After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 83

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 83**

Before Julian could fully process the situation, he felt a soft body latch onto him, almost as if she were a lifeline in the darkness.

Louisa had wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, her legs encircling his waist like a vine clinging to a sturdy tree.

The unexpected intimacy of their position made Julian’s heart skip a beat, his breath momentarily stifled. He gazed down at her, his voice dropping to a low, slightly hoarse whisper, “Louisa, what are you doing now?”

“Get down,” he instructed, his tone calm but firm.

Unbeknownst to him, Louisa’s thoughts were a tempest of fear and anxiety. The darkness around them had unleashed a flood of memories, each one more terrifying than the last.

Her body shook as she held onto him with desperation, her voice quivering like a fragile leaf in the wind, “I won’t let go. I’m scared.”

In that moment, the only sanctuary she found was in his presence, and she clung to him like a child seeking comfort from a parent.

Julian hesitated, confusion flickering in his eyes. “Scared of what? The dark?”

Louisa nodded against his neck, the movement instinctive and unconscious.

With her cheek pressed against his skin, the gentle nodding caused her lips to brush against him, creating what felt like a series of accidental, fleeting kisses that sent a jolt of electricity through Julian.

He found himself nearly breathless, but instead of pushing her away, he instinctively supported her waist with one arm, using his other hand to gently lift her head from his neck and rest it on his shoulder.

“Stay still. Don’t squirm,” he instructed, doing his best to maintain a steady breath despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him.

With her nestled against him, he began to walk toward the elevator, each step careful yet purposeful.

Behind them, Teddy trailed in astonishment. In the past, whenever Teresa had attempted to get close to Julian, he would have brushed her off with icy indifference. Yet here he was, allowing Louisa to cling to him as if they were the only two people in the world.

Recently, Teddy had observed something curious—no matter how Louisa approached his boss, Julian never rebuffed her. He hadn’t even uttered a harsh word in her direction. If Teresa were to witness this, she would surely be heartbroken.

Upon reaching the elevator, Teddy quickly pressed the down button, his mind racing with thoughts.

Inside the elevator, the soft glow of the lights illuminated their surroundings. Louisa had been completely still on Julian’s shoulder, but as the light flooded in, her body began to relax, the tension slowly dissipating as calmness washed over her.

Suddenly realizing she was still clinging to him, she jolted and quickly released her grip, sliding down to her feet.

She looked up at him, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I—I’m sorry, Mr. Tudor. Thank you.”

Julian cast her a cool, amused glance, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Ms. Forbes, a grown woman afraid of the dark?”

Louisa let out a stiff laugh, her nerves still frayed. “Yes, well… I’m not entirely sure why the power went out so suddenly. Perhaps there was a short circuit? Mr. Tudor, you should have someone check it tomorrow to avoid any disruptions at work.”

Teddy stared at her, wide-eyed. Was this really the same Louisa who had handled the most daunting challenges with such grace?

“Come with me,” Julian instructed.

With the main entrance locked down, she had no choice but to accept his offer for a ride once more. Thankfully, they lived in the same community, so he wouldn’t have to go out of his way.

Inside the car, Louisa tried her best to minimize her presence, feeling the weight of the earlier moment still lingering in the air. Julian, however, seemed wholly uninterested in conversation, opening his laptop to continue his work.

Teddy drove smoothly, maintaining a moderate speed.

Occasionally, Louisa cast a glance in Julian’s direction. The car was dimly lit, with only the faint glow of streetlights filtering in through the windows.

The light from the laptop screen illuminated his face, revealing his focused eyes, the elegant curve of his high-bridged nose, and his perfectly sculpted profile—handsome from every angle.

She was accustomed to seeing him composed and refined, but she hadn’t anticipated that he would be working during their commute as well.

His long, clean fingers moved deftly across the keyboard, producing a crisp and rhythmic sound that captivated her attention.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the ringing of her phone. It was a video call from Brian Forbes, her father.

Caught off guard, she hesitated before quickly muting the call without answering.

Julian glanced at her, curiosity piqued. “Why don’t you answer it?”