She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 25

**Chapter 25**

Stella shook her head slowly, a mixture of resignation and determination etched across her face. “It’s fine. I want to go home,” she said, her voice firm yet tinged with an underlying sadness.

“Alright,” Theodore replied, his tone softening as he sensed the weight of her words.

They stepped into the elevator, the metallic doors sliding shut with a quiet thud, enclosing them in a small space. The descent to the underground parking lot felt longer than usual, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Once they reached their destination, they climbed into Theodore’s car, the familiarity of the vehicle offering little comfort.

Theodore hesitated, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel as he stared ahead, lost in contemplation. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice cautious. “You… What do you plan to do now?”

He had always been aware of Tristan’s disdain for Stella, but the extent of his indifference shocked him. The way Tristan and Stella interacted—or rather, didn’t interact—made it seem as if the child she carried was a mere figment of their past, a ghost haunting their present.

Glancing at Stella, Theodore noted the weariness etched into her features. She appeared as if she had been fighting a battle for far too long.

Stella, having regained her composure, met his gaze with a newfound resolve. “We’re getting a divorce after the child is born,” she stated, her voice steady but her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions.

Theodore’s heart sank at her words. “Divorce?” he echoed, disbelief creeping into his tone.

Stella nodded, a soft hum escaping her lips in affirmation.

“I’m moving to Aluna next year to pursue my doctorate. Everything’s going to get better, so you don’t have to worry about me,” she said, a carefree smile breaking through the tension, as if she were trying to convince herself as much as him.

Theodore fell silent, the weight of her declaration settling heavily between them. A small, bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Sounds good. But doesn’t that mean it’ll be difficult for us to meet each other in the future?” he asked, a hint of sadness lacing his words.

Stella’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You can come look for me if you miss me!” she teased, the lightness in her voice a stark contrast to the gravity of their situation.

“That’s fine too,” Theodore replied, pulling the car out of the underground parking lot, the engine purring to life as they emerged into the night.

As they drove, Stella’s mind wandered to Annabeth. She had assumed Charlie was meeting with Tristan, but now she questioned her earlier thoughts. What was happening between Annabeth and Charlie? Were they okay?

“Does Grandma and the others know that you and Tristan are getting a divorce?” Theodore asked, breaking into her reverie.

Stella snapped back to reality, her brow furrowing in contemplation. “I’m not sure. I don’t think Tristan has mentioned anything to Mrs. Somerton Senior or the others. But, well, it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out,” she replied, her voice tinged with resignation.

Meanwhile, Stella finally made it back home, the familiar surroundings offering a strange sense of comfort.

“You’re back? What did you buy?” Layla inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“Theodore gave me a present,” Stella replied, her tone light yet her heart heavy.

“You had dinner with Theodore tonight?” Layla’s surprise was palpable, her eyes widening.

Stella nodded, her thoughts racing. “Yes. The friend I originally had plans with had something urgent come up. I coincidentally ran into Theodore afterward, so we had dinner together. Is Dad and the others not back yet?”

Layla shook her head, the worry evident on her face. “Your father should be home any minute now.”

They exchanged a few more words, the conversation flowing easily, but soon Stella felt the fatigue weighing down on her. She bid Layla goodnight and retreated to her room, the clock on her bedside table already reading 9:00 PM.

Once inside, she carefully placed the pearl necklace in a safe spot, her mind drifting back to Annabeth. Had her dinner ended yet? With a sigh, she mulled over her thoughts for a few moments before reaching for her phone to call Hayden, hoping for some clarity amidst the chaos of her life.