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Leaving You Bereft
Leaving You Bereft
Author: Light Breeze

Chapter 1

Author: Light Breeze
After four years of marriage, before the seven-year itch could even kick in, Julian Ziegler already had a mistress.

At the gate of an upscale villa in Brindlewood, Willow Harper sat quietly in the backseat of an expensive car, watching her husband sneak around with another woman.

The woman was young. Dressed in a white dress, she looked innocent and enchanting.

They held hands like lovers, and Julian wore a tenderness Willow had never seen.

The woman tilted her head up and playfully pouted at Julian. "My feet hurt. Carry me, Julian!"

Willow thought Julian would refuse. After all, he was known for being a cold, unapproachable man with a short temper. No matter how much he indulged his lover, he'd never tolerate that kind of fuss.

But the next moment, Willow was slapped in the face.

Julian gently rubbed the woman's delicate nose, looking both aloof and tender. Then, he picked her up effortlessly, cradling her in his arms as though she were the rarest of treasures.

The woman's soft hands instinctively slid around the back of his neck. Her fingers lightly traced his hair.

There was a cherry angioma on Julian's neck, which looked seductive and felt sensitive to the touch.

Willow had once accidentally brushed against it in bed, and Julian had turned wild. He pinned her arms down and thrust into her, hard.

Sure enough, Julian couldn't control himself. He pushed the woman against a pillar in the gazebo with an intense gaze.

Willow shut her eyes, unwilling to watch any longer.

She had never seen Julian like this—so wild with passion.

So, what did that make her?

Before they married, Julian had actively pursued her, saying, "Willow, you're the perfect partner for me in this world of power and prestige."

That one sentence made Willow abandon her love for art. She threw herself into marrying Julian and plunged headfirst into the world of business, like a moth to the flame, consumed by passionate love.

In four years, Julian had seized control of the Ziegler family.

Since then, Willow had become a dispensable pawn. He found her too proper and lacking in femininity, so he kept a mistress on the side.

Willow blamed herself for being so naive. She was such a joke.

When she opened her eyes again, she felt nothing but indifference.

Love was gone, so now it was about the money.

The villa where Julian met his lover was their joint marital property.

Willow didn't want to let this shameless couple have it. She quietly asked her secretary, Annie Hudson, in the front seat, "Has Julian been with her for the past three months?"

Annie answered immediately, "The woman's name is Catherine Burke. She's Mr. Ziegler's childhood sweetheart, though not very bright. Three months ago, Mr. Ziegler pushed through objections and arranged for her to join his company, keeping her well protected."

She handed a stack of documents to Willow.

Willow skimmed through them. She felt like she could make way for Catherine.

As long as Julian was willing to split the joint property, she'd take her share and leave, with no second thoughts.

Outside, the autumn leaves were golden. The setting sun cast a golden glow. It looked dazzling and bright.

Willow steadied her emotions and dialed Julian's number. He was probably still having fun with Catherine, as the phone rang several times before he picked up.

His tone was cold and aloof when he answered. "What is it?"

Willow lowered her eyes. "It's my birthday today. Are you coming home for dinner?"

There was a long silence on the other end.

Julian didn't want to come home. Of course, he could make up any excuse to avoid it—another engagement he couldn't miss.

But Willow could clearly hear Catherine's voice on the other end. She was calling him, "Are you done yet, Julian? Don't talk to her."

Julian hesitated. After a moment, he awkwardly replied, "If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up now."

The sound of the phone disconnecting followed.

This was typical Julian—always decisive and never dragging things out.

Annie shouted angrily, "Mr. Ziegler's too much! He actually forgot!"

But Willow didn't mind.

Oh, it really was a shame that Julian's sweet time with Catherine was interrupted by her! But what could they do about it, anyway? Willow was the legal wife, after all. If she was upset, then she'd make sure to rain hell on Julian and Catherine's parade as well.

Willow smiled faintly. "He hasn't forgotten. He just doesn't care. Annie, call and have the electricity, water, and gas shut off at that villa. He'll come home then."

Annie couldn't help but say, "You're really smart, Ms. Harper."

Willow didn't respond. She turned her face toward the window and stared at the outside world.

The setting sun painted the sky in gold, and the evening clouds gathered in a tranquil embrace.

She clearly remembered that on an evening just like this, with the sky painted in crimson, she had asked Julian if their marriage contract was for life and if they would never betray each other.

Julian had said yes, that Willow was the most important person to him.

