Refusing 25
Chapter
25
Julia arrived home to find Lucia seated in the living room, receiving a report from a servant. Lucia had organized all the household staff, and even Harry did not influence them.
Julia knew that the servants would report everything back to Laga without fail.
Upon seeing Julia, Lucia greeted her with a warm smile and a wave. "Julia, if you're feeling unwell, you should be resting. Why did you go to work today?"
"I'm feeling much better now, just a bit of a cold. I think I caught it from leaving the window open last night. Next time, Lucia, let me know when you're planning to visit, and I'll make sure we have dinner ready." Julia replied, wearing a smile Lucia, looking toward the doorway, questioned, "Why didn't Harry come home with you? Doesn't he realize that a sick person needs to be looked after? Did he even know you're ill"
Although Lucia's words seemed to criticize Harry, Julia understood that Lucia was not genuinely upset with him. It was more about reassuring Julia of her support, regardless of Harry's actions elsewhere.
"It's fine; he's still at work." Julia said, but meanwhile, she murmured inside, he's caught up helping Arya right now. Surely, he has no time to look after me."
You're too forgiving with Harry. Can't he manage to find a few hours away from his work? It's his responsibility to take care of you, Don't let him off too easily," Lucia advised.
Julia took Lucia's hand reassuringly. "Lucia, I understand. Don't worry,"
Lucia studied Julia for a moment before suddenly asking. "Is Harry with Arya? I heard she's been in the hospital"
Although Harry was indeed with Arya, Julia knew she couldn't le Lucia find out, especially from her. She responded quickly. hoping to deflect suspicion. However, the quicker her response, the more it seemed to raise Lucia's eyebrows. Julia, do you remember my words? As Harry's wife, you should uphold the dignity of this house. Don't let the Wright name down, Lucia reminded her sternly.
Lucia was convinced that Harry was with Arya and, in a fit of anger, immediately pulled out her phone to call him. Her voice was sharp and commanding as she spoke into the phone. "I don't care where you are, come back right now." Before Lucia could end the call, Harry received a WhatsApp message from Julia. [Lucia's at home. She's found out about Arya and is livid. You need to handle this; I can't cover for you]
Harry put his phone away just as Arya emerged from the kitchen with the last dish. She smiled softly at him. "Harry, dinner's ready. I've tried some new recipes today. I'm not sure if they'll be to your taste. If not, I'll cook something else tomorrow."
Just then, Harry stood up abruptly and looked at Arya. "I have to go, Arya"
Arya's smile faltered as she asked, a hint of confusion in her voice, "Is there something-urgent at work?"
"Yes, something's come up at the office," Harry replied. Seeing the disappointment on Arya's face, he stepped closer, stroked her hair gently, and pulled her into a comforting hug
After a pause, Arya replied quietly, "Go handle your work. I'll be okay here by myself"
Once Harry had left, Arya's expression turned somber..
Meanwhile, Julia sat tensely in the living room, deliberately avoiding Lucia's gaze. She knew about Harry's whereabouts before anyone else and had tried to shield him, which caused Lucia's rage.
Chapter 25 The heavy
in the room was foreboding, suggesting trouble was brewing.
An hour later, Harry hurried home. As he entered. Julia caught liis eye and gave him a subtle warning. Lucia picked up a piece of fruit from the coffee table and threw it at Harry.
With quick reflexes, Harry dodged the fruit smoothly and, despite the tense atmosphere, managed to maintain his composure. He straightened up and greeted Lucia with a respectful nod, "What happened, Mom?"
Julia couldn't help but smirk as she watched the scene unfold. Despite his usual confidence, Harry always ended up yielding to Lucia's formidable presence,
It was well-known that Harry was a dutiful son, rarely challenging Lucia except when it came to Arya. This exception had always been a thorn in Lucia's side.
Lucia's voice trembled with anger as she confronted Harry. "You ask me what happened? I've warned you about Arya, yet you continue to defy me. Why is that?" As Harry got closer, Lucia sniffed disdainfully, catching the scent of perfume on his clothes
Lucia pulled at his jacket, her voice dripping with scorn. "Only you would appreciate such tacky perfume. It's so cheap, it wouldn't even get a second look if it were free on the street."
""What does
Arya have that's so captivating? Has she bewitched you? You neglect Julia and spend all your time with Arya. What's on your mind?" Lucia's fury escalated as she turned a disappointed gaze toward Julia "And you, if you can't even keep your husband, you're no better." Despite Lucia's harsh words, Julia stayed silent, listening obediently while Harry endured the scolding.
"Mom, please stay out of my relationship with Arya. I know what I'm doing, and I'm setting clear boundaries," Harry retorted, trying to assert some control. Tve promised you that Julia and I will have children; you don't have to worry about that."
From her hidden spot, Julia listened in, initially amused to hear Harry defend Arya. However, his assurance about having children with her struck a nerve.
"What does that mean? If they face issues then, will he place the
blame on me?' It seems Harry plans to set himself up to look like the good guy and to leave me to play the villain. Julia was struck by the cunning nature of his plan, even as she stood silently, pondering the implications.
Julia bit her lip, too intimidated to voice her concerns in front of Lucia. She knew that admitting she wasn't ready to have a child with Harry could shift the intense scrutiny from him to her
Despite the pressure, Julia suppressed her frustration, choosing to wait until Lucia left before she would confront Harry about his intentions. After all, Julia had resolved not to have a child with Harry.
Harry, sensing the tension, tried to reassure his mother in his usual confident manner. "Mom, when I commit to something, I see it through. You don't have to worry about me using the promise of a child as a ploy."