What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 496

Noelle rested a hand on her lower abdomen. "Much better. The doctor said I can be discharged in a few days."

Elaine offered a noncommittal hum and said nothing more.

It was the first time Noelle had ever seen Elaine so silent and stern. Hesitantly, she opened her mouth. "Mom, when are Finnian and Kaia going to sign their divorce papers?"

Elaine's fingers tightened violently around her purse. She looked at Noelle, her eyes swirling with complex emotions. There was no anger, only profound disappointment and scrutiny.

"Why do you ask?" Elaine looked down at her hands.

Noelle forced a casual smile. "I was just wondering. Kaia is so stubborn, demanding a divorce with no room for negotiation. What do you think about it, Mom?"

Elaine's expression turned heavy. "Of course I don't want them to divorce. Kaia is an excellent daughter-in-law. She's capable, family-oriented, respectful to her elders, and doesn't engage in messy social circles or bad habits."

Noelle froze. When did Elaine start speaking so highly of Kaia?

She forced out another smile. "You've really changed your mind about her. I remember you saying she wasn't respectful before."

"That was in the past. I misjudged her. Looking at her now, she truly is remarkable. I've compared her to the daughters-in-law of my friends, and Kaia's character and abilities are top-tier. I no longer support their divorce." Elaine made her stance perfectly clear.

Noelle felt as though she had been struck. She stared blankly at Elaine.

Noelle sat paralyzed, unable to process the words for a long time. Suddenly, she scrambled to her knees on the mattress and burst into tears. "Mom, don't kick me out. I don't want to leave the Sanders family. I don't want to leave you. Please, don't make me go. I'm begging you."

Tears streamed down Elaine's face, but she turned away. "I'm not kicking you out. I'm letting you go. What's the point of staying? To trap yourself in a dead end? Or are you hoping that once Finnian divorces, you'll have a chance to marry him? No, Noelle. I will never allow that. You're still young. You have your whole life ahead of you. Because we were once mother and daughter, I won't be completely ruthless, but you have to understand my position."

Noelle wailed loudly. "No, Mom, do you not want me anymore? I don't want to leave you. I'm not leaving. I won't go."

"You were married to Rafael. I'm begging you, have this child for his sake. You owe him that much. You clearly didn't love him, yet you... let him marry you anyway."

"Mom... what do you mean by that?" Noelle's body stiffened completely. She looked up, slowly meeting Elaine's gaze.