But now, he made her feel like money was all that mattered.

A single tear slipped down Willow's cheek…

Willow returned to Grandview Manor.

Half an hour later, Annie brought in the divorce papers. Willow was asking for half of the joint assets.

After a bath, she was already dressed, but something made her turn back to the mirror. She slipped off her bathrobe and examined her figure under the bright crystal lights.

Her body, worn from years of hard work, was naturally not plump. Thankfully, her smooth skin made her give off an air of cool elegance.

But it was clear that she wasn't alluring enough for Julian. Otherwise, why would he be looking elsewhere?

Suddenly, Willow thought of Catherine and even imagined Julian in bed with her. How intense it must have been. It must be far more passionate than when he was with her.

She frowned slightly, feeling embarrassed by her comparison.

Just then, the closet door creaked open.

Julian was back.

He stood at the door of the closet.

His tall, lean figure was wrapped in a luxury black shirt and pants. His chiseled features glowed under the bright lights, exuding the charm of a mature man.

Willow couldn't help but think that even without his vast fortune, his looks alone would make countless women eager to have a fling with him.

She had slept with him for four years. To some extent, her marriage wasn't that bad.

The couple exchanged a glance and said nothing.

Julian walked slowly into the closet and stooped behind Willow as they both looked at their reflections in the mirror. Willow had already gathered her clothes, and her hair was neatly tied up. Even her post-bath look radiated a strong, capable woman.

Julian clearly remembered that on their wedding night, Willow was still somewhat fragile. She trembled with fear at the sight of his body.

But that night, nothing had happened.

Two weeks later, after a business mishap, Willow had curled up in his arms, whispering his name. He had hugged her tightly. That night, they had truly become husband and wife.

Their sex life had been sparse.

At home, Willow was the dignified Mrs. Ziegler; at Nebula Group, she was a powerful executive. She always wore an unapproachable mask, cold as ice.

Even in bed, Julian would say Willow had never truly let go and enjoyed it.

After some time, he found it boring.

Julian leaned in and teased, "You had the electricity and water shut off at the villa, didn't you? You're upset because I'm taking care of a respected elder's daughter?"

Willow stared at him in the mirror.

Julian knew it was her ovulation period.

He gently caressed her earlobe, his voice low as he murmured, "Was it for your birthday or your physiological needs? Mrs. Ziegler, you're just 26 and already so sexually demanding, huh?"

His words were crude, but Willow knew what he was after.

He wanted a child.

Julian's grandfather, Dominic Ziegler, still held 10% of Nebula Group's shares. Julian needed an heir to gain more leverage.

But what Julian didn't know was that having a child would be difficult.

During that accident, when Willow had pushed Julian away, she'd been violently kicked in the abdomen. This reduced her chances of pregnancy.

Willow gently closed her eyes to hide the pain.

But Julian seemed unusually eager.

He easily picked her up, carried her to the large, soft bed in the master bedroom, and quickly pinned her down.

But Willow wasn't willing.

She pressed her hand against his chest, her hair partially undone and spilling across the white pillow. Her bathrobe was slightly loosened. "Julian!"

Julian, however, couldn't take his eyes off her face. His gaze was feverish as he leaned down to kiss her. His body was already poised and ready.
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  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 2

    Willow clenched the bedsheet. Her fingertips left behind a mess of wrinkles.Even at a time like this, she found herself wondering if Catherine didn't satisfy Julian. Otherwise, why would he bother wasting time kissing her tonight instead of going straight to the point?Willow felt nothing other than disgust.So, she simply lay there like a plank, letting him do whatever he wanted. No matter how hard he tried, he wasn't getting a child out of her anyway.At first, Julian was aroused by the seductive Willow in her loosened bathrobe. But now, she just lay there like a lifeless plank on the sheets.Even the most eager man would find it uninspiring.What a mood killer.Sweat clung to the tips of Julian's hair. With a flushed face, he asked in a husky voice, "What's wrong? Not in the mood anymore?"They didn't sleep together often, but it still happened a few times a month. Those were his attempts to plant an heir in her womb.Willow lay on the white pillow, staring up at the man s

