She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 39

**Chapter 39**

Tristan’s expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes, yet he chose silence as his response. The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between him and Harry.

Harry regarded Tristan with a mix of concern and understanding. He was acutely aware of the struggles that had accompanied Tristan’s marriage to Stella. It had never been an easy path for him. In the past, Harry had attempted to introduce several potential brides, all of whom were deemed suitable by societal standards—women who matched Tristan’s intellect, charm, and striking looks. Yet, each time, Tristan had rejected the idea with a fierce determination that spoke volumes about his character.

From a young age, Tristan had cherished his independence, viewing the notion of arranged unions as a constraint on his freedom. Deep down, Harry knew that it was unnecessary for someone as capable as Tristan to be tethered to someone of equal social standing. He was a force of nature, a man who could carve his own path without the need for a carefully curated match.

Harry and Yelena had always been supportive of Tristan’s choices. They would have welcomed any woman who could truly capture his heart, but none of them could have anticipated the predicament he now found himself in, entangled in a web of expectations and obligations.

“Tomorrow is the weekend,” Harry suggested, trying to lighten the mood. “You should spend some quality time with Mr. Fulton Senior.”

“I understand,” Tristan replied, his voice steady but lacking enthusiasm.

As they descended the stairs, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air, drawing them into the living room where the family had gathered. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, yet Stella sat somewhat apart, her discomfort palpable.

Noticing her unease, Theodore, ever the considerate cousin, quickly intervened. “Stella, could you assist me with this document from Grendale? It’s quite urgent. They just sent another message urging me to hurry. I’m sorry for putting you on the spot, but I really need your help,” he implored, his tone earnest.

“Of course, go ahead and take care of it now,” Eloise chimed in, her voice encouraging.

With a sense of relief washing over her, Stella followed Theodore to a quieter side hall. The moment they stepped away from the bustling family, she felt a significant burden lift from her shoulders. While she could endure the cold shoulders of the female elders, the presence of the male Somertons was overwhelming. Their formidable personas cast long shadows, and a single glance could send waves of pressure crashing over her.

Theodore was a different story; their shared history softened the edges of her anxiety.

“Were you really that nervous?” he asked, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

Theodore settled beside her, his curiosity piqued. “Don’t tell me you’re planning on never returning to Justicia?”

Stella’s response was vague, her eyes drifting away as she contemplated the future. “We’ll have to see what unfolds in the days to come,” she murmured, uncertainty lacing her tone.

As the clock struck nine, a maid entered the side hall, her presence a gentle reminder of the outside world. “Mrs. Somerton, Mr. Somerton is preparing to leave now,” she announced, her voice cutting through the intimate bubble that had formed between them.

With a nod, Theodore helped Stella to her feet, and together they made their way to the main hall. There, Tristan was engaged in farewells with the elder members of the family, his demeanor composed yet distant.

Typically, the Somerton clan would stay overnight at their residence during gatherings, but Tristan had developed a habit of retreating to the villa after the festivities, eager to avoid sharing a room with Stella. Eloise had never once commented on this arrangement, perhaps sensing the unspoken tension that lay beneath the surface.

As Tristan turned, his gaze landed on Stella and Theodore approaching him, the weight of the moment pressing down on all three of them.