What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 67

Kaia stiffened. Almost instinctively, she yanked her arm out of his grip and stopped in her tracks.

"Brynlee just came up to me and said she overheard people gossiping about us in the restroom."

Kaia paused, her brows furrowing. "Why would Brynlee tell you about that?"

"Because she heard them." Finnian's expression darkened. "The next time something like this happens, you need to step in and shut it down immediately. Brynlee shouldn't have to hear that kind of filth."

"Are you blaming me?" Kaia's gaze hardened, her tone turning razor-sharp. "Why do you think they were gossiping in the first place? It's the direct result of how you've been carrying on."

Finnian had already experienced his wife's sharp tongue, so he wasn't surprised that she fired right back at him.

"Yes, their words hurt you and Brynlee. I'll handle them." Finnian was stepping into his role as a responsible husband.

Kaia just watched him perform.

"The only thing that stops people from talking is acting with basic decency, not playing judge and jury after the fact," Kaia said before turning to leave again.

"Kaia, there are certain things outsiders just don't understand. But what about you?" Finnian suddenly asked.

Kaia stopped, but she didn't look back. She simply replied indifferently, "Me? I don't care."

Without missing a beat, she walked away, disappearing back into the glittering crowd.

Finnian's gaze lingered on the bright lights. His lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to say something, but all he felt was the freezing, impenetrable wall his wife had thrown up between them.

He stood there for a moment before returning to the banquet.

Surrounded by the chatter of the room, Kaia finally let her tightly clenched fingers uncurl.

She didn't need the title of Mrs. Sanders.

Because of Brynlee's bedtime, Finnian had taken them home at nine-thirty. Watching the family of three leave, the shadows in Noelle's heart had deepened.

It was past eleven when Noelle finally returned to her luxury condo at Crimson Crest.

Elaine had prepared a warm tonic for her. After taking a shower and coming downstairs, Noelle looked at the bowl, and suddenly, her eyes went red as silent tears spilled over.

Elaine was startled by the sudden shift in mood.

"What's wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden?"

Noelle sniffled, quickly wiping her eyes. She smiled shyly. "I was just thinking... if I had gone abroad, where would I ever get a warm, home-cooked meal from Mom?"

Elaine's heart melted, and she sighed. "I don't know why Josephine is so stubborn. Maybe because she's been in charge her whole life and wants to control every move the younger generation makes. I've been married into this family for thirty years, and heaven knows how much I've had to swallow in front of her. But don't worry, Finnian and I will protect you."

"Mom, does Grandmother's dislike of me have anything to do with Kaia?" Noelle asked, her eyes full of confusion and insecurity. "Kaia cured her migraines and joint pain with those remedies. Grandmother loves her. She even said that with Kaia around, she'll live to be a hundred."