Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 154

Physically, she was willing to return, but mentally, she was ready to pack up and leave Stellamare Villa at a moment's notice.

But Julian didn't let that bother him right now.

The agreement Hester forced him to sign today might have seemed aggressive, but wasn't it really just her way of giving them both a way out?

Julian refused to believe Hester genuinely wanted to divorce him.

He was convinced she was simply using this drastic measure to force him to prioritize her.

Hester was his wife, the mother of his child. As her husband, he could certainly tolerate a little temper tantrum and a few mind games.

Thinking it through, the inexplicable panic that had gripped his chest completely vanished.

...

Julian personally escorted Hester back to Stellamare Villa.

As soon as they walked in, Lena hurried over. "Mrs. Weston, you're back!"

Hester handed her the suitcase. "Lena, could you take this upstairs for me?"

"Right away!" Lena eagerly grabbed the handle.

Seeing Julian bring Hester home himself, Lena assumed the couple had fully reconciled.

She enthusiastically wheeled the suitcase straight toward the second-floor master suite.

Hester didn't try to stop her. She just calmly changed her shoes at the entryway.

Julian had fully expected Hester to demand separate bedrooms once they arrived, yet she hadn't said a word about it.

This only fueled his certainty that she wasn't serious about the divorce and that the six-month deadline would pass without consequence.

Hester couldn't care less what Julian was thinking.

Having swapped her shoes, she turned back to him. "I'm a bit tired. I'm going upstairs to rest."

Watching her walk toward the stairs, Julian said, "I'm heading to the office. I'll be back for dinner."

Without breaking her stride, Hester replied coolly, "I'll tell Lena to make enough for you."

They communicated with civil politeness, treating each other with the utmost respect, yet the distance between them was palpable.

Julian watched her figure ascend the stairs.

Only when she disappeared around the landing did he finally turn and leave the house.

While she worked, Hester sat on the sofa in the adjoining sitting area and texted Gael Montgomery. She briefly explained the new contract she had signed with Julian and that she had moved back into Stellamare Villa.

Reading the terms of the agreement, Gael instantly understood.

Guessing Hester's overarching strategy, she didn't offer any unsolicited advice. She merely told Hester that no matter the situation, she needed to put herself and the baby first.

Hester smiled softly at Gael's message.

Finding a true friend in this life was a rare and precious thing.

"Ma'am, everything is ready. You must be exhausted from all the moving around in your condition, so I won't disturb your rest. What would you like for dinner? I'll go grocery shopping right now."

"Just make the usual things I like," Hester said, standing up. She paused. "By the way, where is Celeste?"

"She was reassigned to Silverstream Villa," Lena explained. "Mr. Weston settled Seraphina and Caden over there. He said Caden is already used to that house, and it's close by. Since Seraphina is taking care of a child by herself and her health isn't great, keeping them close means it'll be easier to send help if they need it."

Hester smirked coldly. "That sounds exactly like something he would do."

She wasn't surprised, nor was she angry.

Because it was all playing out exactly as she had anticipated.