After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 16

The tension that had been building up inside George finally started to ease, and he felt a lot better.

Just then, his phone buzzed with notifications. Vivian had sent him a bunch of breathtaking landscape photos.

There were at least a dozen pictures, followed by a voice message from Vivian. Her voice was sweet yet firm: "Hey George, isn't Emerald Ridge gorgeous? I've booked the tickets. You're coming with me, alright?"

The last bit of gloom in George's heart disappeared, and he chuckled softly, "Sure thing."

"Awesome, it's settled then. We're heading out in two days."

"Sounds good."

They chatted for a while longer before George finally left the office.

By now, it was already nine at night.

He drove home, and while waiting at a red light, he noticed a restaurant up ahead called Leisure Time Diner.

He remembered that Louisa loved the sandwiches from this place.

Back when they used to work late, they'd often stop here for sandwiches on the way home.

Years had passed, but her fondness for them hadn't changed.

After what happened with Julian today, he had said some harsh things to her and even kissed her forcefully. She was probably still upset with him.

Maybe a Smoked Meat Sandwich would help smooth things over.

With that thought, he drove over and ordered two Smoked Meat Sandwiches to go.

When he got home, the light in her room was still on.

He placed the sandwiches on the dining table and headed upstairs to call her down to eat.

But as soon as he opened the door, he saw her packing a suitcase.

His expression changed slightly, "What are you doing?"

Louisa glanced at him indifferently and said nothing.

George strode in, closed her suitcase, and asked again, "I asked what you're doing. Are you heading somewhere?"

Louisa replied coolly, "I booked a ticket to Snowlandia. I'm going away for a few days."

George finally relaxed and asked, "When are you leaving?"

He hoped it wouldn't clash with Vivian's plans so he could go with her.

"In two days."

George was momentarily speechless. The timing was uncanny.

Her departure was on the same day as his planned trip with Vivian.

His expression showed some conflict, but after a moment of thought, he made a decision and said to her, "Cancel the ticket. I don't have time right now; work is busy. I'll go with you later."

Louisa looked at him like he was nuts, a cold and sarcastic smile on her lips, "I never said I wanted you to come with me."

"Then who are you going with?" he frowned.

"Sadie and Flora."

Her tone was calm, completely different from the anger she had shown during their argument a few hours ago.

But George felt a sudden panic.

He knew she had always wanted to go to Snowlandia, but work had genuinely been busy.

He could only tell her to wait, just a little longer.

So this time, he tried again, "Just give it a few days, okay? A week tops, and once I'm done with work, I'll go with you."

"No need, I'm done waiting." Her words had a deeper meaning.

George suddenly felt a strange sensation, like if he didn't hold onto her now, she'd slip away for good.

But should he bail on Vivian? Vivian had already made plans with him.

Louisa, on the other hand, was being stubborn and hadn't even talked to him about it first.

A hint of irritation flashed across his face, and his tone grew impatient. "I told you, I'll go with you in a few days. Why do you have to go now? What's the rush?"

Louisa couldn't help but laugh, "I already said, I don't need you to come with me. Do whatever you want; I won't bother you. Why are you getting upset?"

George was left speechless. He threw out a cold, "Fine, do what you want."

Over the next two days, they each got ready for their own trips.

Under the same roof, they barely exchanged a few words.

The night before they were both set to leave.

Louisa placed her packed suitcase aside and looked around the house, which felt increasingly empty.

Everything of hers had been packed away, except for one last thing: their wedding photo.

It had always hung in the master bedroom.

She had taken it down a few days ago, and he hadn't noticed.

She took the large wedding photo and an album outside to the yard.

Looking at the picture, her youthful face was filled with happiness and sweetness.

She gave a faint painful smile, then raised it high and smashed it to the ground without hesitation.

The glass frame shattered.

Fragments scattered over their faces, like the love and marriage that had come to an end.

There was no going back.

She pulled out the picture and lit it with a lighter.

As the flames grew, she tossed the album and the broken frame into the fire.

When George came in, he saw the fire burning.

He walked over and asked, "What are you burning?"

Louisa replied casually, "Just some useless trash."

George frowned. "Why go through the trouble of burning it? Why not just throw it away?"

Louisa smiled, "It is cleaner this way."

Burning it meant there was nothing left.

George still didn't understand her actions.

If he had just looked down, he would have seen the flames consuming their faces—the remaining image from their wedding photo.

Yet, he didn't bother to check.

Vivian had messaged him, and he was busy replying to her, heading back to the living room.

Louisa remained there, watching the fire, its glow reflecting on her face, calm yet sorrowful.

When everything turned to ash, leaving only a pale gray, she looked up at the blood-red sunset and slowly smiled.

From now on, there would be no trace of her and George's love in this world.