She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 3

**TITLE: She’s Done. He’s Breaking 3**
**Chapter 3**

“That was a reminder, not an invitation for your opinion,” Tristan stated, his voice icy and devoid of warmth.

Stella, feeling the weight of his words, kept her gaze fixed on the table, her silence a shield against the biting chill of his demeanor.

Tristan’s eyes narrowed as he observed the dullness in her expression, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman he once knew. The corners of his mouth tightened into a grim line as he made a swift decision. “Lily and Freya are no longer to attend to you. From this moment on, you will manage your own affairs.”

Stella’s fingers gripped her fork with increased intensity, the metal digging into her palm as she fought to contain her rising emotions.

After breakfast, Tristan departed, leaving a suffocating silence in his wake. Stella gathered her things and made her way to Afferson University, her heart heavy but determined. She headed directly to Hayden’s office, seeking solace in familiar surroundings.

As she entered, she found a young man seated behind the desk, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his sharp features. His rimless glasses perched delicately on his nose, lending him an air of sophistication that belied his youth. At just 29, Hayden had already established himself as the youngest full-time professor in the finance department, a prodigy whose brilliance was lauded in academic circles.

With a gentle knock, Stella announced her presence.

Hayden looked up, momentarily taken aback. The woman standing in the doorway was unrecognizable to him at first. It was only when Stella uttered his name that he regained his composure.

“Professor Jenkins.”

His surprise faded as he smoothed his expression, masking his astonishment with professionalism. “Come in.”

Stella stepped inside, removing her mask of uncertainty. “It’s been a while, Professor Jenkins.”

A warm smile broke across Hayden’s face. “Indeed, it has. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Stella’s lips curled into a faint, self-deprecating smile. “I barely had the courage to come and see you looking like this.”

Hayden rose from his chair and walked around the desk, his demeanor reassuring. “It’s completely normal for your body to change during pregnancy. You’ll bounce back after the baby arrives.”

He gestured toward the couch. “Please, have a seat.”

Stella sank into the cushions, feeling the weight of her worries momentarily lift.

Hayden poured her a cup of warm water, his gestures thoughtful. “Here, warm yourself up.”

She accepted the cup gratefully. “Thank you.”

His gaze flickered to her rounded belly, a brief moment of concern crossing his features. “How far along are you?”

“Thirty weeks,” Stella replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hayden nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. “By the time the spring semester starts in mid-January, you’ll be right at your due date.”

Stella leaned forward, urgency creeping into her tone. “I wanted to ask for your help. Is it possible for me to defer my admission?”

The reality of childbirth loomed over her, unavoidable, yet she was desperate to hold onto this opportunity.

Hayden’s expression turned serious, his eyes searching hers. “Why are you so intent on attending Brookfield University?”

Stella’s gaze dropped to the floor, shame and sorrow flooding her heart. “Tristan plans to divorce me once the baby is born. I have no desire to prolong this miserable marriage. I want to start over.”

Seven months felt like an eternity, a stretch of time filled with heartache and regret.

Hayden frowned, the transformation in Stella evident. The once vibrant woman had been dimmed by the burdens she carried, and it pained him to see her this way.

“I’m glad you’ve come to your senses and are ready to pull yourself back together. You and Tristan were never meant to be. One day, you’ll meet someone who truly loves you,” he said, his voice soft yet firm.

Stella nodded, the flicker of hope igniting within her.

Hayden had always been wary of her decision to become Tristan’s assistant. She had insisted, and in doing so, had invited chaos into her life.

Suddenly, curiosity bubbled to the surface. “Professor Jenkins, what kind of person do you think Tristan really is?”

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