What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 598

"I think I'll pass," Finnian said with a strained smile, turning on his heel and walking out.

Standing by the elevator doors, he looked dazed. A heavy, suffocating ache settled deep in his chest.

In the past, even if their relationship hadn't been incredibly passionate, it had been peaceful. Kaia would initiate conversations, they would chat about their days, discuss Brynlee—they hadn't lived like complete strangers.

Now, he had to mentally rehearse a dozen different conversation starters just to speak to her. And even then, the words died in his throat, forcing him to walk away in defeat.

The new year was just around the corner. Finnian remembered how, in the days leading up to the holidays, Kaia and Layla used to decorate the entire villa. They would put up new couplets and hang red lanterns in the front garden. At night, the whole house would glow with a festive warmth.

Finnian pressed his fingers hard against his temples, refusing to let the memories drag him down any further. Every time he thought about it, the regret threatened to crush him.

He had brought this entirely upon himself. He had no right to complain.

After spending the whole day with his daughter and having dinner at the main estate, Finnian was now rushing home to tackle a mountain of work.

Even though he was technically on vacation, it was year-end, and endless stacks of corporate decisions required his signature.

Sitting in the back of the car, he leaned his head against the seat and closed his eyes. The heater was blasting, and the warmth quickly lulled him to sleep.

He slipped into a dream. In it, Kaia was wearing a bright red coat, holding a one-year-old Brynlee. She had dressed the baby in a fuzzy bunny onesie. Brynlee looked like a tiny, soft little rabbit, flashing two baby teeth and sucking on a pacifier while waving her chubby little hands at him. It was the most adorable thing he had ever seen. Kaia told him she was going outside to hang the lanterns and tossed the little bunny into his arms, telling him to keep her safe.

After casually handing him the baby, she turned and ran off to help Layla.

Finnian could distinctly feel the weight of the eight-month-old baby in his arms, and he found himself instinctively walking toward the bright, warm lights...

Suddenly, as the car turned onto the road leading to the villa, Dexter slammed on the brakes.

The next second, she shivered violently, wrapping her arms tightly around herself in a pathetic display of vulnerability.

"Don't stop. Drive right through," Finnian ordered, his voice like cracking ice.

Dexter flinched. The boss's tone held absolutely zero emotion.

Following orders, Dexter slowed the car down and crept toward the gate. The electronic scanner read the license plate, beeped, and the heavy iron gates slowly swung open.

The car rolled right past Noelle. She stood frozen in place, hugging herself tight. Her eyes and nose were completely red from the cold, and her lips had turned a sickly shade of purple.

"Finnian!" Noelle screamed at the top of her lungs.