After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 16

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**

**Chapter 16**

The pressure that had been weighing heavily on George’s chest began to dissipate like morning fog under the sun, and he felt a renewed sense of relief wash over him.

Just as he was savoring this newfound lightness, his phone vibrated insistently on the desk, drawing his attention. It was a flurry of notifications from Vivian, each one more captivating than the last—stunning landscape photographs that seemed to beckon him into their vibrant world.

He scrolled through at least a dozen images, each more breathtaking than the last, before a voice message from Vivian popped up. Her voice was a delightful blend of sweetness and determination: “Hey George, isn’t Emerald Ridge absolutely stunning? I’ve gone ahead and booked the tickets. You’re coming with me, right?”

In that moment, the last remnants of gloom that had clung to George’s heart evaporated, and he couldn’t help but chuckle softly to himself, “Sure thing.”

“Awesome! It’s settled then. We’re heading out in just two days,” she replied, her excitement palpable through the screen.

“That sounds great,” he responded, his spirits lifting further as they continued to chat, their conversation filled with laughter and anticipation.

Eventually, George left the office, the clock on the wall chiming nine as he stepped out into the night.

As he drove home, the city lights twinkled like stars, and he found himself waiting at a red light when a familiar sign caught his eye: Leisure Time Diner. A wave of nostalgia washed over him as he recalled how Louisa adored the sandwiches from this place.

Back in the days when late-night work sessions were the norm, they would often stop here, sharing laughter and sandwiches on their way home. Time had passed, yet Louisa’s affection for those sandwiches remained unchanged.

His mind drifted back to the earlier confrontation with Julian. He had said harsh words to Louisa and had even kissed her in a moment of frustration. He could only imagine how upset she must still be. Perhaps a Smoked Meat Sandwich could act as a peace offering, a way to mend the rift between them.

With that thought in mind, he pulled into the diner and ordered two Smoked Meat Sandwiches to go, the aroma wafting through the car as he drove home.

Upon arriving, he noticed the light in Louisa’s room was still on, casting a warm glow in the otherwise dark house. He set the sandwiches on the dining table, his heart racing slightly as he climbed the stairs to call her down for dinner.

But when he opened the door, he was taken aback to see Louisa packing a suitcase, her movements methodical and resolute.

“What are you doing?” he asked, a frown creasing his brow.

Louisa glanced at him, her expression unreadable. She said nothing, her silence thick with unspoken words.

George stepped inside, closing the suitcase with a firm hand, and pressed again, “I asked what you’re doing. Are you going somewhere?”

With a cool demeanor, she replied, “I booked a ticket to Snowlandia. I’m leaving for a few days.”

George felt a wave of relief wash over him, but it was quickly followed by a twinge of anxiety. “When are you leaving?” he asked, hoping against hope that her departure wouldn’t coincide with his plans with Vivian.

“In two days,” she stated flatly.

He was momentarily taken aback. The timing was uncanny, a cruel twist of fate.

His expression shifted, revealing the internal conflict brewing within him. After a brief pause, he made a decision. “Cancel the ticket. I don’t have time right now; work is overwhelming. I’ll go with you later.”

Louisa regarded him as if he had lost his mind, a cold, sarcastic smile creeping onto her lips. “I never said I wanted you to come with me.”

The glass shattered, fragments scattering like the love and marriage that had crumbled between them. There was no turning back now.

Determined, she pulled out the picture and ignited it with a lighter. As the flames danced higher, she tossed the album and the broken frame into the fire, watching as everything they had built together turned to ash.

When George entered the room, the flickering fire caught his attention. He walked over, curiosity piqued. “What are you burning?” he inquired, his brow furrowed.

“Just some useless trash,” Louisa replied nonchalantly, her voice devoid of emotion.

He frowned, puzzled. “Why go through the trouble of burning it? Why not just throw it away?”

Louisa smiled, a hint of finality in her expression. “It’s cleaner this way.”

Burning it meant there would be nothing left, a complete severing of ties.

George still couldn’t grasp the depth of her actions. If he had only looked down, he would have seen the flames consuming their faces—the remnants of their wedding photo. Yet, his focus was elsewhere.

He was too preoccupied with replying to Vivian’s messages, retreating back to the living room, oblivious to the significance of the fire behind him.

Louisa remained outside, gazing into the fire, its glow casting a warm light on her face, calm yet tinged with sorrow.

As the flames consumed everything, leaving only pale gray ash, she looked up at the blood-red sunset, a slow smile spreading across her face.

From this moment on, there would be no trace of her and George’s love left in this world.