What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 61

Celine watched as Kaia tucked away her vulnerability and anger. She knew better than anyone—while outsiders saw Kaia as low-key and gentle, her core was made of steel. A shameless home-wrecker wasn't even worthy of throwing a tantrum in front of her.

At nine o'clock that evening, Elaine personally dropped Brynlee off at home.

Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Brynlee saw Kaia at the door and immediately reached out with a happy grin. "Mommy, up!"

Kaia caught her daughter and turned to Elaine. "Mom, do you want to come inside and sit for a bit?"

"No, it's getting late. I'll head back. Take good care of Brynlee," Elaine replied before signaling her driver to leave.

A short while later, a black Bentley pulled into the driveway. Finnian stepped out of the backseat, a jacket draped over his arm.

"Dad! Let's go upstairs and open my Christmas presents! I can't wait anymore!" Brynlee gleefully wriggled out of Kaia's arms and ran over, grabbing Finnian's fingers.

A doting smile softened Finnian's eyes. "Alright. Dad came home specifically to help you open your gifts."

Kaia watched the father and daughter head upstairs, then went to the bathroom to take a shower.

When she stepped out in her robe, she could hear her daughter's bright laughter coming from the nursery.

Kaia walked over to the doorway. Finnian looked up at her. "The presents are all opened. Give Brynlee a bath."

"Mommy, I love this talking dog! It's so cute!" Brynlee held up a small stuffed animal, practically vibrating with joy.

Kaia nodded. "That's wonderful, sweetie. Let's get you washed up first, and then Mommy will play with you."

After her bath, Brynlee's little head began to droop. Her internal clock wouldn't let her stay up late. She climbed into bed and, within minutes, was fast asleep hugging her blanket.

Kaia carried her back to the master bedroom to sleep. Afterward, she sat at her vanity, applying her nighttime skincare routine.

Finnian suddenly appeared behind her. He opened a blue velvet box and placed it in front of her. "I was swamped today, which is why I was late. This is my Christmas present to you. See if you like it."

Kaia's eyelashes fluttered slightly. She looked at the beautiful box. It bore the logo of Aegean Jewels.

How laughable.

Listening to Finnian's fading footsteps, Kaia opened her eyes. She wasn't sleepy at all.

The necklace was beautiful, but to her, it had lost all its meaning.

On the evening before New Year's Eve, the conglomerate hosted a lavish promotion party for Noelle.

The event was held at The Hawthorne Gallery & Estate, a private and utterly luxurious venue owned by the Sanders family.

They had spared no expense, and the guest list was filled with heavyweights.

Kaia had originally planned to find an excuse not to attend, but her mother-in-law, Elaine, had taken Brynlee to the banquet hall earlier that afternoon. Furthermore, Finnian had called her directly from his office, insisting she make an appearance.

As the former lead of research at Aethelstan and the official Mrs. Sanders, showing up was a matter of basic etiquette.

Tonight, Kaia didn't stick to her usual low-profile look. She chose a beige evening gown that was elegant and sophisticated, paired with a simple necklace. She looked radiant and poised.

When she arrived, Elaine was holding Brynlee while chatting with some guests. Spotting her mother, Brynlee happily ran over. "Mommy, you look so pretty today!"