After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 73

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 73**

Louisa struggled to keep her fury in check, her voice turning icy as she spoke. “George, let’s be clear—you’re the one who betrayed me, the one who inflicted pain on me time and again.”

“You honestly believe that just saying ‘I don’t agree to divorce’ will erase everything? After the way your mother and your mistress treated me, I am more than prepared to file for divorce.”

Her resolve was like steel, unyielding and firm. George felt a wave of despair wash over him, gnawing at his insides. Yet, with the distance of the phone line, many of the nuances of their situation were lost.

“I’ll say it plainly once more—if you want a divorce, then come home and say it to my face.” His voice was firm, but inside, he was crumbling.

Frustrated, Louisa’s anger boiled over, and she slammed the phone down, the sound reverberating in the silence of the room.

George understood this gesture all too well; it was a sign she was on her way. No matter how furious she got, she had a history of ultimately conceding to him. Suddenly, a flicker of confidence ignited in his heart. He was determined to persuade her to change her mind.

His gaze fell upon the scattered beer bottles littering the floor, remnants of a night spent drowning his sorrows. Knowing how much Louisa cherished cleanliness, he hurriedly tidied the room, flinging open the windows to usher in fresh air and banish the lingering scent of alcohol.

After ensuring the living room was presentable, he ascended the staircase to the bedroom. He took a quick shower, scrubbing away the remnants of his self-pity, and dressed himself carefully. He wanted to look fresh and composed when she arrived.

Meanwhile, Louisa was a tempest of fury, her heart racing after his stubborn refusal. Once the call ended, she hurled her phone onto the sofa in frustration.

Flora, who was enjoying her meal in the dining room, glanced over at Louisa, concern etched on her face. “You should have anticipated this—tricking him into signing the divorce papers was never going to be straightforward.”

Louisa had no retort. She was baffled by George’s stubbornness; what was he clinging to? Surely, a clean break would be more beneficial for both of them.

Flora tried to soothe her, “Don’t waste your energy on that jerk. Let’s eat first, and then I’ll accompany you.”

Louisa shook her head, her resolve firm. “You don’t need to come with me. I can manage this on my own. You haven’t visited your studio in days—go take care of your work.”

“Are you sure you’ll be alright by yourself?” Flora’s concern was palpable.

“Why wouldn’t I be? At this point, anything he does will only hasten the divorce. He can’t be that foolish.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Flora conceded, not wanting to press further. They left together, and Flora dropped Louisa off at George’s villa before driving away.

As Louisa stepped inside, she was struck by the familiarity of the home she had inhabited for seven long years. Yet, it felt strangely alien now.

George, having prepared himself for her arrival, was seated on the living room sofa, anxiously awaiting her return. The moment he heard the doorbell, he sprang up to answer it, casually remarking, “I haven’t changed the password, and your fingerprint still works. You could have just let yourself in.”

He didn’t mind opening the door for her; he just found the formality of her ringing the bell and him responding to it too distant, too detached.

His remark almost elicited a laugh from Louisa. What more was there to discuss? It was clear he had nothing of substance to offer—he simply didn’t want to let her go.

Deciding to shift the conversation, she said, “Alright, let’s talk about something else. The collaboration between the Capulet Group and the Price Group—there’s still no resolution, is there?”

At this, George’s dull expression suddenly brightened, his eyes lighting up as he looked at her. “Honey, you know about this? You still care about the Capulet Group, about me, don’t you? I knew it. All that talk of divorce was just anger talking. You still love me.” He reached for her hand, a hopeful glimmer in his gaze.

Louisa recoiled, her voice firm. “Don’t touch me.”

George’s hand fell back, his expression resembling that of a dejected puppy.

Louisa spoke plainly, “I’m not concerned about you. I’m merely clarifying the situation.”

“First, you cheated and fell for someone else, which clearly shows you no longer have feelings for me.”

“Second, your mother has always looked down on my background, believing I’m not worthy of the Capulet family. You must think the same way, or you wouldn’t have made me sign a prenup and agree to keep our marriage a secret.”

“Third, the Capulet Group and Price Group are likely still anxious about your collaboration. A marriage alliance would be the perfect solution.”

She let out a small laugh, meeting his gaze. “From where I stand, divorcing me is your best option. It validates your choices, satisfies your mother’s desire for a socially equal match, and puts your business collaboration on the right track. There’s no downside for you. So, why won’t you agree to the divorce?”