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 3

    Julian gave Jeffrey a slight nod.Jeffrey smiled faintly and left, giving the couple, who were on different wavelengths, some space.After Jeffrey left, Julian glanced at Willow and frowned. "Why are you dressed like that? Go change. We're having dinner at the Ziegler residence later."Willow understood perfectly. When Julian mentioned "dinner", it was code for showing off their fake affection for Dominic's stake in the company.At times, Willow couldn't help but feel that Julian was a contradiction. He presented himself as polished and serene, but beneath the surface, he was more driven by ambition and wealth than anyone. He was perfectly suited for the world of power and status.Willow was willing to go along with it. Before they separated their assets, she would prioritize their interests.She returned to her office to change into a suit and met Julian in the private elevator.The elevator was empty except for the two of them.Julian glanced at his watch and said casually, "

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 4

    It was 9:00 pm when they left the Ziegler residence.As Julian fastened his seatbelt, he asked casually, "What were you and Dexter talking about? You two seemed to be having a good time."Willow replied softly, "Oh, just chatting about your childhood sweetheart."Julian was rendered speechless.After a brief silence, he reached over and lightly clasped Willow's hand. His voice carried a rare hint of gentleness as he said, "I never slept with her."Willow leaned back against the seat, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.She knew very well that Julian's tenderness was only because she was in her fertile window. He just wanted to plant his seed in her womb.It had nothing to do with love and even less to do with her.She wondered if Julian would still try to hold on to this marriage if he found out she couldn't have children anymore. Or would he rush to sign the divorce papers and start searching for the next woman fit to be his wife?He was putting in the effort tonight. He l

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 5

    Willow knew that once she spoke the truth, there would be no turning back between her and Julian.But when disappointment had built up to its breaking point, one would throw caution to the wind and let go of everything.Looking up at the man she had once loved so deeply, she was ready to peel open her wounds and expose them completely before him.When she spoke, her heart ached so much it felt numb. "Don't bother making any decisions, Julian. I don't want my position in Nebula Group or even the title anymore. Because I can't—"She never got to finish because Julian's phone rang.His eyes stayed locked on her face as he answered. On the other end, Esther's urgent voice came through. "Mr. Ziegler, Ms. Burke is in critical condition. You need to come now.""Okay."Julian hung up and turned to Willow. "We'll talk later." Without another word, he strode to his black Rolls-Royce, ready to leave.Willow stood frozen in place. A gust of night wind swept past, chilling her to the bone

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 6

    The autumn night was crisp outside, but inside the car, it was warm and quiet.Willow caught the scent of fresh tobacco. Jeffrey smoked the same brand as Julian. For a moment, in her hazy state, she got confused. She thought Julian was the one sitting beside her.Her eyes fluttered shut as she reached out, grasping his hand. "Julian."Half-asleep, she felt like she had slipped back in time. Back to when she and Julian were still a young couple.Jeffrey didn't pull his hand away. He didn't say a word either. He simply turned and looked out at the road ahead. The night was as deep and dense, eerily similar to the way he felt at that moment.Jeffrey had been with women before.But those had always been casual arrangements—no strings attached. He had never experienced emotions as intense as Willow's. For the first time, he wondered what it would be like to be loved by someone like her.In the distance, fireworks bloomed against the sky, their brilliance cutting through the night.W

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 7

    The next morning, Willow woke up with a headache.Blair was considerate enough to bring her some medicine.After taking it, Willow felt much better. She was about to take a shower when Blair huffed indignantly, "Mr. Ziegler is completely into that vixen. He came home last night and saw you completely drunk but still chose to drive away."That was how Willow found out Julian had come back the previous night.Blair suddenly remembered something else. "Oh, right, Mrs. Ziegler, Mr. Ziegler told us to have Mr. Gibson's jacket cleaned and delivered to him. At least he's still considerate toward you."Blair had no idea about Julian's real intentions. She thought it was a gesture of care.But Willow understood. Julian was just afraid of being cuckolded.She wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home for two days and took time to visit her grandmother.…On Monday, Nebula Group underwent a shake-up.A major project had gone awry, and all the evidence pointed to Willow's negligence. After

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 8

    Willow bumped into Jeffrey in the parking lot.Jeffrey seemed surprised to see her. He thought for a short while before walking over toward her. His eyes were deep as he asked, "Are you really leaving Nebula?"Willow hummed softly. "Yes. I'm leaving."She threw the box into the boot of her car and closed it. Then, she turned around and said faintly, "Thanks for your help the other night."Jeffrey looked closely at Willow's face. There was a faraway look in her eyes that concealed everything and revealed nothing. This was the Willow that he knew. Her fragile beauty that night had been nothing but a dream.His eyes dimmed considerably. Then, he nodded with reservation. "It was nothing," he responded coldly.Nonetheless, Jeffrey continued standing there as he watched Willow's car disappear out of the parking lot, seemingly in deep thought.…Willow finally arrived back at Grandview Manor around 8:00 pm later that evening. As soon as she got out of the car, she caught a whiff of os

