After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 66

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

Julian offered a silent nod, his gaze briefly catching the sight of the dried blood marring Flora’s arm. With a sense of urgency, he directed Flora, “You need to take her to the hospital to get that wound treated.”

Flora’s agreement was automatic, her mind racing with the implications of his words.

As they made their way to the hospital, Flora gripped the steering wheel tightly, while Louisa and Sadie sat together in the back seat, cocooned in a heavy silence. The events of the day had drained Louisa completely, and she leaned her head against Sadie’s shoulder, her thoughts adrift as she gazed at the shimmering moonlight spilling through the window.

“It’s okay now,” Sadie murmured softly, wrapping her arm around Louisa’s shoulders, offering a fragile comfort. “It’s all over.”

Flora, meanwhile, couldn’t suppress the bubbling satisfaction within her. “What a satisfying day! You should have seen those three being carted off by the police. I was over the moon! They finally got what was coming to them!”

Sadie interjected, her concern for Louisa evident. “That’s enough, Flora. We need to focus on Louisa right now.”

“It’s fine,” Louisa murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment.

Just yesterday, her heart had been ablaze with hatred, a fiery desire for revenge against all who had wronged her. But now, as clarity washed over her, she realized that George hadn’t been the mastermind behind last night’s chaos.

Yet, that fact felt irrelevant. Even if he hadn’t orchestrated it, he was still the root cause of all her suffering. The bitter consequences of their shared past could be traced back to him.

She had endeavored to afford him dignity, to show patience and understanding, all in hopes of bringing closure to their decade-long relationship with respect.

But in the end, he had facilitated everything that transpired. He would have to face the consequences of his actions; it was a bitter pill he needed to swallow.

As rain began to fall from the darkened sky, its rhythmic tapping against the car windows drew Louisa’s attention. She opened her eyes, mesmerized by the sight of raindrops racing down the glass.

With a sudden impulse, she rolled down the window and extended her wounded arm into the rain. The droplets collided with her skin, the coolness washing away the dried blood in crimson streams that trickled down her arm.

Sadie, alarmed, instinctively reached to pull her arm back. “What are you doing? You could get an infection!”

“It’s fine,” Louisa replied, shaking her head slowly. “Just stop the car.”

“But we haven’t even reached the hospital yet,” Flora protested, her voice laced with concern.

“I don’t want to go to the hospital. I want to walk for a bit.”

“It’s raining outside,” Flora reminded her, but Louisa’s resolve was unwavering.

“Stop the car,” she insisted again, her tone steady yet weary.

Flora exchanged a worried glance with Sadie, realizing there was no arguing with Louisa in this state. With a reluctant sigh, she pulled over to the curb.

The night was deep and shadowy, the rain creating a quiet solitude on the empty streets.

Louisa stepped out of the car, her feet splashing in puddles as she began to walk along the sidewalk, the rain enveloping her like a shroud.

Flora and Sadie quickly retrieved umbrellas from the car, rushing to shield her from the downpour.

Louisa, however, gently pushed them away. “You keep the umbrellas. I’m fine like this.”

She relished the sensation of the rain cascading over her, as if it could wash away every trace of her pain and shame.

Flora and Sadie, her loyal friends, understood her need for this moment of release.

Sadie sighed, her voice tinged with empathy. “Let her be. She’s been holding everything in for far too long. Now that the storm has passed, she needs to let her emotions flow.”

The rain had ceased, leaving behind a tranquil night.

At eleven o’clock, the neighborhood lay still, the upscale community adorned with lush landscaping, the night breeze carrying the fragrant scent of fresh plants and faint floral notes.

Suddenly, a wave of nausea washed over Louisa, overwhelming her. She stumbled toward a nearby tree, gripping the trunk as her body convulsed violently, but nothing came up—only dry heaves.

Flora and Sadie rushed to her side, concern etched on their faces. “Louisa, are you alright? Maybe we should head to the hospital after all?”

Louisa didn’t respond verbally, only managed a soft, hollow laugh that sent shivers down their spines.

Flora and Sadie exchanged worried glances, their hearts racing.

Louisa shook her head gently. “I’m fine.”

All the sickness had been expelled—how could she not be fine?

Flora and Sadie shared a look of silent understanding but chose to remain quiet.

At that moment, two figures approached. It was Julian, returning from a late night at the office, Teddy by his side. Hearing the commotion, their attention turned toward Louisa.

As Julian recognized her, his usually impassive eyes darkened with concern. He strode over, his expression shifting from curiosity to alarm. “What happened?”

Flora and Sadie jumped in surprise, instinctively exclaiming, “Mr. Tudor!”

What was he doing here?

Julian ignored their surprise, his focus solely on Louisa. Upon noticing her untreated arm, his voice sharpened, laced with urgency. “You didn’t go to the hospital?”