Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla) novel Chapter 21

**TITLE: Unwritten Feelings Drift by Austen**
**Chapter 21: Dinner Tension**

This evening was not merely about family dynamics; it was a gathering steeped in the complexities of relationships and unspoken sentiments.

Martin, a man of considerable stature and authority, commanded both respect and affection from the younger generation. His presence was a blend of love and intimidation, a balance that was hard to strike.

Years prior, Troy had performed a heroic act by rescuing Ayla from the clutches of the ocean’s depths, saving her from drowning. Yet, in a twist of fate, he had left without providing any means for her to contact him. This absence left Ayla with a yearning to find him, to express her gratitude and perhaps something deeper.

In a serendipitous turn of events, Ayla had found herself saving Martin after he suffered a car accident on her quest to locate Troy. That incident, while unfortunate, became the catalyst for everything that unfolded afterward.

Despite the tumultuous path that lay ahead, winning Martin’s affection felt like a stroke of luck for Ayla, a silver lining amidst the chaos.

As Ayla reminisced, she observed Draven, Bria, and Troy settling into their seats, one after the other, each taking their place around the table.

Notably absent were Eric and his wife, Ruby Winston, who had chosen to skip tonight’s gathering. With Draven present, their involvement could have ignited tensions best left unaddressed. Avoiding potential conflict seemed the wisest course of action.

The seat reserved for Martin lay strategically between Ayla and Draven, a buffer zone that held its own significance.

Ayla’s gaze flickered toward Bria, who was glaring at her with unmistakable animosity.

Ayla suppressed a laugh. Sharing a meal at the same table as someone like Bria, who was clearly intimidated, was perhaps one of the few challenges Bria had ever encountered.

Bria’s life, it seemed, was far too simple.

Just as this thought settled in Ayla’s mind, Martin made his entrance.

Everyone sprang to their feet in unison, a sign of respect and acknowledgment.

At 73, Martin still possessed sharp features that bore the remnants of his youthful handsomeness. Standing tall at six feet, he maintained an impressive posture, his back straight as an arrow.

In his youth, he had been a formidable figure, a man of iron will and unwavering resolve. However, time had softened his edges, granting him a gentler demeanor that his grandchildren found comforting. They no longer regarded him with the same trepidation that their parents once had.

Bria let out a sigh of relief at the sight of her grandfather. “Grandpa, I heard from Lincoln that you weren’t feeling well. Why didn’t you tell us? You really shouldn’t keep things like that to yourself.”

“It was merely a viral flu. Nothing to worry about,” Martin replied, his tone calm and reassuring. “If I had informed you all before I recovered, you might have caught it too.”

With a nod, he gestured for everyone to take their seats. “Now, let’s eat.”

As he settled into his chair, Martin’s gaze swept over the younger members of the family, finally resting on Ayla. “Have you lost weight?” he inquired, concern etching his features.

Ayla felt a rush of embarrassment but quickly concocted a response. “I’ve been working out lately, perhaps that’s the reason.”

In the past, her time and energy had been consumed by thoughts of Troy, leaving little room for self-care.

This past week, even her colleagues had commented on her worn appearance. After the miscarriage and the divorce, maintaining a healthy appearance felt like an impossible task. Today, she had opted for light makeup, which managed to enhance her features, but the truth remained—she had indeed lost weight.

Ayla despised this feeling of frailty. She longed to regain her strength through exercise and nutritious meals. Above all, she yearned to feel robust and vibrant once more.

By next week, she hoped to resume her exercise routine.

Martin nodded approvingly. “Working out is beneficial. It keeps the body strong. Just remember not to become too thin.”

Ayla offered a small nod in agreement, grateful for his concern.

Without missing a beat, Bria interjected, eager to stir the pot. “Grandpa, you have no idea how much Ayla has changed lately. Just the other day, she called me insensible!”

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