She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 15

**Chapter 15**

As they pulled into the parking lot of the company, Theodore took a moment to ensure that Stella would be well cared for during their time there. He arranged for a female employee to accompany her, someone who could keep her company and look after her needs.

Just ten minutes later, the business partners arrived, and Stella found herself standing beside Theodore, acting as his translator. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they embarked on the negotiations.

The discussions unfolded seamlessly, each party exchanging ideas with ease. As Stella absorbed the details of their conversation, she learned that the game they were developing was intended for the global market, with a staggering investment of three hundred million dollars. The timeline was ambitious, projecting at least three years before it would be ready for launch, a fact that filled the air with a sense of urgency and excitement.

By the time the clock struck five, the discussions wrapped up. Stella felt a wave of fatigue wash over her, and Theodore, ever considerate, arranged for her to take a moment to rest before they headed out for dinner later that evening.

In the lounge, Stella took a moment to call Layla, her voice slightly strained as she informed her friend, “I won’t be home for dinner tonight.”

After a brief respite, she felt the pressing need to visit the restroom. She approached a staff member, requesting directions, and just as she was making her way there, she caught a snippet of Theodore’s voice echoing down the corridor.

“I can’t make it to the birthday party tonight, Mom. Please send my best wishes to Aunt Yelena. I’ll make sure to visit her another day when my schedule allows,” he was saying.

Stella’s heart sank slightly as she processed his words. Today was Yelena’s birthday party, a fact that had slipped her mind amidst the whirlwind of events. The Somerton family’s attitude toward her had always been intertwined with Tristan’s behavior. In the past, she would have felt a pang of hurt at being sidelined, but now, strangely, she felt a profound sense of calm. Perhaps Tristan had already taken Audrey to the celebration.

Theodore ended the call and turned, his gaze landing on Stella. For a fleeting moment, his expression faltered, as if he had been caught off guard. He quickly regained his composure and nodded at her, his voice softening. “Be careful.”

After her visit to the restroom, Stella felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She retrieved it and saw that it was Eloise calling. Confusion flickered across her features as she answered, “Mrs. Somerton Senior?”

Eloise’s voice chimed through the line, warm and inviting. “Stelle, I need you to come to the Somerton residence for dinner tonight!”

Stella’s mind raced, piecing together the situation. Realizing that David’s health might have prompted an early return home, she quickly agreed, saying, “Alright.”

Once she hung up, she sought out Theodore, who was just emerging from the restroom. “Mrs. Somerton Senior just called me and asked me to go back to the Somerton residence,” she informed him.

Theodore nodded thoughtfully. “Then I’ll take you there,” he replied, concern flickering in his eyes. He had been worried about her ability to handle the remaining translations, so he had arranged for another translator to step in, someone who had already arrived around four o’clock.

“What about the partners?” she inquired, her brow furrowing slightly.

“They’re fine. Someone will host them. I’ll take you back first, and then I’ll head straight to the restaurant,” he assured her.

Stella didn’t press further. “Alright then,” she said, feeling a sense of relief.

The drive back to the Somerton residence was filled with an unspoken tension, but also a sense of comfort in Theodore’s presence. Upon their arrival, Eloise’s expression shifted from surprise to delight as she spotted them together.

“Grandma!” Theodore greeted her, his voice brightening the room.

Eloise’s face lit up, her joy palpable as she embraced her grandson. It had been far too long since she had seen him, and the warmth of their reunion was evident. She stepped forward, adjusting his suit jacket with a motherly touch. “Look at you. You’re so handsome and capable now!” she exclaimed, pride swelling in her voice.

“Grandma, what do you mean by that? Wasn’t I handsome and capable before?” Theodore replied playfully, a grin spreading across his face.

Eloise laughed heartily, her eyes sparkling with affection. “You’ve always been handsome and capable! But tell me, how come you’re here with Stella?”

Theodore took a moment to explain, his tone earnest. “If it weren’t for her, my project would probably have fallen through.”

Tristan remained silent, his demeanor distant. It dawned on Stella that he hadn’t attended the birthday party that evening. She suspected he might have been with Audrey instead, as the faint scent of perfume lingered around him, a reminder of someone else’s presence.

In that moment, Stella felt a bitter pang in her chest. When it came to love, Tristan was just like anyone else—reluctant to part from the one he cared for, wishing to bask in their company forever.

Eloise had specifically summoned him for dinner, otherwise, he would likely have dined with Audrey, leaving Stella feeling like an afterthought.

As they settled onto the couch, the three of them formed a peculiar triangle of emotions. Stella was acutely aware of her place in this family dynamic. She chose to sit opposite Tristan, supporting her stomach as she did so, careful not to encroach upon his space.

She reflected on the past, recalling how she had often overestimated her worth and attempted to sit beside him, hoping to draw envy from others as his wife. Yet, every time she had done so, she had only succeeded in looking foolish and desperate. Even when she had been closest to him, he had never acknowledged her presence.

Tristan, in his aloofness, seemed oblivious to her self-consciousness. Stella averted her gaze, focusing on the intricate patterns of the carpet instead of the man who had once been everything to her.

Eloise picked up a beautifully wrapped velvet box from the coffee table and handed it to Stella, her expression warm. “Angela found out that the Somertons are finally going to welcome a baby girl. This is specially for you. Please take it.”

Stella was taken aback by the gesture. She hesitated, but ultimately accepted the box with both hands, murmuring, “Thank you, Mrs. Somerton Senior.”

“Next time there’s a chance, I’ll properly introduce you to her,” Eloise promised, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Stella nodded, forcing a smile. Others might gain status through the birth of a son, but she found herself in a peculiar position, gaining recognition through the birth of a daughter. Yet, she knew this fleeting glory would soon be overshadowed by the impending divorce from Tristan.

As she clutched the velvet box tightly, listening to Eloise’s words, her heart tightened with an unshakeable sense of dread. Cautiously, she glanced up at Tristan, who sat with his long legs crossed, leaning back against the couch. He was breathtakingly handsome, with striking features that exuded an air of cold sophistication. His presence was as regal and captivating as ever.

And in that moment, their eyes met, a silent exchange filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.