Refusing To Divorce (Julia and Harry)
Refusing 23

Chapter 23

Julia awoke to an empty room, the space beside her conspicuously void of Harry's presence. A servant entered, offering a glass of warm milk. Julia rubbed her temples, her body aching though she had been tossed around in her sleep. "Mrs. Wright, you've finally woken up the servant said gently. "Mr. Wright was here all night. He only left after seven this morning

Julia, still foggy from sleep, missed parts of what was said. "Sorry, what did you just say?"

"Last night, you fainted suddenly. Thankfully, Mr. Wright found you, brought you back here, called the doctor, and stayed by your side the entire night until this morning"

Julia was incredulous, rubbing her ears as if to clear them. "Harry stayed with me all night?" she asked skeptically.

"If he didn't harm me, that would have been enough. How can he have cared for me?' she pondered, trying to piece together her fragmented memories. "All I remember is feeling very thirsty, going downstairs for water, and then... nothing." "Mrs. Wright, it's true. Mrs. Wright really took care of you. You should feel relieved to hear this," the servant insisted, trying to convey the gravity of Harry's actions.

"Okay, I got it," Julia interrupted, her eyes catching the time on the wall clock. It was already ten in the morning. Panic set in as she realized she was late for work. Given her modest intern salary, any deduction for tardiness was a hit she couldn't afford Pushing aside her discomfort, Julia swiftly threw off her blanker and sprang up. Her clothes were neatly arranged in the wardrobe, saving her precious minutes. Ignoring the servant's surprised look, she dashed into the bathroom to prepare herself. As she hurried to Cooper Group, the weight of her tardiness pressed on her. Being new to the job and still in her internship period, she knew well that being late was severely frowned upon There was no room for excuses.

Julia parked her car and dashed toward the office. Valerie noticed her arriving out of breath and quickly offered her a tissue. "Why the hurry? Weren't you supposed to be off today?"

"Off today?" Julia mopped her forehead, baffled. "I didn't plan any day off" After her words, it dawned on her then-Harry must have arranged the day off for her. A surprisingly thoughtful gesture.

Valerie looked puzzled. "Are you okay? I was in the director's office this morning, and she said you called in sick. She's handed your tasks over to me for now."

Julia laughed awkwardly, realizing it was indeed Harry's doing. Deciding to feign ignorance, she replied, "Oh, must've slipped my mind. I thought I hadn't taken any leave.

Valerie, clearly buying it, commented, "It's tough being on your own, especially when you're sick. Since you're officially off, you might as well head back and rest."

Julia's duties at work were more monotonous than challenging. Valerie, who had joined the company three months before Julia and was familiar with these tasks, was the natural choice to cover for her.

Still puzzled by the unexpected leave, Julia stepped outside the Cooper Group building. She paused, looking at the busy street, uncertain of her next move.

She had planned to go back to the Jackson family home, but the thought was unappealing, especially after her mother's death. That house, now dominated by that odious woman, no longer felt like home. Reflecting on the complications that always seemed to arise with the Jackson family, Julia decided against returning there. 11:18 Thu, Nov 14

Chapter 23

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As Julia wandered through-the bustling city, she realized she didn't have many friends to share her time with. Walking down the street, a sense of failure washed over her, her steps lacking direction. Thoughts of Harry floated into her mind, but she quickly dismissed the idea of secil with Arya right now, and she didn't want to add to her heartache.

She assumed he was probably

After aimlessly browsing through the mall and not replaceing anything appealing, Julia decided it was time to head home.

As she exited the mall, fate had a surprise waiting. She froze as the encountered Harry and Arya, his cold stare locking with Julia's. The morning's conversation with the servant replayed in her mind, reminding her of Harry's supposed care for her the previous night. Initially, Julia had believed the servant and had even come to the mall intending to buy Harry a thank-

you gift. However, seeing him now with Arya, all thoughts of gratitude evaporated She realized that for Harry, looking after her was just a duty, especially given his position as her husband. Any neglect would surely draw Lucia's ire.

Julia rationalized her thoughts, accepting them as both logical and inevitable.

Arya stood next to Harry, her hand affectionately linked through his arm, her fingers tenderly clutching his sleeve. They appeared as a perfect pair, utterly suited for each other. Harry looked as handsome and aloof as ever, while Arya exuded a soft, intellectual charm. Suppressing a sigh, Julia approached them. With a calm and collected voice, she remarked, "What a coincidence seeing you both here. Arya, you look well; I'm glad to see you're out of the hospital"

Arya fooked at Julia with wide, sparkling eyes as she explained, "Mrs. Wright, it's just a minor cold, but Harry was so concerned that he insisted I stay in the hospital."

Julia, now accustomed to such scenes, responded with a gracious smile. "Of course, Harry would be worried about you. He seems to be just what the doctor ordered. With him by your side, I bet even the worst illnesses would feel less daunting." Julia's smile didn't waver as she spoke, her voice soft and composed.

Arya shot a glance at Julia, who appeared completely at ease. Julia then moved closer to Harry, leaned in, and whispered something meant only for him to hear. Try to keep it discreet in public. You've had your share of scandals, but if anything about Arya leaks out and Luc Arya, unable to catch their whispered exchange, felt a wave of unease wash over her. She was visibly unsettled by Julia's boldness and Harry's lack of objection to it. Her face clouded over with annoyance.