After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 25

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 25**

The sharp sting of pain coursed through Louisa like a lightning bolt, causing her to wince involuntarily.

George, ever observant, caught the flicker of discomfort in her expression, his eyes widening with concern. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine worry.

He instinctively reached out, his hand hovering uncertainly in the air, hesitating as if he feared that any movement might exacerbate her suffering.

Louisa clenched her jaw, determined to withstand the agony that threatened to overwhelm her. She was weary of enduring any more pain than necessary, so she paused at the bottom of the staircase and, with a calm yet fatigued tone, asked, “What do you want, George? Just say it all at once.”

A heavy silence enveloped them for a moment before he finally spoke, “Vivian and I…” His initial instinct was to deny any feelings, to brush it aside as if it were nothing.

However, the weight of Louisa’s cold, knowing gaze bore down on him, and he sighed, surrendering to the truth. “Yes, I admit it. I do find her cute and likable, and I had a moment where I felt something, but you must know that the person I love the most is you. That has never changed.”

Louisa let out a bitter laugh, a sound devoid of any warmth. “Your love is really disgusting and cheap,” she retorted, her words sharp as daggers.

“Louisa!” he exclaimed, his tone sharp, cutting through the tension. “Don’t mock me. Yes, I had a fleeting feeling for her, but nothing happened between us. It was merely because her brother wanted her to gain some experience with me.”

“George,” she replied, her voice steady, “if everything is for the company, why not make the act real?”

“What do you mean?” he asked, confusion flickering across his face.

“She’s the Price family’s daughter. She can help you a lot in your career. Why not just divorce me and be with her?”

In that moment, a part of her genuinely wished he would agree to the divorce; it would mean she wouldn’t have to endure the agonizing wait of those seventeen days looming ahead.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” George’s glare was fierce, his disbelief palpable. “Do I need to rely on a woman to get ahead?”

“Don’t you?” Louisa shot back, a chuckle escaping her lips, shattering the fragile facade he had tried to maintain.

He was taken aback, his expression darkening as if clouds had suddenly gathered in his mind.

After a moment of silence, he spoke firmly, “Forget about the divorce. It’s not happening. I promise you, this won’t happen again. Once we sign the contract with the Price Group and the project is underway, I’ll keep my distance from her and make our relationship public.”

Deep down, he understood that their secret marriage had always been a sore point for Louisa. He knew she longed for their relationship to be acknowledged openly, to be free of the shadows that cloaked their love.

Louisa nodded slowly, her eyes betraying her exhaustion. “Do whatever you want. I’m tired. I’m going to rest.”

As she turned away, George felt a mix of relief and guilt wash over him. Seeing the life drain from her face stirred something within him, and he managed a small smile, though it felt hollow.

He convinced himself that her outburst was merely a reaction to Vivian, a tantrum born from frustration. Watching her struggle to ascend the stairs, he couldn’t bear to see her in pain. “I’ll take you up,” he declared, scooping her into his arms effortlessly.

He carried her to the master bedroom, where, with her injuries, she couldn’t protest, and she surrendered to sleep in their shared sanctuary.

The following morning, George found himself in no rush to leave for work. Instead, he waited patiently for her to wake, feeling an odd sense of anticipation.

Louisa had grown accustomed to solitude in recent days, and seeing him first thing in the morning felt disconcerting.

What she didn’t realize was how captivating she appeared, her dazed, vulnerable eyes reflecting a softness that tugged at his heart.

He leaned in, intending to kiss her, but she turned her head away. “I haven’t brushed my teeth,” she mumbled, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

Yet George could sense her reluctance was more than just about hygiene.

Entering his office, he found Caden seated on the couch, his expression grim and serious.

“Why are you here so early?” George asked casually, though he could sense the tension in the air.

Caden stood abruptly, his anger palpable. “I entrusted my sister to you, and you let her get bullied in your office? Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?”

George nodded solemnly, fully aware of his shortcomings. “I didn’t take good care of her. I’m sorry.”

He chose not to throw Louisa under the bus, taking the blame upon himself, an act of loyalty that he felt was necessary.

Vivian, overhearing his nonchalant tone, exploded with fury. “George, it’s not your fault! Why are you apologizing?”

She turned to her brother, her voice rising. “Caden, don’t blame George. It’s that vicious woman Louisa. She’s just a secretary, but she barged into George’s office, called me names, and hit me!”

Caden placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before glaring at George. “Since this started because of her, hand her over. I won’t allow anyone to bully my sister!”

“Exactly!” Vivian chimed in, emboldened by her brother’s support. “That wretched woman, that old hag, she dared to hit me. I want her to kneel and apologize, and I want to hit her back tenfold until she begs for mercy!”

George’s expression hardened, his resolve unyielding. “That’s not happening!” he stated flatly, his voice cold and firm.

“Why not?” Vivian shrieked, disbelief etched across her features.

Caden’s face darkened as he stared intently at George. “She’s just a secretary. Are you really going to jeopardize our families’ relationship and cooperation over her?”

George stood his ground, aware of the stakes, yet unwilling to compromise his principles.