Refusing To Divorce (Julia and Harry)

Chapter 15

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Lucia knew Harry well enough to immediately suspect his whereabouts when she called Julia. She was convinced that Harry and Arya were together following Arya's recent retum.

As soon as Harry picked up the phone, Lucia asserted firmly that he was with Arya, leaving no room for him to deny it. "Don't force me to send Arya abroad," Lucia said, her voice calmiyet resolute.

Standing next to Harry, Arya paled. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at Harry, terrified that he might acquiesce to his mother's demands. Arya depended solely on Harry, without his support, she felt powerless against Lucia. Harry massaged his forehead, catching a fleeting glimpse of Arya's anguished face. His expression remained unreadable. which only added to Arya's uncertainty about his intentions. This should be the moment for Harry to stand by her side. Silence hung in the air until Lucia spoke again, her tone icy. "Remember, the Wright family should only recognize Julia as your wife. Her words were pointedly aimed at Arya.

As a loyal son, Harry refrained from defending Arya then. He simply listened as Lucia issued her stern warning and ended the call

Overwhelmed Arya threw her arms around Harry, her tears breaking free. "Harry, why does Lucia despise me so much?"

Harry reassured her absent-mindedly. "Don't worry. I'll sort things out with my mom. Remember what the doctor said?"

Arya had been battling a congenital heart condition for years, receiving treatment abroad. While her condition was stable, it wasn't fully resolved, requiring her to avoid stress and maintain calm.

Seeing Harry remain unresponsive made Arya's heart sink even further. She doubted whether she could persuade Harry to stand up to his family on her behalf.

As Arya's tears began to ease, she clung to Harry's hand and asked in a soft voice, "How did your mother find out about us so quickly? Could it be that Mrs. Wright..." she trailed off, implying that she suspected Julia had exposed their relationship.

It seemed to make sense. Arya had just returned, and she and Harry had been inseparable. As Harry's wife, Julia shouldn't be able to tolerate that. However, Harry had assured Arya that Julia wouldn't do something like that. The revelation seemed ironic.

"Are you suggesting Julia told my mom? Harry's voice was cool and detached, leaving Arya scrambling to read his expression for clues.

Harry gently released Arya from his embrace and stated firmly, Julia wouldn't do that"

It was the second time he had defended Julia's integrity in front of Arya. Arya felt a sting of shock. She was confused as to why Harry trusted Julia so deeply. She began to wonder if there was more to Harry and Julia's relationship than what met the eye, especially since A Feeling hurt yet trying to be understanding. Arya said, "I trust you, Harry, and your judgment. But Julia knew about us. She's the only one who had a reason to tell Lucia."

Harry was perplexed by Arya's accusation. He was certain that Julia had no reason to interfere in his matters. Moreover, just half an hour earlier, Julia had given him a warning, which made Arya's claim seem even more baseless.

"Julia wants to ruin our relationship," Arya asserted.

"Why would she want to do that?" Harry questioned.

Arya's expression was one of confusion as she considered his question. "Maybe she has feelings for you, or perhaps she just

11:17 Thu, Nov 14

Chapter 15

doesn't like me."

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Harry was more inclined to think that Julia's issue was with Arya rather than any feelings for him. In their three years of marriage, Julia had shown no romantic interest in him. Instead, she seemed more engaged in handling the rumors and gossip that circulated about him. "You're mistaken. Julia didn't tell my mother about us," Harry staled firmly and walked away.

Left alone, Arya began to sob once more, yet Harry didn't even look back.

In his study, Harry dialed Julia's number. Due to their brief exchange half an hour ago, Julia seemed reluctant to pick up, likely unwilling to hear Arya's voice, which she found overly sweet and irritating.

After a long pause, Julia finally answered, sounding impatient. "Harry, don't you have anything better to do?"

Harry, annoyed by her tone, kept it brief. "Go home with me for dinner tomorrow,"

"I'll be there after work, Julia responded.

"I'll pick you up." Harry offered.

The mention of dinner at home meant a visit to Lucia's house. They needed to present a united front before Lucia, or they would have to deal with her displeasure. Harry might have been able to shrug off his mother's mood, but Julia knew better than to take it lightly. "Are you starting work tomorrow at Cooper Group?" Harry asked casually.

Julia replied with a hint of indifference, "Why does it matter to you what I'm doing if you're with Arya?"

Harry hadn't noticed how much he had been focusing on Julia lately, but her comment made him see that they had become strangers to each other once again.

"Harry, you've been acting odd these days, almost as if you had feelings for me." Julia smirked.

"You're reading too much into it," Harry responded, his lips twitching slightly. "We are still married, after all. It's only natural I'd be aware of what you're up to."

Julia bit her nails. There's a type of marriage that's quite comfortable, you know, like a couple in public but friends in secret, Though we're hardly friends, maintaining some distance isn't a bad idea."

"Are you suggesting I should be careful about what I say and do Harry asked.

Julia chuckled. "You could see it that way if you like."

Harry snorted, well aware of Julia's way with words. "I was just making small talk; don't read too much into it."

"That's probably for the best. I wouldn't want to catch the eye of your dear Arya," Julia commented.

Just then, Arya's voice echoed from outside, snapping Harry back to the present.

As Arya entered, Harry had already ended the call. She glanced around, her eyes finally resting on him. Twisting her fingers nervously, she said in a low voice, "Harry, are you upset with me? Well, I shouldn't have accused Mrs. Wright without any proof earlier. I didn't realiz Arya's condition made her look perpetually pale, her pitiable appearance often evoking a protective urge in men. Her tear-filled eyes were a familiar tactic she used to sway Harry-displaying her vulnerability.

Thu, Nov 14