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 9

    Julian read and re-read every single word on the yellowed piece of paper, over and over again, until his eyes finally turned sore and bitter.Suddenly, he understood the pain that Willow had been through. He understood her tears.He finally understood why Willow had screamed at him in the parking lot, asking him why he wouldn't even spare her one minute of his time, and why he had changed so much.She couldn't give birth anymore.He didn't love her. However, Willow was someone very important to him. She had been with him for four years. She had been by his side when he was at his lowest, and she had also witnessed him achieving his greatest successes.They had agreed to have two children after they got married. One would be a boy named Landon Ziegler, and the other would be a girl named Evelyn Ziegler.Julian slowly sat down on the bed.His usual handsome features suddenly looked like they'd aged by a few years. He grabbed a cigarette from his pocket, lit it up, and took a huge

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  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 100

    Dominic stepped out of the dimly lit detention center, feeling his heart ache with excruciating pain. A figure in deep red stood at the corner outside.It was Eleanor.Dominic had been expecting her.He walked up to her and said in a low, hoarse voice, "I need to thank you for saving the entire Ziegler family. Without your call, Willow would have lost her life, and the Zieglers' reputation would have crumbled."Beside him, Liam handed over a property deed.Dominic weighed the deed in his hand, carefully choosing his words. "Dexter's prison sentence is certain. As for your future, that's up to you. But as Dexter's elder, this is my token of appreciation."Dominic had gifted her a luxury apartment in Brindley—one worth over 100 million dollars.Eleanor refused to accept it. She had tears in her eyes as she said, "I truly love Dexter. I'm willing to wait for him to come out."Dominic felt deeply saddened. After a long silence, he rasped out, "That bastard doesn't deserve this from

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 99

    In the early morning at Brindley First Hospital, Willow lay in a clean hospital room, still unconscious. Her face and body were covered in scrapes, and a large bruise had spread across her lower back.Fortunately, there were no severe internal injuries.The doctor called it a miracle.Julian took care of everything and sat by her bedside, waiting for Willow to wake up.Dominic walked in with a cane. When he saw Julian's expression, he sneered. "Acting all affectionate now—too bad no one appreciates it! Come outside with me."Julian glanced at Willow, wiped his face, and followed him out.Outside, Dominic looked at his most accomplished grandson with a stern expression. "Julian, as the CEO of Nebula, you weren't wrong. Canceling the contract would have led to thousands losing their jobs."But Julian, aside from being the CEO of Nebula, you are also Willow's husband. I know you have your own judgment, and you believed Dexter wouldn't do anything reckless. "But there are always u

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 98

    Two hours later, Julian hurriedly touched down in Brindley.It had rained at noon, and the explosion site was a complete mess. Over a hundred rescue workers were busy carrying out their tasks, along with ten rescue dogs, but the strong scent in the air was affecting the dogs' sense of smell.As soon as Julian got out of the car, he saw Dexter handcuffed with silver cuffs. He was standing in a daze and was being escorted by someone."Dexter, you bastard!"Julian threw a punch. He hit with full force, and Dexter's mouth and nose immediately gushed blood, but he didn't retaliate. He took a step back, still staring blankly in the direction of the abandoned warehouse.Time was precious, and Julian didn't have the time to settle scores with him.He stepped into the mud, discussing the rescue plan with the head of the rescue team and arranging for an additional 80 rescue personnel and professional life detectors.The rain grew heavier, and Julian, not wearing a raincoat, was covered in

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 97

    Julian was making a gamble. He bet that Dexter wouldn't dare to do anything too extreme.The two of them had played countless games of strategy against each other, and Julian had never lost. But this time, he lost to something unexpected.Julian shot a glance at Esther.Esther froze for a moment, then quickly understood. She immediately arranged for a rescue operation for Willow.Julian steadied his tone and spoke calmly to Dexter. "I will not abandon the signing. Dexter, release Willow now, and I won't pursue this matter. But if you insist on this foolishness, let me make one thing clear—I only see Willow as a tool in my power struggle. You know this, Dexter."In the Zieglers, there has never been love. I don't love her, so don't think you can use her to threaten me."On the other end of the call, Dexter let out a cold laugh. "As expected of Julian! Truly ruthless."Julian paused for a moment. He knew Dexter had softened, so he ended the call decisively. He planned to finish th

