Page 66 of Breaking
"That's right," she said, tilting her head slightly, her gaze flicking toward Jenna with mild curiosity. "And you are?"
"My wife," Troy answered just as Jenna said "Jenna".
Jenna glanced at him, but his expression was unreadable. He turned back to Harley, his stance already dismissive. "It's been a long day. If you don't mind..."
Disappointment flickered across Harley's face upon learning Jenna was Troy's wife, followed by confusion and surprise at his rudeness. She blinked, clearly taken aback, but recovered quickly. "Of course. Maybe another time."
She left with one last lingering glance at Troy, which he ignored completely.
Jenna took a step toward the door. "I should get going too."
"Stay."
She hesitated, searching his face for any sign of subterfuge, but he was already moving toward the kitchen. Against her better judgment, she followed.
The kitchen was the first truly familiar sight, filled with potted plants and a window herb garden that brought a touch of greenery to the space. The layout, the colour scheme-even the type of kettle sitting on the counter. He filled it with water, moving with surprising ease for someone who had never voluntarily participated in cooking.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you make tea," Jenna said, unable to hide the amusement in her voice.
Troy smirked, setting two cups on the counter. "The last time was probably when you were pregnant with Lilly."
A silence stretched between them. Jenna looked away, focusing on the steam rising from the kettle.
Troy cleared his throat. "You asked why it took so long for me to come."
She hadn't, not out loud, but the question had been there, unspoken.
He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was a mess after you left. Depressed. I needed help. And I needed to... fix some things before I came to see you. Mostly myself. Mack found me someone who could help. A psychiatrist." He paused, then added, "I also had an assessment. They think I have Level 1 autism."
Jenna nodded.
"I know a little about what is available in terms of resources for someone like me," he continued as if answering an unspoken question. "I was lucky. My tutor was trained, and I had help with my speech.They tell me I'm well-acclimatized. But there are things about myself I understand better now. And there's a lot to talk about."
Jenna swallowed, emotions warring within her. "And you want me to give you a chance?"
Troy met her gaze, his expression raw. "Yes."
She let out a slow breath. "Troy, I'm scared. That it will go back to the way it was."
He looked down at his hands, then back at her. "I know. And I know I don't deserve your trust right away. But I'm here. And I'm committed. The only thing that matters is you. I will wait as long as you want me to."
Jenna hesitated. "Even if I don't come back?"
His throat worked as he swallowed. "Then I try harder."
She studied him for a long moment. "What about your job?"
"I'll work from home," he said simply. "We have money. And honestly? I like not having to socialize." A wry smile touched his lips. "Maggie's been moved to another department. The new girl is terrified of me. Not sure why." He exhaled, rubbing his jaw. "I wanted to fire Maggie, but Mack convinced me to let her be demoted instead. She has a disabled child, and this way, she's in a role with less responsibility." He paused before continuing, "As for Lila... I never knew the depths she had sunk to. I am so sorry. I am sorry I was the way I was. There has never been anyone but you... ever. The thought has never even crossed my mind."
Jenna hesitated, then said, "Lila told me Margaret insisted on naming our daughter Lilly because she wanted her name to be similar to hers... just to show me my place."
Troy's brows furrowed in surprise. "Don't be an idiot," he scoffed. "The truth is, I know your real name is Gwenhwyfar, but you don't like to be called that. It means 'fair one,' and Lilly means 'pure.' I just thought they matched. Mom just thinks she chose the name. You chose Max's name, and I chose Lilly's. I think that's fair."
Despite herself, Jenna laughed, shaking her head. The tension between them shifted, just slightly.
Despite herself, Jenna smiled softly, shaking her head. It felt like a burden had been lifted. The tension between them shifted-just slightly.
Then Troy’s gaze flickered, and his posture grew tense. He stepped closer, voice low.
