Whats She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 108

Finnian nodded approvingly. “We’re running one last set of tests tomorrow. If everything looks good, we can take her home.”

Noelle reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair away from Brynlee’s face. “Good. You really have to be so careful with kids. The winter viruses are brutal right now. You should probably keep her cooped up inside for a while until she’s stronger.”

agree. That’s the plan,” Finnian said.

Between the IVs and the constant blood draws over the last few days, Brynlee was thoroughly traumatized. She buried her face against Noelle’s shoulder and mumbled, “I’m just gonna play at home. I won’t run around. I don’t want any more shots, and I never, ever want to come back to the hospital!”

Noelle immediately patted her back, her voice dripping with warmth. “Of course, sweetie. Whenever Aunt Noelle has free time, I’ll come over and play with you. Just call me whenever you want to play a game, okay?”

After chatting with Brynlee for a few more minutes, Noelle casually looked up. “Where’s Kaia? She must be completely exhausted by now.”

“She went home to grab some clean clothes for Brynlee,” Finnian replied.

Noelle didn’t press further, settling into the chair to help Brynlee with her coloring.

“I’m going to step out for a smoke. Keep an eye on her for me,” Finnian said, grabbing his heavy wool coat and heading for the door.

When Kaia finally returned, she walked in to see Noelle happily drawing with her daughter. Kaia’s expression instantly turned to ice.

“Oh, Kaia, you’re back.” Noelle stood up, offering a perfectly pleasant smile. “Finnian stepped out for a cigarette, so I was just keeping Brynlee company with some drawing.”

Seeing her mother, Brynlee bounced excitedly on the bed. “Mommy! Look at the picture I drew! Isn’t it pretty?”

Kaia refused to make a scene in front of her child. She nodded, forcing a warm tone. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart. I brought dinner. Let’s eat.”

Noticing Kaia’s frosty demeanor, Noelle smiled gracefully. “Well, since you’re here, I should get going. Brynlee, Aunt Noelle is leaving now. Be a good girl for your mom and dad, okay?”

“Bye, Aunt Noelle!” Brynlee waved politely.

Noelle gave Kaia one last lingering look before opening the door and stepping out into the hall.

She ran right into Finnian as he was walking back. The moment she saw him, a look of subtle, delicate grievance crossed her face.

“Is Kaia back?” Finnian asked, already guessing the answer.

“Yes. She’s feeding Brynlee dinner, so I figured I shouldn’t intrude.” Noelle gave a small, sad smile and headed toward the elevators.

Finnian watched her walk away, a complicated mix of emotions pooling in his dark eyes.

Once upon a time, everyone praised the sisterly bond between Kaia and Noelle. Now, it was buried under layers of ice–and it was entirely Kala’s fault. Fighting for credit, aggressively maneuvering on projects, using her technical expertise to belittle others… it was simply beneath her.

Finnian had intended to go back into the hospital room, but suddenly, he didn’t want to.

He pulled out his phone and fired off a text to Kala: [Something came up. I’ll be back in two hours.]

Kaia never replied.

True to his word, Finnian disappeared and didn’t return until the following morning. When he hurried into the suite, Kaia was nowhere to be found, but Dr. Miles Kendrick was sitting on the sofa across from Brynlee’s bed.

The two of them were deep in conversation. Miles was showing Brynlee some simple magic tricks, then playfully explaining the science behind them. The little girl was absolutely captivated.

Finnian’s gaze turned cold as he took in the scene. Since when were his daughter and Miles Kendrick this close?

BEY U

Even if Miles was technically one of Brynlee’s doctors, this was Mercy General, not his clinic at Prestige Medical Center. How did he even know she was here?

As Finnian pushed the door open, Miles stood up, offering an easy smile. “Finnian. Kaia just

nt down to handle the discharge paperwork.”

annian gave a stiff nod before asking, “How did you know Brynlee was admitted? Did Kaia tell you?”

Miles shook his head. “No, I went to visit my old professor for the holidays and her parents mentioned it. I’ve been keeping a close eye on Brynlee’s condition, so I figured I’d swing by.”

It was a perfectly reasonable explanation. Finnian couldn’t find a single flaw in it. “I appreciate you making the trip.”

“Daddy! I’m so happy! I finally get to go home!” Brynlee cheered, her little face glowing with. excitement.

“i know. Daddy’s here to take you home,” Finnlan sald, his voice softening.

Brynlee immediately turned back to Miles. “Uncle Miles, you still didn’t tell me how you made my toy disappear! Tell me the secret!”

Miles laughed and started explaining the trick. Brynlee stared at him, her huge dark eyes. wide with pure admiration.

Watching the exchange, Finnian forced a tight smile. “Looks like you’re great with kids, Miles.”

Miles faltered for a fraction of a second, but recovered quickly, nodding. “I am. Especially little girls. They’re sweet…”

Finnian’s jaw tightened. Before the silence could stretch, the door opened and Kaia walked in. She completely ignored Finnian, looking straight at Miles.

“I just spoke with the attending. The virus didn’t put any extra strain on her heart, but we still need to monitor her very closely for the next week.”

Miles’s expression turned serious. “Right. No physical exertion after a bad cold; we don’t want to risk myocarditis. Just total bed rest. And try to keep her stress levels down.”

“I will,” Kaia agreed firmly.

Finnian stood next to them, watching the two of them discuss his daughter’s recovery like they were a unified team. A deep, ugly knot formed in his chest.

Dexter came up to take their bags down to the car. Finnian carried Brynlee out, walking slightly ahead. Kaia and Miles trailed behind him, deep in conversation about Brynlee’s medical needs.

ian pressed his lips into a thin line, overwhelmed by a suffocating sense of

acement.