray. What's she acting so high and mighty for?"

"She's riding on the family's coattails. What's so great about her?"

"Do you want me to go with you?" Heather offered.

"No, I'll be fine," she said, grabbing her designer bag and slipping out of the room.

Gripping the handrail, she walked down the stairs step by step. Through the bamboo slats, she could see the family of three still enjoying their dinner.

She was wearing flat shoes. As she reached the last few steps, she deliberately twisted her right foot outward. It wasn't a brutal twist, but it was enough to make her gasp in pain.

She hurried down the final step and crouched down to inspect her ankle, which was already beginning to swell.

A waiter rushed over immediately, his face etched with concern. "Miss, are you alright? Did you twist your ankle? Do you need us to take you to the hospital..."

"Aunt Noelle, what are you doing here?"