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 96

    At the end of the month, on the eve of the contract signing between Nebula and Aurelia, a grand banquet was held at Skyview Hotel in Yarrowmere, attended by the senior and mid-level executives of both corporations.Julian wore a classic black-and-white suit, standing tall and elegant. He was the object of admiration for many women.However, he wore his wedding ring and maintained a distant demeanor, so no one dared to slip him a room key.Timothy approached him with Heather for a conversation. Upon seeing the admiration in the eyes of many women, Timothy joked, "Julian, next time you should bring Mrs. Ziegler along. These hungry gazes look like they might just devour you."Julian smiled faintly. "Timothy, you're exaggerating."Timothy patted Heather's hand, signaling that he had something private to discuss. She smiled politely and walked away to mingle.Once she left, Timothy spoke solemnly to Julian. "Don't take Jeffrey's actions to heart. It's normal for young people to someti

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 95

    Willow bought 20 of the painter's completed works and wrote him a check for 30 instead, which made him very satisfied.Willow smiled faintly.After the artist left, she turned to Annie, who looked puzzled. "I know you're wondering why I paid such a low price. It's because I don't want money to wear away his artistic spirit too soon. Among this generation of young artists, I think he has the most potential—even more than Charlie back in the day."When the time is right, I'll introduce him to the world, and by then, his paintings will be worth a fortune. Even the smallest ones will sell for at least a million dollars."Annie had always trusted Willow's judgment.After finishing their business, they left the club and said their goodbyes in the parking lot.Willow had just opened her car door when a familiar, mocking voice rang out behind her. "Got back together with my cousin?"Willow turned her head to look at Dexter and replied coldly, "What does that have to do with you?"Dexte

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 94

    Julian could sense the gaze from behind him. He said softly, "When I was in my 20s, I lived abroad alone for a while. I learned back then."Willow didn't ask any further. Their relationship was ambiguous right now. Just because they had been intimate once didn't mean anything.She had no intention of opening up to him. Besides, she was tired and didn't want to argue with him.The pasta Julian made was quite good, and Willow ate most of it.Then, she asked him to leave.As he left, Julian gazed at her deeply. "I'll come again tomorrow."Willow thought he was joking. Julian ran a corporation with 20 thousand employees—he didn't have that much free time.But the next day, when she returned from the gallery, her apartment was brightly lit, filled with the aroma of Wisteran cuisine and red wine.That bottle of red wine was one of Willow's cherished collectibles, something she couldn't bear to drink. And now, it was sitting there on the dining table.Willow slowly closed the door an

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 93

    At 10:00 pm, Willow had just taken a shower. She changed into a silk bathrobe, feeling loose and relaxed.She sat in front of the dressing table, applying her skincare products.Suddenly, a subtle noise came from the door. It was the sound of a key turning in the lock.Willow was about to walk to the living room to check it out when the uninvited guest had already let himself in.It was none other than Julian.Willow sat back on the chair in front of the dressing table and observed him through the mirror.He had some snow on his shoulders and his hair was dark and shiny. It was obvious that he had been standing in the snow for some time.Willow asked softly, "Where did you get the key?"Julian placed the key on the dressing table in front of her, saying matter-of-factly, "I made a copy."Willow sneered, "You're really impolite."Julian stepped behind her and put his hands on the back of the chair. He looked deeply at her through the mirror, as if he was trying to see straight

  • Leaving You Bereft   Chapter 92

    That afternoon, Willow's name shot to the top of the trending topics."Nebula Group CEO's wife is infertile!""Julian Ziegler's Stands by His Wife: A Love Stronger Than Gold."Along with the headlines was a blurry photograph, presumably taken last night when Julian was holding Willow.Within moments, the topic surged to the top of the trending list.Nebula Group's PR team acted swiftly, spending money to have it taken down.But in just half an hour, the discussion reached an astonishing 78 million views, with over 40 thousand reposts.Thousands of women online envied Willow's good fortune for having a husband who loved her deeply.Willow found it ironic.She was in a bad mood, so she left the gallery earlier than planned. She drove her white Rolls-Royce Spectre aimlessly around the streets before parking in the plaza outside an amusement park.She sat on the hood of the car and stared at the Ferris wheel that was turning slowly.At 4:00 pm, snowflakes began to fall.The air

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