“Aunt Noelle? Why are you answering? Where’s my dad?” Brynlee asked, her little eyebrows knitting together.
“Oh, your dad… he accidentally spilled something on his shirt, so he’s taking a shower right now,” Noelle replied, her tone sweet and entirely natural.
“Are… are you guys still at the office working?” Brynlee’s little brain spun as she tried to make sense of it.
Noelle let out a soft laugh, clearly amused by the question.
“Yes, we’re working. It’s pretty busy right now, but I’ll make sure to tell him you called as soon as he gets out, okay?”
“Well… okay. You have to tell him I miss him and I want him to come home right now. No more working!” Brynlee rattled off in one breath.
“Got it. Bye now.” The watch went silent.
Standing right next to her, Kaia had heard every word on the speakerphone.
She stood absolutely frozen. Brynlee washed her hands, her little lips pouting. “See? Dad is working. No wonder he couldn’t come to dinner.”
Kaia felt her blood run cold. When Elaine had said he was handling a work emergency, a tiny, foolish part of Kaia had almost believed it. Now, the realization hit her like a slap to the face.
Once Brynlee’s hands were clean, she ran off to play with the other kids.
After finishing her meal, Kaia didn’t return to the table. She grabbed a cup of tea and retreated to the conservatory.
Jane came looking for her and found her daughter staring blankly at the flowers.
“Kaia, what is going on with Finnian?” As a mother, Jane naturally kept a close eye on her daughter’s marriage.
Tonight was an incredibly important family gathering. Relatives from all branches of the family were present. Unless he was stranded out of the country, it made absolutely no sense for the head of the household to be absent.
“He… he had some work emergencies,” Kaia forced a smile, sticking to her habit of only sharing good news with her parents.
“Don’t lie to me.” Jane glared at her. “Other people might buy that, but I don’t. Are you two fighting?”
“No,” Kaia replied quietly. “He genuinely had something come up.”
1/3
19:38
“You’re his wife. No matter what the emergency is, he owes you an explanation. How can you have no idea where your own husband is?” Jane huffed in frustration. In the Chavez
household, Jane was the undisputed boss. She always know where Warren was, and he would always voluntarily tell her his plans.
She couldn’t believe her daughter was so passive about managing her marriage.
“Mom, he isn’t Dad. He doesn’t have Dad’s easygoing temper, and he certainly isn’t as easy to manage.” Kala knew her mother loved comparing everyone to her father. But how many men in the world were truly like Warren Chavez, revolving their entire lives around their family and wife?
“I know that,” Jane said, softening slightly. It was true–most marriages eventually faded into dull routine. As long as they didn’t end up hating each other, it was considered a success. Warren was indeed a rare breed, and Jane felt lucky to have him.
“Mom, I’m going to check on Brynlee…” Kaia used the excuse to escape, dreading her mothering gaze.
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“H
alt a pang of heartache. When Kaia insisted on
nily, both Jane and Warren had opposed it. But ed like a perfect, polished gentleman who handled his character wouldn’t be too bad.
ia realized she had left her tea behind.
uldn’t face her mother’s knowing eyes.
red behind her, holding two cups of tea. He handed her one. in yet? Where exactly is he?”
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ked, his gaze intense.
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wn with a smile. “My apologies.
appeared warm and festive, but undercurrents of
gifts were handed out to the children. Being the favorite, Brynlee
nem.
19:38
Chapter 91
Kala also handed out envelopes to the other kids.
“Kaia, Sophia and I are going to head out,” Leo said, his face flushed from the alcohol. Beside him, Sophia, dressed in a designer outfit, smiled. “Yes, we’ll see you next time.”
“Drive safe, you two. See you soon,” Kala smiled and nodded.
Warren and Jane were also leaving. Jane looked at Kala with undisguised concern.
After walking them out with Brynlee, Kaia decided it was time to go home, too. She went to say her goodbyes to Josephine.
Chapter
Chapter 92
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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