She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 21

**Chapter 21**

Stella stepped into the garden, the fragrant blooms surrounding her momentarily distracting her from the whirlwind of emotions swirling within. She settled onto a weathered bench, its wood cool against her skin, and took a deep breath, willing herself to find some semblance of calm. The rustling leaves whispered encouragement as she closed her eyes, allowing the gentle breeze to soothe her frayed nerves. It took her several minutes, but gradually, she felt her heart rate slow and her thoughts begin to clear. With a final, steadying inhale, she rose from her seat, leaving the sanctuary of the garden behind as she made her way back to the villa.

Once inside, she slipped into Hayden’s car, the familiar scent of leather and his cologne wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

“What did he want from you?” Hayden inquired, his eyes flicking to her as he turned on the ignition.

Stella fished the non-compete agreement from her bag, the paper crinkling slightly in her grip. She handed it over, a frown creasing her brow. “He wanted me to sign a non-compete agreement.”

Hayden took the document, his brows knitting together as he skimmed its contents. “Tristan knows how talented you are, and I suspect he’s worried about the possibility of you joining a rival company. But honestly, it’s a moot point since you won’t be working in any related fields for quite some time.”

Stella simply hummed in agreement, her mind still tangled in thoughts of the meeting.

As Hayden maneuvered the car away from the villa, the evening sky deepened into shades of indigo and violet. When they finally arrived at Maven Manor, the clock struck ten, the hour echoing in the quiet night.

After stepping inside the house, Stella busied herself with tidying up, putting her mind to rest as she arranged her surroundings. Eventually, she sank onto her bed, the soft sheets inviting her to relax.

The next two days unfolded in a haze of tranquility. Layla, ever the supportive friend, accompanied her to a yoga studio each morning, guiding her through stretches and poses that gradually eased the tension from her body. They would stroll through the nearby park afterward, the fresh air invigorating Stella’s spirit. With each passing day, she sensed a lightness returning to her steps, a welcome relief from the weight she had been carrying.

Later, she found herself at Justicia University, a place that felt both foreign and familiar.

Hayden had arranged for her workspace to be situated directly across from his office, an arrangement that made her feel both excited and nervous. Her primary duties involved assisting Hayden with his teaching responsibilities, organizing various educational materials, and addressing the myriad of questions the students had.

Despite his limited class schedule and the fact that he wasn’t serving as a graduate advisor this year, Hayden still managed to draw students to his office like moths to a flame. Stella found herself with ample free time, allowing her to explore the campus and engage in her own pursuits.

After wrapping up his morning class, Hayden delegated a few tasks to her, his focus shifting as students began to trickle in, each one eager for his guidance.

The atmosphere felt familiar, as it always did when Hayden was around. His popularity among the students was undeniable, even though he often wore a stern expression and had a reputation for his fiery temper. There was a story circulating about how he had once scolded a student so harshly that they had left in tears. His classes were infamous for their rigor, especially during finals, where passing felt like a Herculean task. Yet, despite his fearsome reputation, a select group of dedicated students remained, their enthusiasm sometimes overwhelming.

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