She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 41

**TITLE: She’s Done. He’s Breaking**

**Chapter 41**

“Layla,” Stella called out cheerfully as she appeared in the doorway of the living room, her voice breaking through the chilly air.

“It’s freezing out here! Come on, hurry inside!” Layla urged, her breath visible in the crisp atmosphere, a shiver running down her spine.

With a gentle nudge, Stella led Layla to her room. The night ahead felt daunting, and Stella knew she needed someone to keep her company, to watch over her while she slept. Therefore, Layla would be sharing her space for the night.

It was Layla’s first visit to the villa, a place she had only heard about in passing. Stella’s room, though modest in size, was tastefully decorated and exuded a cozy charm. As Layla glanced around, she noted the absence of any shared space for Stella and Tristan; it was just as she had imagined.

Settling at her desk by the window, Stella began to eat her lunch, the sunlight streaming in and illuminating her features. Meanwhile, Layla busied herself, unpacking her belongings and arranging them neatly in the room.

Once Stella finished her meal, she suggested, “Let’s take a tour of the villa, shall we?” Layla nodded eagerly, and they set off, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor as they explored the first floor.

As they entered the dining room, they were met with an unsettling sight. Lily and Freya lounged at the dining table, their demeanor oozing entitlement as they consumed their lunch. They seemed to embody the very essence of arrogance, acting as if they were the queens of the villa.

Layla’s expression soured at the sight of them. She couldn’t help but frown, her heart racing with indignation.

With a dismissive roll of their eyes, Lily and Freya exchanged glances, muttering under their breaths in a tone that dripped with condescension. It was clear they saw Stella and Layla as beneath them, mere shadows in their grand narrative.

Layla felt a surge of anger rising within her. She had always known that Stella faced challenges in Sentella Bay, but witnessing the blatant disrespect from the caretakers was infuriating. It was as if they were walking all over her, treating her like nothing more than a doormat.

Just as Layla was about to confront Lily and Freya, Stella stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “Let’s go outside, Layla,” she said calmly, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside.

Though Layla was seething with rage, she held her tongue and followed Stella back to the sanctuary of her room.

“They’re just caretakers! How can they treat you like that?” Layla exclaimed, her frustration spilling over.

Stella sighed, cradling her belly as she sank into a chair. “They only act this way because Tristan allows it. It’s best to keep your distance from them while we’re here, Layla.” The weight of her words hung heavy in the air.

Layla’s heart sank as she considered the implications. If Lily and Freya decided to complain about her to Tristan, there was a real possibility he might send her away, and that thought was unbearable.

Arthur had been privy to the unfolding drama from Colin, and with Kieran having instilled the family’s principles in him, it was only natural for Arthur to prioritize family harmony. This was why his political rivals found it challenging to attack him from this angle. He understood Kieran’s behavior, but he also recognized the weight of Tristan’s predicament.

When Arthur considered Tristan’s situation, he began to empathize with his feelings of resentment toward his wife, a woman he had felt forced to marry.

“I can’t deny that I’ve disappointed Mr. Fulton Senior,” Tristan admitted, his gaze fixed ahead, a hint of regret in his voice.

Suddenly, Arthur halted, turning to Tristan with a serious expression. “What’s your plan now? Are you thinking about divorcing her?”

Tristan’s eyes remained unwavering as he replied quietly, “The baby is due soon. Now isn’t the right time for a divorce.”

The truth of the matter was that the current circumstances rendered it impractical for Tristan and Stella to part ways. He wanted to keep his professional life untainted by personal turmoil; the last thing he needed was complications stemming from his marriage.

Arthur nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “You’re not one to let emotions cloud your judgment. With fatherhood approaching, you must consider your child’s future in every decision you make.”

With a firm pat on Tristan’s shoulder, Arthur offered support, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges ahead.