Refusing To Divorce (Julia and Harry)

Harry paused, considering his next words carefully. "I had the servant bring you warm milk because you were sick. It's just a small gesture-

no need for thanks," he stated, his voice devoid of warmth. "And I'll never apologize for what I do. Because I've always been doing the right thing," he then added.

Julia laughed coldly, her laughter echoing slightly in the hallway. You never apologize, do you? Always so arrogant stubborn. One day, your pride will be your downfall, She thought to herself.

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"Fine, I get it. This is your house too, so stay if you want. But let's keep to our own lives, without interfering with each other," Julia said, more as a declaration than a discussion.

She paced briefly before stopping to look at him again. "By the way, have you noticed you've been overly concerned about me lately?" she asked, her tone playful.

Harry was silent for a moment, aware of his recent preoccupation with Julia. Lately, his emotions seemed easily swayed by Julia. When she fell ill, he worried and couldn't help but stay to take care of her. When Lucia visited, he rushed back home to be with her. "Look, we need to be clear. Our marriage contract explicitly states that we shouldn't fall in love," Julia said.

Their marriage was a fake, and no one should develop feelings within this false union. They were adults who should know how to control their emotions. They just needed to continue living without intruding into each other's lives, respecting each other's space for a peacefu "You know what I mean, right?" Julia turned around.

Harry's voice suddenly rang out, with a hint of amusement. "Are you so insistent on this matter because you're afraid you might fall for me?"

Without turning back, Julia replied sharply, "Think what you want. I just don't want any unnecessary trouble when it comes to our divorce. If you don't appreciate my concern, then forget I said anything."

Julia paused briefly, listening for any response from Harry, then walked back to her room. Closing the door, she leaned against it, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. Harry's words had stirred something in her, touching on a truth she wasn't ready to face. She looked around he Julia knew Harry's heart belonged to Arya, and she was determined not

to get tangled in their emotional web. She constantly reminded herself that her marriage to Harry was nothing but a facade, a temporary arrangement that would end with their inevitable divorce, leaving Harry free to be with Arya.

That night, the words from Harry kept Julia awake, mulling over their complicated situation.

The following morning, she resolved to maintain her distance from Harry, to fill her days with work instead of dwelling on her chaotic personal life.

As she left the house, she saw Harry also making his way out. She greeted him with a nod, as distant as if he were a mere acquaintance, not her husband. Anyone observing them would never guess they were married.

At Cooper Group, Valerie noticed Julia's weary appearance. "You don't look well. Are you sure you're okay to work? You could take a sick day, you know."

"No, I'm still within my probation period. Taking time off could affect my job review. It's just a minor cold, really. Plus, I didn't sleep well last night," Julia explained, rubbing her tired eyes. Despite her efforts with concealer, her face still looked pale.

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Valerie shook her head, her expression a mix of concern and resignation. "You're working too hard, Julia. It's tough out there, sure, and everyone's watching. But you shouldn't hurt yourself for money."

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Julia stayed silent for a moment. She wasn't working for the money; she was working to avoid idleness, to build something for herself away from the mess at home. She thought she was too young to let life pass her by. "You're right. I'll take good care of myself, thanks," Julia finally said, giving Valerie a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Valerie smiled, reassured, and turned back to her desk, ready to tackle the day's challenges.

"Julia, the director wants to see you," the director's secretary announced with a tone that hinted she wasn't particularly fond of Julia.

Julia stood up, offered a polite smile to the secretary, and made her way to the director's office.

As she entered, Kathy Powell, the director, was spreading out several design drafts on the table. "Please, come take a look at these and let me know what you think," Kathy invited.

Julia approached the table with a hint of uncertainty about what was expected of her, yet aware she needed to follow her superior's request. She carefully reviewed the three designs, each incorporating blue gemstones-

one for a necklace, one for a ring, and one for earrings.

After a moment of consideration, Julia pointed to the necklace design. "This design seems a bit overpowering. The small diamonds around the central blue gemstone make the piece look heavy. It detracts from the gemstone's sparkle and fails to emphasize the main featur Kathy listened intently, her face giving nothing away. When Julia glanced up, Kathy prompted, "Continue."

"The three pieces are meant to be a set, but there's a lack of balance. The necklace feels too bulky; the earrings are too lavish; yet the ring is quite appealing-simple and elegant, very much in line with what young consumers today appreciate."

"And where do you think adjustments are necessary?" Kathy asked.

Julia hesitated, her brow furrowed. "Ms. Powell, these are just my thoughts. I'm not speaking for our clients."

"Feel free to express your opinions," Kathy encouraged.

Julia took a deep breath. She didn't know whose designs these were and didn't want to offend anyone right at the beginning of her job. "Well, let me see..."

Kathy's response was firm. "Julia, there's no need to feel uneasy. I'm interested in your perspective. After all, not every suggestion you make will be taken up. Entering the workforce as a young professional, you must grab every chance to demonstrate your capabilities. Thi When Julia applied for the job, she brought along two standout projects from her university days. Kathy was immediately taken with them and paid special attention to Julia. Once Julia joined the team, Kathy made sure she was assigned to her department. Kathy had been keeping a close watch on Julia, impressed not only by her excellent design drafts but also intrigued by her background. She was curious about the reasons behind the management's willingness to accommodate Julia's leave requests. After a moment ofNôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

thought, Julia began, "Ms. Powell, I understand." As she shared her insights, her fingers lightly traced the outlines of the design drafts. She tried to appear confident, though she occasionally glanced at Kathy, trying to gauge her reaction, feeling a hint of nerve.