She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 20

**Chapter 20**

After what felt like an eternity, Stella finally set her phone down, the screen darkening as she ended the call. The weight of the conversation lingered in the air, thick and suffocating.

Hayden, who had been driving in silence, broke the stillness. “Are you going back?” he inquired, his voice steady yet tinged with concern.

Stella hesitated, her mind racing. She wanted to know what Tristan had to say, the words hanging in the balance like a pendulum. “Yes,” she finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Forty minutes later, Hayden slowed the car to a halt in front of the villa, the headlights illuminating the ornate entrance. “Are you planning to stay here tonight?” he asked, glancing at her with a mix of curiosity and worry.

“I don’t think so. Could you wait for me here, Professor Jenkins?” Stella requested, her heart racing at the thought of facing Tristan alone. She knew he wouldn’t care whether she lingered in the villa or departed; their conversations were often brief and devoid of warmth.

Hayden nodded, a soft hum escaping his lips as he acknowledged her request.

Stepping out of the car, Stella made her way to the entrance, her fingers trembling slightly as she punched in the code. The door swung open, revealing a living room ablaze with light. Tristan was perched on the couch, his presence commanding and refined, exuding an aura that was both alluring and intimidating.

Stella approached him, her heart pounding in her chest. “Did you need something?” she asked, trying to sound casual, though her nerves betrayed her.

Without a word, Tristan reached for a contract lying on the coffee table and handed it to her. “Sign this.”

A wave of anxiety washed over Stella, and she felt her chest tighten as if an invisible hand were squeezing her heart. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before sinking into the couch across from him.

As she flipped through the pages of the document, her stomach dropped. This wasn’t a divorce agreement; it was a non-compete agreement. The terms were clear and unforgiving: she would be barred from working in any related field for the next three years. In exchange, a sum equal to at least 50% of her current salary would be deposited into her account periodically.

Stella’s mind raced. Despite her demotion over the past six months, she had once been Tristan’s assistant, privy to the company’s inner workings. If he wanted her to sign this, he could have easily had Sheila handle it. The fact that he was here, face-to-face, meant he was sending a clear message: he didn’t want her joining Hayden’s company in the future.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she picked up the pen and signed the agreement. Her future plans involved moving to Aluna after the baby was born, so the specifics of this agreement were irrelevant to her now.

“Done,” she stated, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Tristan continued to scrutinize her, his gaze unyielding.

Her hands trembled as she stood up, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m sorry.”

With that, she turned and began to walk out of the living room, her desire to flee overwhelming. Yet, each step felt like wading through molasses, her feet heavy with the weight of their exchange.

When she finally reached the door, she grasped the frame weakly, trying to steady herself. A throbbing discomfort radiated from her stomach, the baby kicking as if sensing her distress.

Stella instinctively cradled her belly, a frown creasing her forehead.

Meanwhile, Tristan rose from the couch and strode out of the living room without a backward glance, indifferent to whether she stayed or left, his footsteps echoing as he ascended the stairs.

Stella stood at the door for a moment, taking deep breaths to compose herself. She waited for the baby to settle before finally stepping outside, the night air cool against her flushed skin.