After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 17

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

**Chapter 17**

In the dim light of the living room, George’s eyes flickered up from his phone just in time to witness a scene that felt like a slow-motion unraveling.

Lately, there was something undeniably amiss about Louisa, a subtle shift that gnawed at him. It was as if she were a wisp of smoke, slipping through his fingers no matter how desperately he tried to grasp her.

This unsettling sensation churned within him, a nagging discomfort that urged him to confront the growing distance between them.

As Louisa turned to retreat to her room, he called out, “Hey, can we talk for a moment?”

Her response was immediate, laced with an icy edge. “About what?”

He hesitated, the words tumbling around in his mind like loose change. Finally, he ventured, “If work means so much to you, why not consider going back to the Capulet Group? Back to marketing, where your heart truly lies?”

He was well aware that her passion had always been marketing; it was the realm where she had poured her heart and soul.

Louisa simply stood there, her silence heavy in the air, her gaze fixed on him with an intensity that felt almost piercing.

He reached out, his fingers brushing against her long, silky hair, a gesture that he hadn’t mustered in ages. “I thought it might be best for you to take a break, focus on your health, and just be my wife. But if work brings you joy, then by all means, return. Your happiness is what matters most.”

He tried to infuse his words with genuine care, but deep down, he wondered if he was merely playing the part of a concerned husband.

Yet, in that moment, Louisa’s eyes bore into him, as if she could see right through the facade he was trying to maintain. “What, did your Vivi mess up the marketing department?”

Did he truly want her to return just to clean up the chaos that had ensued?

While she tirelessly dedicated herself to their life together, he had been off gallivanting with his Vivi, enjoying a carefree existence.

And now, upon her return, would he simply cast her aside, allowing Vivian to bask in the glory of the work that Louisa had painstakingly crafted?

In that instant, George realized the depth of his selfishness and hypocrisy.

He noticed the cold smile gracing Louisa’s lips, and he called out, “Louisa!”

“No,” she replied sharply, her tone final as she turned on her heel and ascended the stairs.

Fury bubbled within George.

Just then, his phone buzzed insistently, cutting through the tension. It was Jared, his voice urgent on the other end.

“Mr. Capulet, you need to come to the office immediately. The marketing department is in complete chaos.”

With a sense of dread settling in his stomach, George grabbed his car keys and rushed out, ready to face the storm that awaited him.

—

**2:14 AM**

**Chapter 17**

The night had deepened, wrapping the world outside in darkness, well beyond the usual quitting hour.

Yet, the marketing department was alive with frantic energy, a hive of activity as employees worked late into the night, grappling with a crisis.

One by one, they approached George, each reporting their own urgent dilemma.

“Mr. Capulet, we have a significant issue with a batch of materials. This means these products can’t go into production, and the shipping schedule will definitely face delays.”

“Mr. Capulet, if the shipping is delayed, we will incur penalties with our partners.”

“Mr. Capulet, I went to the Diaz Group to finalize a contract today, and what was supposed to be a sure thing has fallen through; they’ve suddenly backed out of our agreement.”

“Mr. Capulet, there’s also…”

As the problems piled up, George’s expression darkened further, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

He tapped his fingers on the table, struggling to maintain his composure. “One at a time. Let’s address the materials issue first. Our supplier has been reliable for years—how did we end up in this situation?”

The staff member responsible quickly interjected, “Everything was running smoothly until Ms. Price arrived and insisted that the supplier’s materials were overpriced.”

She had traded her usual business attire for a casual khaki dress paired with a light blue cotton shirt, her long hair cascading over her shoulders in a way that felt effortlessly beautiful.

In contrast to her typical look, today she radiated a fresh, artsy vibe that caught his attention.

George’s heart lifted slightly at the sight of her, yet he remained silent, a storm brewing within him.

Louisa, seemingly in high spirits, headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, casually asking, “Want something to eat?”

Watching her cheerful demeanor only fueled George’s irritation.

He followed her into the dining room, his expression darkening as he asked, “What time is your flight?”

“I’ll head out after breakfast,” she replied nonchalantly.

She prepared only a cup of coffee and three sandwiches—one for herself and two for Flora and Sadie.

George hadn’t expressed a desire for any, so she didn’t presume to offer him anything.

As she ate, she ignored him completely, savoring her meal while scrolling through the news on her phone.

Her relaxed attitude made George’s frustration boil over.

“Cancel today’s plans,” he declared abruptly.

Louisa froze mid-bite, her eyes narrowing as she looked at him.

George continued, “You can travel anytime, but the marketing department needs you right now. Once things settle down, I’ll join you.”

His matter-of-fact tone almost made Louisa laugh out loud.

“Why would I cancel today’s plans?” she asked, amusement dancing in her eyes.

She was going on this trip to escape him, and now he expected her to rearrange her life for his convenience?

George’s expression darkened further. “Louisa, you’re my wife. You have obligations to the Capulet Group!”