After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 72

**Chapter 72**

Julian stood there, droplets cascading down the sharp angles of his jaw, tracing a glistening path as they danced across his collarbone before vanishing beneath the folds of his robe. The fabric clung to him, revealing tantalizing glimpses of his sculpted chest with every step, each droplet catching the sunlight and scattering tiny prisms of brilliance across his pale skin, reminiscent of scattered diamonds.

He made his way into the living room, the soft fabric of the towel draped over the sofa beckoning him. As he dabbed at his damp hair, the sleeve of his robe slipped down to his elbow, exposing the smooth, defined contours of his arm. There was an undeniable allure in his every movement, a magnetic pull that was both enticing and disarming.

Louisa found herself unable to maintain her gaze, her instincts urging her to look away, but a sense of unease crept into her thoughts. What could possibly be his reason for summoning her while he was in the shower? Surely, he couldn’t be contemplating something inappropriate…

“What are you standing there for?” His voice, sudden and direct, sliced through her spiraling thoughts.

Startled, she instinctively met his gaze, and the intensity of his eyes held her captive. “You’re wearing quite a lot. Come in, close the door, and take off your clothes,” he instructed, his tone laced with a confidence that left her momentarily speechless.

Louisa blinked, her mind racing. The audacity of his words left her reeling. Without thinking, she clutched the edges of her jacket, pulling it tighter around herself as she studied him with suspicion. “Mr. Tudor, what exactly are you trying to do?”

Julian caught the defensive motion and a smirk played on his lips, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “What do you think?”

How could she possibly know? Sure, he had saved her life on three separate occasions, but even if she offered herself as a form of repayment, it would hardly suffice. Yet, that didn’t mean she would surrender herself out of mere gratitude.

Ignoring the tension in the air, Julian reached for a first aid kit resting nearby, opening it with a casual ease that sent a chill of uncertainty down Louisa’s spine. Was it possible that her new boss harbored some peculiar obsession? Was she too late to make a run for it?

Noticing her widened eyes, Julian let out a resigned sigh. “Come here. I’m going to change your bandage.”

It took a moment for her to regain her composure, but finally, she took hesitant steps toward him. When he requested she sit, she complied. When he asked her to remove her jacket, she did so, her mind still spinning from the unexpected turn of events. Who could have predicted that Julian, with his busy schedule, would take the time to personally tend to her wound?

He settled onto the sofa beside her, his presence both comforting and intimidating. “Give me your hand.”

With a sense of resignation, she extended her hand, resting it on the armrest, feeling unusually compliant in his presence. Julian carefully unwrapped the bandage from her wrist, his fingers gentle yet precise. The wound was healing nicely; she had been cautious, avoiding any sudden movements over the past few days, though the bandage had inevitably succumbed to moisture during her morning face wash.

“Don’t get the wound wet for a week,” he instructed, his voice steady.

Without thinking, Louisa blurted out, “Then how am I supposed to shower?”

Julian looked up, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “Are you asking me?”

Realization washed over her, and she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “No, no, I just…” How could she have posed such an intimate question?

Desperate to shift the conversation, she thought of Vivian. “Um, about Vivian… I heard Caden applied for bail for her…” she ventured, glancing up to meet his gaze.

He held her gaze steady. “What, do you need my help?” His tone was casual, as if he were completely unaware of the situation’s gravity.

Louisa hesitated, weighing her options. If he was inquiring so casually, perhaps he wasn’t entangled in the mess after all?

She shook her head quickly. “No need.” She already owed him far too much; any further assistance would leave her feeling eternally indebted.

The remainder of the bandage change passed in silence, the only sound filling the quiet room was their synchronized breathing, a rhythm that felt oddly intimate.

On the other end, Louisa was growing increasingly impatient, her finger hovering over the disconnect button when the call finally connected.

Before she could utter a word, a hoarse and pitiful voice greeted her. “Honey, you finally answered my call.”

Louisa couldn’t help but think: Wasn’t she the one who initiated the call? But she dismissed the urge to argue. “George,” she said, her voice icy, “I remind you that we’re getting divorced, and I will no longer be your wife, so please stop calling me that. I’m calling to inform you that I have scheduled the divorce proceedings for the 24th at 9 AM.”

Her frosty tone struck a nerve, cutting through George’s haze. “I won’t go. We’re not getting divorced. I don’t agree to it. Honey, please come home. We can discuss any problems face to face.”

Louisa’s patience was thinning. “George, no matter how much you protest, it won’t change the fact that we’re getting divorced.”

He remained obstinate, repeating, “No matter what you say, I don’t agree to the divorce.”

Louisa closed her eyes, inhaling deeply to quell her rising anger. Even through the phone, George could sense her barely contained fury.

He didn’t want to provoke her further, but the thought of losing her had never crossed his mind. His voice took on a more assertive tone. “You tricked me into signing the divorce agreement. If I don’t agree to the divorce, legally our marriage can’t be considered broken.”

“George, you—”

“Let’s meet and talk in person,” he interrupted, desperation creeping into his voice.

Louisa felt the weight of his words, but she knew what had to be done.