After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 23

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 23**

In that very moment, nestled within the plush interior of the Maybach, Julian found himself in a cocoon of solitude. He sat in the back seat, his long legs crossed elegantly, a laptop open before him on the sleek table that separated him from the world outside. The soft glow of the screen cast a light that highlighted the sharp angles of his strikingly handsome face, a visage that could easily belong to a model or a film star.

He was meant to be engrossed in work, the kind that required his full attention. Yet, his mind wandered, distracted by the world beyond the tinted windows.

As the car halted momentarily, he glanced at his watch, a sleek timepiece that seemed to amplify his air of authority. With a slight furrow of his brow, he turned to the driver, Bob, who was seated in the front, and instructed, “Bob, please step out and see what the hold-up is. If it looks like a hassle, have Teddy stay behind to manage it. We’ll just leave first.”

“Yes, Mr. Tudor,” Bob replied promptly, his tone respectful.

Without wasting a moment, Bob exited the vehicle.

However, before he could even approach the source of the delay, he spotted Louisa standing in the rain, her figure framed by the gray clouds above.

He turned back, a hint of surprise coloring his voice as he relayed the information to Julian, “Mr. Tudor, it’s Ms. Forbes. She collided with our car.”

Julian’s expression darkened slightly at this news. He opened the car door, stepping out into the downpour.

Bob quickly grabbed an umbrella, holding it over Julian’s head as if shielding a precious treasure.

With a firm grip, Julian took the umbrella and strode towards Louisa.

She stood there, drenched, her clothes clinging to her skin, clearly unaccustomed to the rain and without an umbrella in sight. Her hair, dark and slick, framed her face, which bore the unmistakable signs of distress.

Suddenly, a large shadow enveloped her, blocking the relentless wind and rain, accompanied by a scent that was fresh and invigorating.

Instinctively, Louisa turned her head and beheld the hand that grasped the umbrella handle, the fingers distinctly sculpted and elegant.

Her gaze traveled upward until it met Julian’s piercing eyes, and for a moment, the world around them faded away.

Teddy approached, his voice cutting through the tension, “Mr. Tudor, Ms. Forbes accidentally rear-ended us. The damage seems minimal. I assured her it was fine, but she insists on compensating, whether through insurance or personally. What would you like to do?”

Before Julian could respond, Louisa interjected, her voice steady, “It’s my fault. I’ll take care of the expenses.”

Her earnestness struck Julian, and he chose not to engage further with her. Instead, he stated simply, “Hand over your car keys.”

Louisa hesitated, unsure of his intentions, but ultimately complied, placing the keys in his outstretched hand.

He turned to Teddy, “You handle the details.”

Then, fixing his gaze back on Louisa, he commanded gently yet firmly, “Get in the car. I’ll take you home.”

Louisa immediately shook her head, “No, I…”

“Get in the car,” he reiterated, his tone calm but laced with an undeniable authority.

She fell silent, sensing the weight of his words, and reluctantly followed him into the vehicle.

Once inside, he offered her a clean towel, the gesture both simple and thoughtful.

Louisa accepted it, her voice tinged with remorse, “I’m sorry for making your car wet.”

Julian dismissed her apology with a wave of his hand, his focus shifting to the task at hand, “Where to?”

“Cozy Community,” she replied, referring to the neighborhood where she had recently purchased a home.

Though she had yet to move in fully, she planned to stay with Sadie, who lived in the same building, for the time being.

Julian nodded, turning to Bob, “Drive.”

The atmosphere in the car grew thick with unspoken tension as they journeyed in silence.

Louisa slowly began to dab the rain from her face and body with the towel, her movements deliberate as she tried to regain some semblance of composure.

As she wiped her neck, Julian’s gaze flickered to her, and he noticed something amiss—marks on her face that told a story of their own.

Without a second thought, he reached out, brushing aside a few damp strands of hair that had fallen across her cheek.

A faint slap mark marred her skin, barely visible but unmistakable upon closer inspection.

She exited the vehicle, leaving Julian to contemplate the events that had transpired.

Meanwhile, George, frustrated and anxious, found himself unable to locate her. He had already reached out to Sadie and Flora in a panic.

Sadie, pacing in her living room while changing her shoes, exclaimed over the phone, “I can’t wait any longer. I need to go out and look for her.”

Flora, more level-headed, replied, “Don’t go. She rarely turns off her phone. Something must have happened. Stay home and wait for her. I’ll go look for her. We’ll keep in touch.”

“Okay,” Sadie relented, still feeling uneasy.

Just as she was about to hang up, a sharp knock echoed through the door.

With a rush of hope, Sadie opened it to reveal Louisa standing there, drenched and weary.

Sadie’s concern immediately surged, and she quickly informed Flora before hanging up, pulling Louisa inside with urgency, “What happened? Even if you had a fight with that jerk, you shouldn’t just turn off your phone. Don’t you know Flora and I would be worried sick?”

The warmth and affection in Sadie’s voice enveloped Louisa like a comforting blanket, prompting a small smile as she reassured her friend, “I’m fine. I just left my phone in the car and forgot to grab it.”

“Alright, but you don’t have to pretend to be brave with me,” Sadie said softly. “Why don’t you take a shower first? I’ll order some food, and we can talk while we eat.”

Louisa nodded, grateful for the offer, and made her way to the bathroom.

By the time she finished her shower, the delicious aroma of the food Sadie had ordered filled the air, and Flora had arrived, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

As they gathered around the table, Louisa recounted the events of the day in a calm voice, trying to maintain her composure.

But the reactions of Sadie and Flora were anything but calm.

Flora slammed her utensils down, her face flushed with anger, “That bastard! Scumbag! You haven’t even left the company yet, and he’s already parading his mistress in front of you, and even hitting you?”

Sadie, though more composed, couldn’t hide her fury. She turned to Louisa, her eyes fierce, “These two jerks are openly challenging you, completely disregarding your feelings. Are you sure you just want a divorce and not to fight back?”

Louisa’s heart raced, torn between the desire for peace and the urge to reclaim her power.