Refusing To Divorce (Julia and Harry)

Chapter

21

Arya had been hospitalized, prompting Harry to rush back from Stredport City within a day, leaving his secretary to handle his remaining tasks.

Julia, relieved of her caregiving duties now that Harry had returned, headed straight home from the hospital. She had never been one for nursing others, so the prospect of some downtime was appealing.

At home. Julia found comfort in her familiar surroundings. She drew a hot bath, set her phone on the coffee table, and poured herself a glass of red wine. Settling in front of her computer, she felt a deep sense of relaxation, undisturbed by whatever might be happening bet However, as she closed her eyes to meditate, a peculiar thought struck her. Harry had hurried back as soon as Arya fell ill, which was odd considering he usually held Julia accountable for any mishaps during her watch. Given Harry's tendency to seek retribution, it was un Julia's responsibility.

Caught up in her reflections, Julia almost slipped into the bathroom. She caught herself on the sink, dizzy and disoriented

for a moment.

It was rare for Harry to be with her out at night; in their three years of marriage, his visits had been few and far between. But tonight was different. As she stepped out of the bathroom, she was startled to see Harry in the room, nearly causing her to drop her towel. "Harry, what are you doing here?" Julia asked, clutching her towel closer to ensure it stayed in place.

She eyed him warily, unsure of his intentions for this unexpected visit Although she knew he wouldn't physically harm her, Julia remained on her guard. Men, after all, could be unpredictable when led by their desires.

Seeing Julia's cautious stance, Harry snorted dismissively and turned away. "Don't worry. I have no interest in you; you too highly of yourself."

Julia's cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. She retorted, looking down at her figure. "Oh, are you perchance afflicted with some physical issues? Blind or otherwise incapacitated?" Harry's face paled. No one had ever thrown such a bold insult his way.

think

As Julia quickly grabbed her clothes from the bed and retreated to the bathroom, Harry was left speechless, his usual retorts failing him.

Inside the bathroom, Julia dressed swiftly and then paused before the mirror, contemplating her reflection. She thought to herself, 'Eyes that couldn't appreciate me are useless; they might as well be donated.

After a while, she emerged, finding Harry still in the room, lost in thought. The image of Julia in a towel had unexpectedly stirred something within Harry. He was undeniably attracted to her, a fact he was reluctant to admit, brushing it off as a normal male reaction Yet, the memory of her just moments before lingered in his mind, suffocating him in the now stifling room.

Julia, stepping out into a cold draft, sneezed repeatedly. Annoyed, she confronted him, "Why on earth would you open window this late? I'm still not over my cold."

"The room was stuffy and smelled too strongly of perfume," Harry replied curtly.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

the

"Was I begging you to stay? You barged in here and stayed without asking. What do you want, Harry?" Julia shot back. "You're not at the hospital with Arya, so you can't be here to pick a fight, can you?" she then added.

"Julia Wright," Harry said solemnly.

Julia stepped back, raising her hand defensively. "Stop saying my name like that; it's creepy."

Π

She suspected Harry was avoiding making a scene in front of Arga at the hospital. If he truly cared for Arya as much as it seemed, he wouldn't have reacted like that. Perhaps he was here because he didn't want Arya to witness his harsher side.

The chilly wind seemed to have worsened Julia's already fragile health as she sneezed repeatedly, her hands wrapped tightly around herself. She rubbed her nose, her expression blank. "Did you come to find me for Arya's sake?" she asked, her face expressionless. Julia's throat bumed painfully with each word, and she coughed, Teeling dizzy. Her cheeks flushed with fever. Despite feeling awful, she touched her forehead and cheeks, determined to remain composed until Harry left. She couldn't let him think she was mimicking Arya's When Harry stood up, Julia instinctively stepped back, fearing he might lash out. Instead, he walked over to the window and shut it. His voice was flat, showing no concern. "Isn't your cold any better?" Julia forced a smile, her voice playful yet teasing. "Aren't you supposed to be asking about Arya? Why this sudden concern

for me?"

Feeling emboldened and not intimidated by Harry, Julia took a few graceful steps toward him. "You've been acting odd lately. Have you fallen for me?" she teased.

Julia knew how to keep the right distance. Even as she moved closer to Harry, a subtle space remained between them. Harry, tall and imposing, looked down slightly to meet her gaze, which was unyielding.

Julia was undeniably beautiful, her oval face and large eyes complemented by sensual, rosy lips and delicate skin. The slight cold added a vulnerable charm to her appearance, her eyes misty and her face flushed Caught off guard, Harry was visibly stunned by her approach. Julia, fearless and unaware of his astonishment, stepped even closer and asked boldly, "Harry, do you find me beautiful?"

A sweet fragrance filled the air, drawing Harry's attention. He intuled deeply, the scent captivating him, and in a sudden move, he grabbed Julia's wrist, pulling her roughly into his arms.

Julia was startled by his abrupt action. Pinned and unable to move, she saw her own panic mirrored in Harry's eyes, and she realized the situation had taken a serious turn. "Harry!" she snapped, her voice sharp with alarm. "Let go of me

But Harry only smirked, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes as he leaned in closer, his growing desire evident.

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"Weren't you the one teasing me first? What, got cold feet now? Harry's voice was playful yet seductive, sending a shiver down julia's spine.

Harry chuckled at Julia's evident discomfort, his smile broadening. "Seems like you like to talk big but can't handle the

game."