Refusing To Divorce (Julia and Harry)
Refusing 18

COMMENT Chapter 18

From a nearby window, Asher watched Julia unleashing her fury on the car. "That's Mr. Wright's wife, isn't it?" Asher's assistant asked, slightly amused by the scene. "Yes," Asher replied with a chuckle.

"She seems quite upset, smashing the car like that. I wonder what got under her skin. If Mr. Wright replaces out, he might just step in to calm her down." The assistant laughed.

Asher then leaned back, his thoughts drifting to Harry's affection for Arya. After Arya moved abroad, Harry quickly married Julia. It seemed unlikely that his feelings for Julia were as deep as he claimed "Let's go." Asher demanded.

Julia muttered as a black Bentley cruised past. She cursed softly to herself before driving back home, her mind racing with

worries.

Deep down, Julia was anxious. She suspected that Harry might use his influence to sway her boss, ensuring she couldn't go on her business trip and had to stay to look after Arya.

Her fears seemed confirmed when, while packing for the trip, her phone rang. It was her supervisor informing her that she had been pulled from tomorrow's trip. "Why?" Julia asked, her voice tight with frustration, already guessing Harry's involvement.

The decision came from the top. They feel your experience isn't sufficient yet. Wait for the next one," her supervisor explained.

"But it's essential for me to gain more experience. Why this sudden reversal?" Julia pressed, her voice rising slightly. "Julia, it's out of my hands. You need to just follow the directive and not question it, her supervisor replied firmly.

Furious, Julia slammed her suitcase shut and dialed Harry's number, her face hot with anger.

"Harry! What are you thinking, meddling in my career and forcing me to babysit Arya? Is she going to suffer if I'm not there? And remember, you promised I could work outside, she railed into the phone.

Seconds later, she added, "You said I could work, but now you're using your power to interfere. How is this different from keeping me confined at home? You're overstepping, Julia accused, her voice sharp with resentment.

Harry listened silently, his expression unreadable. When she finally paused, he said calmly, "I can't trust anyone else with Arya"

"What do you mean you can't trust anyone else? Are you so sure about trusting me? Don't you think I might harm her when you're away?" Julia snapped back, her words laced with threat.

Harry's insistence on her taking care of Arya seemed absurd. It was almost as if he was trying to provoke both Julia and Arya. Arya had always aspired to be Mrs. Wright, and here Julia was, in that position with seemingly no effort. It was doubtful that Arya would want to s "You won't do it," Harry simply stated. "There are things you still need to do."

"Harry, you're unbearable, Julia snapped, her anger palpable. "Even dogs are more likable than you."

"Dogs don't have my looks or my bank account," Harry shot back with a smug grin.

The next day. Julia's business trip was sabotaged by Harry's medeling, forcing her to stay back and take care of Arya Hill. The mere thought of Arya stirred dark thoughts in Julia's mind.

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Chapter 18

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When Julia showed up at work with dark circles under her eyes, Valerie was visibly surprised "Aren't you supposed to be at the airport? Why are you here?"

"I had to miss it; my dog got sick, and I needed to look after her Julia made a story smoothly

"You have a dog?" Valerie asked, puzzled. "You missed a great chance to learn something new with the boss. Couldn't you have just taken your dog to the vet?"

Julia managed a strained smile. "My dog is really attached to me She won't settle for anyone else."

Valerie shook her head, sympathetically. That's really unfortunate. It was a golden opportunity. Everyone wanted to go."

Julia knew she had missed the opportunity because of Harry. His control over her was suffocating.

"But I didn't know you were a dog person. Your dog is lucky to have someone like you," Valerie added.

"I just took her in," Julia responded tersely.

Valerie's admiration grew. "You're really kind-hearted"

With the supervisor away on the trip, Julia's immediate workload was lighter. She was tasked with organizing old design drafts.

However, her resentment toward Harry grew. Just before his departure, he had called to remind her to spend the evening with Arya. For the next three days, she was expected to juggle work and Arya Want to grab a sumptuous meal after work? My treat, Julia proposed to Valerie, eager to avoid spending time alone with Arya.

"Sure, Id love to. My boyfriend is a vegetarian, so we hardly ever go out for dinner. I love the idea, Valerie accepted enthusiastically Julia felt a surge of relief at the prospect of not having to rush home to Arya, and with a light heart, she picked up her phone to order seats

As soon as she and Valerie arrived at the restaurant, Arya's call came through. Julia, Harry mentioned you'd be done by six, but it's nearly seven. Why aren't you home yet? I'm waiting for dinner." Julia glanced at Valerie, stepped aside, and covered the phone's mouthpiece. Tm tied up right now, Arya. Are you waiting for me to cook, or are you planning to start without me? Just to be clear." "Since Harry asked you to look after me. I expect you to come back and cook," Arya responded, clearly annoyed. She lounged on the sofa, a variety show playing on the TV and a pile of snacks within reach Julia, not one to be easily manipulated, responded coolly, I'll order something for you. I'm busy right now," and hung up. She was determined not to let Arya dictate her evening.

She turned her phone to silent mode to block any further interruptions from Arya and preemptively ignored potential calls from Harry as well

"Who was that? You seem bothered," Valerie inquired.

Just telemarketers, Julia replied, brushing off the earlier frustration.

The restaurant buzzed with activity, drowning out much of their conversation. Julia wasn't in the mood to explain further and they dove into their meal. It was just what she needed to lift her spirits. However, the thought of dealing with Arya later dampened her mood again.

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"We should get going: my boyfriend's coming to pick me up, Valerie announced after a while.

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Julia nodded and went to pay the bill. She noticed over a dozen missed calls from Harry on her phone but chose to ignore them. As she and Valerie stepped outside, they were greeted by sudden downpour.