After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 24

**Chapter 24**

Louisa hadn’t even opened her mouth to speak when Flora interjected with a determined tone, “Louisa, whatever path you choose, you can count on us. No questions asked.”

A surge of warmth flooded Louisa’s heart, and a small smile crept across her lips. “It’s not as if I just discovered he’s been unfaithful. I made this decision because I refuse to get ensnared in their web any longer.”

She paused, reflecting on her own emotions. “Honestly, I never imagined I would lose my temper like that, getting into a brawl at the office. That’s just not who I am.”

The thought weighed heavily on her. “I don’t want to morph into a frantic woman over a man who’s nothing but rotten inside.”

Her voice softened, revealing her vulnerability. “All I wish for now is to endure these next seventeen days and then step into my new life, leaving him far behind.”

With that, she lowered her gaze, returning to her meal, her expression deceptively serene.

Yet, both Flora and Sadie could still perceive the flicker of pain that danced in her eyes.

Ten years of youth, ten years of love, all culminating in a bitter end—how could she truly find peace amidst such turmoil?

Sadie broke the silence, her brow furrowing with concern. “But I really don’t think George will let go so easily.”

Flora snapped back, her voice sharp with indignation. “What’s he going to do? Expect Louisa to stay home, cooking and cleaning while he goes out partying and cheating? He’s living in a fantasy!”

Just then, Sadie’s phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. It was George.

She glanced sideways at Louisa, who remained absorbed in her food, seemingly unfazed.

Not wanting to disrupt the fragile atmosphere, Sadie quickly silenced her phone.

Moments later, George’s name flashed on Flora’s phone.

Unlike her friends, Flora couldn’t maintain her composure. The sight of George’s name ignited a fire within her.

She answered the call, her voice rising in anger. “George, can’t you take a hint? Louisa is out of your life. You and that skank can do whatever you want, just leave Louisa alone!”

George, recognizing that Louisa was with her friends, spoke in a low, controlled voice. “Put her on the phone.”

“She’s not here!” Flora lied without a second thought, her heart racing.

“Put her on the phone,” he demanded, his tone unyielding.

Flora’s anger flared at his authoritative command. “George, why do you think Louisa’s with me? Do you believe she has no one else, so you can treat her like garbage? Well, guess what? Sadie and I are her family now. You mess with her, you mess with us!”

George’s voice turned icy, revealing his impatience. “I’m telling you one last time, put her on the phone, or else—”

“Or else what? Are you going to threaten me?” Flora shot back defiantly, her heart racing but her resolve unshaken.

Louisa, overhearing the escalating conversation, felt a pang of guilt. She didn’t want her friends to suffer because of her predicament. With a calm demeanor, she reached out, “Give me the phone. I’ll talk to him.”

Flora hesitated for a heartbeat but ultimately handed it over, her expression a mix of concern and frustration.

Taking the phone, Louisa cut straight to the chase, her voice steady. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Stop calling.”

Just as she was about to hang up, George’s voice rushed in, “Don’t hang up.”

Louisa’s tone turned frigid. “What do you want?”

As she bent down, a sharp twinge shot through her lower back, causing her to wince involuntarily.

George, sensing her discomfort, rushed to bring her slippers, his concern evident. “Let me help you.”

Louisa recoiled instinctively, her voice edged with irritation. “Don’t touch me.”

She preferred to lean against the entryway cabinet, enduring the pain rather than accepting his assistance.

George shifted uneasily, torn between his desire to help and the need to respect her space.

As she moved into the living room, he followed her, desperately trying to explain himself. “I really didn’t mean to hit you today. If it helps, you can hit me back.”

He watched her closely, searching for any sign of forgiveness.

Louisa turned to him, her gaze icy. “What good would that do?”

A dog bites you; you don’t bite back, especially not a dog you’ve already discarded.

With that thought, she decided she didn’t want to engage with him any longer and headed upstairs, her heart heavy with unresolved emotions.

“Can we just talk, Louisa? Please?” George’s voice cracked with frustration as he reached out, grabbing her arm.

In an instant, Louisa’s weakened lower back collided painfully with the stair railing, sending a jolt of pain through her.

“Let go of me!” she exclaimed, her voice rising in anger, as she fought to regain her balance and her dignity.