She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 23

**Chapter 23**

As Annabeth hung up the phone, she took a deep breath, willing herself to regain her composure. “I’m really sorry, Stelle. Let me get you back home,” she said, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension.

Stella shook her head, a hint of determination in her eyes. “There’s a subway station just up ahead. I can take that home,” she replied, her tone firm.

Annabeth felt a pang of frustration mixed with helplessness. Here she was, caught in a web of her own making, while her husband, Tristan, sought vengeance against her for Audrey’s sake. It gnawed at her, that she might have pushed him further into this dark corner with her words that night. Regret washed over her like a cold wave, but she swallowed it down.

“Just be careful on your way home,” Annabeth said softly, her concern for Stella evident.

As Stella stepped out of the car, she turned back, her expression serious. “Don’t do anything reckless, Anna. Remember, your father’s company comes first,” she cautioned, her voice almost pleading.

Annabeth nodded, fully aware of the weight of her responsibilities. “I know. Don’t worry about me,” she assured, before shifting the car into gear and driving off into the bustling streets.

Stella stood there for a moment, watching Annabeth’s car merge into the sea of headlights. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she finally turned her gaze toward the subway station, her mind still swirling with thoughts of the evening’s events.

Just as she took a few steps, her phone buzzed insistently in her bag. She fished it out and her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Theodore’s name lighting up her screen.

“Hi, Theodore,” she answered, a smile creeping onto her face.

“Look across the road,” he instructed, his voice playful yet serious.

Curiosity piqued, Stella lifted her gaze and spotted Theodore waving enthusiastically from the opposite side of the street. A smile broke across her face as she hurriedly crossed to join him.

Theodore swung open the front passenger door. “Get in!” he said, his energy infectious.

Once she was settled into the car, he shut the door and slid into the driver’s seat, his brow slightly furrowed. “What are you doing out here all alone?” he asked, concern etched on his features.

“Have you signed the contract yet?” Stella inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“Yes, I have,” Theodore replied, a hint of excitement in his voice. “I’ll be swamped with work from now on, but I managed to carve out some time today. Oh, by the way, are you still with Aspica Capital?” he asked, leaning forward slightly.

Stella took a sip of her fruit juice, savoring the sweetness before responding. “Actually, I’ve resigned. I found a more manageable job as an assistant to my former graduate advisor,” she explained, a sense of relief washing over her at the mention of her new role.

Theodore’s eyes widened in mock astonishment. “I should really give you a trophy for your unwavering dedication to work,” he sighed, shaking his head in admiration.

Stella arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on her lips. “I’d definitely accept that trophy, but only if it comes with some prize money!”

Theodore erupted into laughter, the sound brightening the atmosphere around them. “I can practically see the dollar signs dancing in your eyes!” he teased, his laughter infectious.

Stella couldn’t help but join in, feeling a warmth spread through her as they shared this moment of lightness amidst the chaos of their lives.