Refusing To Divorce (Julia and Harry)

Julia glanced at Arya, who looked pitiful, and playfully tapped Harry on the shoulder. "Your darling is calling you"

Julia's cheeks were flushed, reminding Harry of how feverish she had been the night before. He quickly looked at Arya, and almost instinctively grabbed Julia's hand as she started to walk away. "Out shopping while sick? Can't you stay put?" Julia paused, feeling an intense gaze fixed on her, making her uncomfortable. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Arya looking at her with disgust.

Julia, amused, pulled her hand away and said indifferently, "Mind your own business. It's just a small cold, it won't kill me?

Julia, do you know why you have no friends?" Harry's voice grew cold, frustrated by her aloof attitude. "With the way you talk, no one would want to be your friend.

That comment hit a soft spot. Someone had told her the same thing before, hoping she would soften her edges. But she hadn't had the chance to before that person left her forever.

Once, she had been gentle, her words kind and caring, happy to feel others' concern. But too many things had happened since then, teaching her that only her thorns could protect her when no one else would.

Julia's gaze turned icy. "I don't need friends."

Harry scoffed. "You don't mean that."

Just take care of the person next to you," Julia replied, her tone flat. With those words, Julia walked past Harry without giving him another glance.

Harry stood still while Arya clenched her fists, hidden from view. She sensed that Harry cared about Julia and even realized that after he had left abruptly the previous night, he must have been with Julia. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known she was sick Arya knew Harry didn't like women who were too sharp-tongued, so she always portrayed herself as the epitome of gentleness around him.

"Harry, is Julia upset because she saw you with me?" Arya asked cautiously. If she doesn't like us being together, maybe you, shouldn't come to see me so often," Arya probed.

Harry snapped back to reality and looked down. "Why would you say that? What does our relationship have to do with her?"

Arya let go of Harry's hand, her head bowed, tears already brimming in her eyes. With a tone full of hurt and sadness, she tentatively asked, "Harry, do you have feelings for her?"

"What makes you think I like her?" Harry responded, noticing Arya was no longer holding his hand and wasn't making any other gestures. "All I can tell you is that she is still my wife." "But you said your marriage was a sham," Arya blurted out instinctively. "Didn't you tell me you only loved me? Yet, I can't help feeling that you care about her. Last night... Arya blinked, and a tear dropped onto the back of her hand, seen by Harry. "Did you leave me alone in the hospital last night to be with her?" Arya sobbed. Harry remained silent for a moment.

had to see her about something. I didn't know she was sick," Harry explained calmly, trying to clarify things for Arya.

Arya was not satisfied with Harry's response e and pressed on, "Why didn't you answer my call last night? You know how much I hate being alone in the hospital

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"Arya," Harry said sternly, pausing before continuing. "You know dislike it when people pry. I have my reasons for what I do, and I don't have to explain everything to you."

Arya was stunned. Tears streamed down her face. At that moment, Harry's face was expressionless, his eyes devoid of any warmth, let alone tenderness. Arya felt too disheartened to even act playfully, she could only sob quietly beside him.

Arya, all you need to know is that I love you, Harry said. "Although my marriage to Julia is a sham, we still need to maintain the appearance of a normal marital relationship at least for my mother"

Arya nodded silently. "Harry, I know you love me, but I feel insecure. You're so desirable. Even if you don't seek others out, other women will come after you. And do you really have no feelings for Julia? After all, you've been together for three years, and I wasn't around." Harry, keeping his temper in check, gently touched Arya's head. She's not my type. Don't worry. Once Julia and I divorce, I will marry you. I'll make sure my mother accepts you too."

Harry was not good at soothing people, but the fact that he was controlling his temper was enough to show how important Arya was to him.

Arya had known Harry for many years and understood him well. Realizing that continuing her tantrum would only anger him, she quickly composed herself, wiping the tears from her face. "Harry, I trust you," she said. Harry nodded. "Do you want to keep shopping or go back and rest?"

"Since we're here, let's keep shopping. I'd like to buy you a tie, Arya replied, putting the incident behind her. She might not control Harry, but she was determined not to let any woman, especially Julia, have a place in his heart.

After leaving the mall, Julia, fuming, kicked a stone bollard hard "What a jerk! Why does he say I have no friends? Does he think he's perfect? Isn't he always looking for something better?

Imagining the bollard as Harry, Julia kicked it despite the pain, feeling a sense of relief in venting her frustration.

Across the street, Asher watched Julia kicking the bollard, a slight smile on his face. In his view, she seemed to enjoy kicking things.

"Mr. Cooper, why is she always kicking things? Last time it was a car, and today a bollard, Asher's assistant remarked.

Asher was curious too. "She must be upset about something

"Who would dare upset Mr. Wright's wife?" the assistant questioned

"Who else but Harry?" Asher said, spotting a familiar car nearby. His smile deepened. T heard Arya is back in town:"

"Arya? The Hill family's daughter?"

"Who else would make Harry leave work to go shopping? Even when he's on a business trip in Stredport City, he finds time to come back." Asher's gaze remained on Julia until she turned and stormed off. "Mr. Cooper, aren't you going to tell Mr. Wright you're back?" the assistant felt puzzled.

"He already knows," Asher replied with a smile, then looked up to find Julia.

NOV