She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 19

**Chapter 19**

“Annabeth!” Hayden’s voice cut through the tension like a knife, stern and commanding.

The sharp sound of a slap reverberated in the air, a moment of silence following as if the world held its breath. Annabeth, her expression resolute, had struck her own cheek without a moment’s hesitation. Turning to Scott, she declared defiantly, “I slapped myself to atone for what I did to your sister. If you think that’s insufficient, I can do it again.”

Scott’s strikingly handsome features remained impassive as he shifted his gaze to Hayden, his voice calm yet firm, “Let’s leave it at this, Mr. Jenkins.”

He then turned his attention to Tristan, gesturing, “We should go.”

Tristan, without a word, wrapped his arm around Audrey’s waist, steering her away from the scene.

Annabeth, still holding a bag, turned to Stella. “Don’t you have something to return to Ms. York?”

Stella blinked, momentarily disoriented, before accepting the bag. She fished out the silver-blue Aurion pearl and approached Audrey.

“I’m not obligated to dispose of your trash, Ms. York. You should take care of what you don’t want yourself.”

Audrey’s icy stare met Stella’s, her face betraying no intention of reclaiming the pearl.

In an instant, a large hand snatched the pearl from Stella’s grip. She felt her fingers stiffen as she watched Tristan toss the pearl into the trash bin with a casual flick. He then took Audrey’s hand, pulling her along as they departed.

Scott shot a brief glance at Stella before averting his gaze, silence enveloping him like a shroud.

Stella stood frozen, her hand still hovering in the air, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

Annabeth stepped closer, offering her support. “Stelle.”

It was only then that Stella slowly allowed her hand to drop to her side, a sense of defeat washing over her.

“Let’s return to the private room,” Hayden suggested, his tone gentle yet firm.

Once they were back, Annabeth’s curiosity got the better of her. “Stelle, are you and Tristan married?”

Stella nodded, a soft hum escaping her lips, her mood subdued. She wasn’t in the mood for conversation.

Annabeth’s gaze drifted to Stella’s baby bump, a mocking smile curling her lips. She grabbed a glass and downed its contents in one swift motion, slamming it back onto the table with a satisfying thud.

“Audrey certainly has a knack for stealing other women’s men. I can’t help but wonder if her desperate need for attention stems from a lack of affection in her past life. Had I known, I would have slapped her even harder.”

“That’s enough, Annabeth,” Hayden interjected, his tone stern yet weary.

Annabeth sealed her lips, a defiant glimmer still dancing in her eyes.

“You really didn’t hold back when you slapped yourself. Your cheek is swollen. You should ask the waiter for some ice,” Justin chimed in, his voice teasing yet concerned.

“I’m not that fragile,” Annabeth shot back, her spirit unyielding.

The atmosphere in the restaurant had shifted, a somber weight settling over them like a thick fog.

Hayden turned his attention to Stella, noticing her pale complexion. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me, Professor,” Stella replied, shaking her head, though her voice lacked conviction.

“Things will improve,” Hayden reassured her, his tone soothing.

“There are plenty of fish in the sea,” Annabeth interjected with a hint of mischief. “There are countless men out there. Why can’t we indulge like they do? Why is it that men can juggle multiple flings while women have to guard their virtue? We should embrace our freedom and enjoy ourselves too.”

“Have you forgotten that there are two men present right now? Why are we getting dragged into this?” Justin retorted, an edge of irritation in his voice.

His words seemed to fuel Annabeth’s fire. “My apologies, Mr. Porter. Care to enlighten us on how many girlfriends you’ve had so far?”

With a serious expression, she spread her fingers wide, pretending to count. “I’m sure it’s at least 500 by now, right?”

Justin scoffed, annoyance flickering in his eyes. “I see. You’ve lumped us in with the enemy now. 500? Why not say five thousand? And just so you know, I am very loyal to my partners. I’ve never dated more than one person at a time.”

Annabeth smirked. “Now that’s more like it.”

“What do you mean by that? I’m nothing like them!”

Stella, observing the banter, felt her spirits lift as she watched Annabeth and Justin spar. “Oh, that reminds me, Anna. Did something happen between you and Audrey?”

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