What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 565

Everyone in the room looked toward the door and saw Finnian standing there in a black overcoat, holding three gift bags.

When he saw the crowd sitting inside, it felt as though he had been shoved into an icehouse. A piercing chill rapidly spread outward from the center of his chest.

He remembered Kaia's past birthdays. She liked keeping things simple, usually just inviting the elders from both families for dinner. Even when both families gathered, it was always polite and quiet. After having cake and exchanging gifts, everyone would head home. That was why he assumed her twenty-seventh birthday would just be a quiet family dinner.

He had called Brynlee before coming, and she had said she didn't know who her mom was inviting tonight. That was why the scene before him was such a shock.

Warren wasn't petty, but Jane's expression was quite colorful.

"Daddy, you're late! Look, all three uncles got here before you did," Brynlee ran up to Finnian happily, standing on her tiptoes to peek into the bags he was holding. "Are these all presents for Mommy? What are they?"

Finnian quickly reined in his emotions. Even as the walls around his heart crumbled, his face remained completely calm. He reached out to gently stroke his daughter's hair, his voice low and steady. "Since they're gifts for Mom, let's let her open them herself, okay?"

"Okay!" Brynlee instantly tucked away her curiosity.

Seeing him, Layla walked over with a bright smile. "Mr. Sanders, come in and have a seat. I'll take the gifts."

Finnian handed the gift bags to Layla and took long strides over to Kaia. "Happy birthday," he said softly.

"Thank you," Kaia replied with distant politeness. "Since you're here, stay and have dinner with Brynlee."

"Alright." Finnian wasn't exactly in a position to be picky right now.

"Finnian, if I had known you were coming, I would have hitched a ride with you," Silas said with a laugh.

Finnian forced a smile. This kid was everywhere; he just couldn't shake him.

Just as Jane and Kaia stepped out of the private room, they bumped into Leo rushing over. He was carrying a bouquet of flowers and two large bags.

"Mom, Kaia, where are you going? Have you eaten yet?" Leo asked as he approached.

"Not yet. Kaia and I are going to check on the food. Go inside and greet the guests."

"Guests? There are guests? I thought it was just family." Leo handed the flowers to Kaia. "From me. Don't judge, I just grabbed them on the way."

"You're her brother, why are you buying flowers?" Jane laughed, swatting her son's arm playfully.

Leo chuckled. "I remember Kaia always had a bouquet on her birthdays. The Sanders family used to handle it, but now that she's divorced, I can't let my little sister's birthday feel empty."