She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 36

**Chapter 36**

“Let’s get moving!” Kieran shouted, his frustration palpable in the air.

He strode purposefully toward his car, which sat waiting nearby like a silent sentinel. Colin, ever the dutiful friend, opened the door for him, and Kieran slipped inside with a huff, the door shutting behind him with a definitive thud.

Tristan, meanwhile, lingered for a moment, watching Kieran’s vehicle glide past him. He had just finished helping Audrey into her own car, and the sight of Kieran’s departure stirred a mix of emotions within him. With a heavy heart, he turned away and climbed into his own car, the weight of the day pressing down on his shoulders.

Days seemed to meld into one another, time slipping away like sand through fingers. As autumn deepened, the once-vibrant red maple leaves danced down from their branches, swirling in the brisk wind that swept through the streets.

Stella’s pregnancy was advancing, and with each passing day, her belly swelled more prominently. Simple tasks became increasingly challenging; walking for any length of time left her breathless, and she found herself needing to pause frequently to catch her breath. Dressing had turned into a daily struggle, especially when it came to pulling on her pants—an exercise that now required patience and a good deal of time.

Nights were no better. She often woke up in a panic, her body aching as sharp cramps seized her legs, jolting her from sleep. Breathing sometimes felt like a laborious task, each inhale a reminder of the life growing inside her.

Despite sharing the same roof, a chasm had formed between Stella and Tristan. She made every effort to avoid dining with him, and when their paths did cross, he acted as though she were invisible, a ghost in his own home. Stella had grown accustomed to this coldness, wrapping herself in a blanket of indifference to shield her heart.

As November drew to a close, Tristan departed for a week-long business trip. Lily, with her usual enthusiasm, reminded Stella to pack his things, but Stella flatly refused. “Why should I do something that will only annoy him?” she thought, her resolve firm.

Lily let out a scoff, shaking her head in disbelief, before taking it upon herself to pack Tristan’s luggage.

With Tristan away, Stella returned to her parents’ house, seeking comfort in the familiar. Layla, her sister, joined her each night, providing much-needed support. The presence of someone who cared made it easier for Stella to navigate the challenges of her condition.

The day before Tristan’s return, Eloise called, her voice firm and commanding. “You need to come back to the villa tomorrow,” she insisted, leaving Stella with little choice but to comply.

Stella had plans to confront Tristan upon his return. She wanted to express her desire to move back to her parents’ home for the time being, as she was increasingly struggling to care for herself as her due date approached.

After a light lunch, she settled onto the couch, flipping through channels in search of something to distract her.

Around 2:00 PM, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Stella’s attention snapped to the door just as Lily dashed forward, eager to prepare Tristan’s indoor slippers for him.

Tristan entered, engrossed in a phone call, his expression clouded with irritation. He slipped into his slippers and, without a word, ascended the stairs, leaving a tension-filled silence in his wake.

Stella watched him go, her heart heavy, until he vanished from sight. Only then did she allow herself to look away, the weight of his presence lingering in the room.

“Come in,” came Tristan’s curt response.

She pushed the door open but halted at the threshold, her heart racing. “Mrs. Somerton Senior just called. She wants us to join them for dinner tonight.”

Tristan glanced up, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features as he adjusted his armchair. “Make me a cup of coffee,” he commanded, his tone icy.

“Alright,” Stella replied, keeping her voice steady despite the chill in the air.

When she returned with a steaming cup of coffee, Tristan was already back at his computer, typing furiously. She placed the cup on his desk, ready to retreat from the room, feeling the familiar ache of loneliness wash over her.

Not wanting to wait around for him to finish, she decided to leave for the Somerton residence alone, asking Daniel to drive her there.

After tidying up his study, Tristan made his way downstairs, his eyes scanning the room. He spotted Lily but noted Stella’s absence immediately.

“Tell her to come out from her room,” he instructed Lily, his voice terse, the tension in the air thickening once more.