Novel Squares
Refusing 17
Chapter 17 ¥3.64%
Despite knowing it was all a facade, Julia felt trapped by the agreement to have a child with Harry. Each day, her anxiety deepened.
Starting her new job at Cooper Group marked a new beginning for Julia, one that was independent of Harry's world.
Valerie Foster, the first colleague Julia met, was friendly though fond of gossip. Fortunately, she had no interest in Harry, which made her a perfect confidant for Julia.
One day, while Julia was in a meeting, her phone began ringing nonstop on her desk. Valerie, assuming it was urgent, answered the call. The deep, pleasant voice on the other end painted a picture of a tall, handsome man in her mind. But his sudden outburst of anger, cal When Harry's frustrated voice crackled through the phone, Valerie was taken aback. "Julia, you're getting bolder, not even answering my calls."
Quickly. Valerie explained, "Julia was called to the director's office I'll make sure she gets your message when she's back."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
There was a pause on the other end as Harry processed this information. Eventually, he hung up without another word. Valerie, still holding the phone, noticed the remark on the screen. It said, "Strangers."
Puzzled, she put Julia's phone on the desk and decided to let Julia know about the calls as soon as she returned
When Julia came back, Valerie relayed the events. "Someone called several times. Sounded pretty urgent. Might want to check in with him."
Julia nodded, took a sip of water, and responded with a calm, "T call him back later."
Earlier, the director had pulled Julia aside to discuss her recent internship and the upcoming business trip to Stredport City,
Being new, Julia felt a bit out of her depth and later sought Valene's advice on the trip.
As the day wound down and it neared six o'clock, Julia noticed the missed calls from Harry-three hours old. She reasoned that if it had been something critical, he would call again. So, she chose not to return the calls just yet. While packing up, Valerie asked, "Where do you live, Julia? Maybe we can ride together. My boyfriend is picking me up."
Julia hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much about her affluent background. "I'm out in the outskirts, probably not on your way," she replied, and they both headed to the exit.
Curious, Valerie continued, "How do you usually get to work from there? Do you drive, or are you braving the subway crowds?"
"I've got a car, so it's not too bad," Julia answered with a smile.
"That's cool," Valerie said. "Otherwise, the subway during rush hour can be a nightmare. My boyfriend often picks me up when he can."
Julia smiled. "Your boyfriend really treats you well."
Valerie, linking arms with Julia in a friendly gesture, asked curiously, "Don't you have a boyfriend? You're so beautiful; I bet you have plenty of admirers."
Julia replied expressionlessly, "No, I don't have a boyfriend.
While it was true Julia didn't have a boyfriend, she did have a husband, which to her felt more like a formality than a meaningful relationship. 11:17 Thu, Nov 14 B
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"That's too bad," Valerie said thoughtfully. "The guys at my boyfriend's office are really nice. I should have him introduce you to someone."
Julia hadn't truly experienced romantic love before Harry had swept her into a marriage that felt more like a trap than a unior
Spotting her boyfriend in the distance, Valerie quickly released Julia's arm. "There's my boyfriend. I better go. Drive safel
Julia nodded, watching Valerie hurry off. She then turned toward a different parking lot, where Harry's car was supposed to be-
she was driving Harry's car today. She knew Harry didn't skimp on his vehicles, and even without knowing the exact price, the brand logo was enough to indicate it was no cheap affair-Porsches were famously expensive. She realized she might need to get a more modest car for daily use.
Frustrated, Julia gave the car a swift kick and muttered, "If it weren't for Harry, I wouldn't have to hide like this."
As she calmed down and prepared to leave, her phone rang ominously from her bag. It had to be Harry, known on her phone as "Strangers".
"You've been ignoring my calls all afternoon. Why didn't you answer?" Harry's voice was low and rough, clearly not pleased.
Julia pulled the phone away from her ear, her expression souring When Harry finished, she responded, "Twas at work. Harry. I can't just take personal calls."
"What kind of job doesn't allow personal calls? Is that a rule from your boss? Should I talk to him" Harry's tone was accusatory, not giving her room to explain.
Since Arya had come back into their lives, Julia felt changed. Even if she didn't initiate calls with Harry, she used to respond without such evident reluctance. Now, her tone carried a clear note of disdain.
"Harry, let's cut to the chase, We don't have time for small talk," Julia said.
Harry snorted dismissively. "I'm leaving for a business trip tomorrow and I need you to take care of Arya for three days"
Julia paused, processing his words. She couldn't believe Harry was asking her to look after Arya while he was away. Tm also scheduled for a business trip tomorrow," she replied, her frustration mounting when she heard Harry treated her like nothing more than an on- call helper. "Is your trip more important than mine?" Harry's tone was sharp, bordering on contemptuous. "Till pay your salary for the month. Just tell your company you can't make it."
Julia shot back immediately. "No way! But here's a thought-either cancel your trip or take Arya with you. That would surely be more comforting for her."
"I can't drag her along. It would be too tiring for her," Harry stated flatly.
Julia clenched her fist and slammed it against the car door, holding back her anger. She was still technically married to Harry, and she had to maintain some composure. "Harry, I have my own business commitments. Find someone else to look after Arya," she said, her voi As she took out her frustration on Harry's car, Julia found herself despising the vehicle as much as she despised its owner.