Refusing To Divorce (Julia and Harry)

"Mr. Wright, it looks like Mrs. Wright is facing some challenges at Cooper Group. Seems she's having a tough time," the secretary reported cautiously.

Julia, still new to the company, had unexpectedly caught Kathy's eye. Under normal circumstances, if Julia had proven her skills or shown exceptional talent, her rapid rise would make sense.

However, to the seasoned employees at Cooper Group, Julia seemed inexperienced, almost like a novice who needed guidance on everything. Despite this, Kathy seemed to see something special in her.

Veterans like Valerie, who had endured tough interviews to secure their spots in Kathy's design department, owed their positions to Kathy. Yet, many of them had worked under her for years without receiving such recognition. Harry was aware of the situation surrounding Julia, but he struggled to see how it involved him directly.

"Maybe Mrs. Wright thinks you've talked to the senior management at Cooper Group, and that's why they're looking out for her," the secretary ventured.

Harry gave a cold smirk. "Is that what you

The secretary fell silent. After a pause, Harry demanded in a stern voice, "Answer me."

"Mr. Wright, I don't think you would do something like that, but perhaps Mrs. Wright doesn't see it that way. It might be wise to clear the air with her to prevent any misunderstandings," The secretary explained instantly. "Do you think Julia would believe me?" Harry pondered aloud.

He knew Julia well enough to understand that even a clear explanation might not change her mind. She might reluctantly accept his words or perhaps continue to doubt him, convinced he was involved. "However, if you don't clarify things, any future issues at Cooper Group that affect her might still be traced back to you," the secretary added cautiously, aware of the delicate nature of his advice.

Harry considered this for a moment, then dismissed the secretary with a simple, "Get back to your work."

As the secretary left the office, he noticed Harry hesitating with his phone in hand, only to set it back down silently.

Harry was caught in a dilemma. He didn't want Julia to misunderstand him, yet his natural reserve made it hard to reach

out.

Harry hesitated at the thought of calling Julia. He knew all too well how sharp her responses could be, and the mere thought of her curt "I know" was enough to make him set the phone back down. He worried that any attempt to explain himself might only make him appear Deciding against it, Harry chose to let things unfold naturally, fearing that any further intervention might only complicate

matters.

Meanwhile, Asher stood on the balcony, enjoying a cigarette. The unexpected call from Harry had amused him, prompting a chuckle.

"When shall we meet?" Harry asked.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Tonight works for me," Asher replied, and after a brief pause, Asher inquired, "Bringing your wife?"

"Why bring her?" Harry responded quickly.

"You've been married for three years, and here I am, still single. Bring some beauties along for some fun. I know you can,

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I've seen your name in the tabloids even when I was overseas." Asher stamped out his cigarette and glanced around. Spotting Julia peeking from the door, he swiftly moved behind a potted plant to conceal himself. Lowering his voice, Asher said, "That's settled then. I'll send you the address later. Remember, bring the beauties; otherwise, you'll be on your own for entertainment."

After hanging up, Asher tucked his phone away, reflecting on the times he'd seen Julia on the balcony. Once, he had stepped out for some air and overheard her loud conversation on the phone. It wasn't intentional eavesdropping; her voice simply carried too far. Julia stepped onto the balcony, her hands gripping the railing. The building wasn't tall, offering no grand views, only a vista of the ordinary street below. A sense of exclusion washed over her, intensifying her discomfort and leaving her feeling isolated and uneasy. Julia felt uneasy, alone with her thoughts and without a confidante. She considered confiding in Valerie, but Valerie always seemed too busy.

She appreciated this spot for its peace, where she seldom ran into anyone. However, the sound of a ringing phone had just shattered the quiet, alerting her to someone else's presence. "Who's here?" She couldn't help but wonder if anyone had overheard her last conversation with Harry in this very place.

Asher, who had been hiding behind a large vase, stayed composed upon being spotted by Julia. He stepped out smoothly, phone in one hand and the other tucked casually behind his back, wearing a suit and sporting slightly tousled hair that gave him a charming, almost f "Don't worry; I'm just another employee here at Cooper Group," Asher said in a soothing tone.

Before Julia really knew him, Asher had always seemed like a cheerful, approachable guy, always ready with a warm smile.

However, Julia's face remained stern, her eyes quickly sizing him up. She challenged him directly, "Forget the suit; your watch alone is worth 400 thousand dollars. How can you just be another employee?"

Asher casually lifted his wrist, showing off the watch with a nonchalant wave. "This watch? It's just a high-quality replica. I'd be happy to give it to you if you like. You know, in a big company like this, it helps to have a few impressive accessories."

Julia was skeptical. She had seen a similar watch in Harry's office before, and with her keen interest in watches and sharp memory, she wasn't easily fooled.

Asher, with a hint of frustration, held out his watch to Julia. "Do you really think I'm lying? This watch isn't worth much- just around 1,000 dollars. Here, you can have it," he said, unstrapping it and stepping toward her.

Julia instinctively took a step back, her voice firm as she declined. "I don't need it. If it's a fake, better you keep it.".

"But you

don't trust me," Asher replied, his tone earnest. "There's nothing I dislike more than being doubted."

her

measured. "You shouldn't worry about whether others believe you; what matters is that you Julia looked

response away, believe in yourself. If we need others to believe every word we say, aren't we just living for their approval?"

As the midday sun broke through the clouds, its warm light bathed Julia's face, highlighting her delicate features. A gentle breeze played with strands of her hair, and for a moment, Asher was lost in the simple beauty of the scene. Trying to shift the mood, Asher offered, "Are you upset? Talk to me-maybe I can help."

Julia scoffed, her skepticism clear. "Help me? Seems like you're just as caught up in what others think as anyone else."