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Chapter 28
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 29
Willow was aware of that, of course. That was why she did not turn down Julian's offer right away. After all, who would say no to earning more money?However, she was no fool. Julian would not just make such a nice offer for no reason. He was not someone who would give away his money so easily.Willow smiled slightly. "What are the duties that I'll have to fulfill?"Julian looked at her and said crudely, "You need to cooperate with me for Project Aurelia. Also, you'll need to satisfy me in bed.""Julian Ziegler!""I have urges."Willow did not agree to it right away. She replied flatly, "I'll consider it."Julian produced a document and handed it to Willow. "This is the agreement. You can get a lawyer to go through the details listed in the document. We can discuss more if you have any other conditions."Even if there's no love between us, we're still family. Think about it, Willow."Willow agreed to consider his offer. Still, she insisted on leaving. She refused to stay there
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 30
After Willow left, Julian headed off to another place. He went up to the rooftop of the Manning Building.The black coats that the two men were wearing flapped in the night breeze. Both men gave off the intimidating auras of the nightjars, which usually came out at night to hunt their prey.Facing the wind, Julian lit a cigarette. He put it between his lips and drew on it. His cheeks were a little sunken as he pulled on the cigarette, making his handsome features a lot sharper.When only half of his cigarette was left, Julian directed his gaze to Jeffrey. His voice was steely."I'm calling off all of our collaborative work. Also, I'm putting the divorce lawsuit between me and Willow on hold for now. If I'm going through with it, I'll have someone else take over the case instead…"Jeffrey asked, "Why?"Julian dropped the butt of the cigarette on the floor and put it out by stepping on it with his leather shoe. His voice hardened even more. "Jeffrey Gibson, you're asking me why?"
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 1
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 sof
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
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 30
After Willow left, Julian headed off to another place. He went up to the rooftop of the Manning Building.The black coats that the two men were wearing flapped in the night breeze. Both men gave off the intimidating auras of the nightjars, which usually came out at night to hunt their prey.Facing the wind, Julian lit a cigarette. He put it between his lips and drew on it. His cheeks were a little sunken as he pulled on the cigarette, making his handsome features a lot sharper.When only half of his cigarette was left, Julian directed his gaze to Jeffrey. His voice was steely."I'm calling off all of our collaborative work. Also, I'm putting the divorce lawsuit between me and Willow on hold for now. If I'm going through with it, I'll have someone else take over the case instead…"Jeffrey asked, "Why?"Julian dropped the butt of the cigarette on the floor and put it out by stepping on it with his leather shoe. His voice hardened even more. "Jeffrey Gibson, you're asking me why?"
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 29
Willow was aware of that, of course. That was why she did not turn down Julian's offer right away. After all, who would say no to earning more money?However, she was no fool. Julian would not just make such a nice offer for no reason. He was not someone who would give away his money so easily.Willow smiled slightly. "What are the duties that I'll have to fulfill?"Julian looked at her and said crudely, "You need to cooperate with me for Project Aurelia. Also, you'll need to satisfy me in bed.""Julian Ziegler!""I have urges."Willow did not agree to it right away. She replied flatly, "I'll consider it."Julian produced a document and handed it to Willow. "This is the agreement. You can get a lawyer to go through the details listed in the document. We can discuss more if you have any other conditions."Even if there's no love between us, we're still family. Think about it, Willow."Willow agreed to consider his offer. Still, she insisted on leaving. She refused to stay there
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 28
Julian took Willow to the suite and opened the door with the access card. It was their first time staying in a hotel room together.The lights were off. All of their senses were heightened. While Willow was still in a daze, she was pressed against the sturdy door and forced to accept Julian's kisses.The faint scent of aftershave and the strong smell of tobacco lingered on his body. All of that invaded Willow's senses while Julian was kissing her passionately. Willow could hardly stay on her feet since her legs were shaking…The two of them stumbled across the room and got to where the couch was. Julian's coat had been taken off, followed by Willow's stockings. Her legs trembled slightly as she felt the fabric of Julian's black suit pants against her skin.Julian caressed her face and demanded, "Say that you don't like Jeffrey."There was no way Willow would say something like that.She did not have any special feelings for Jeffrey. At the same time, she did not want to say those
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 27
That day, for the first time ever, Jeffrey wanted to hold a woman in his arms. It was not out of lust or desire.Instead, Jeffrey simply wanted to hold Willow, wipe away her tears, and kiss those trembling lips.While the others remained silent, Jeffrey asked, "Why do you want a divorce?"The couple standing by the door turned around. Julian looked at his longtime friend with a stony gaze. His voice turned icy. "Do you know what you're doing, Jeffrey Gibson? You should go to the hospital and get yourself sobered up if you're feeling too drunk."Jeffrey rose from his seat slowly."I'm completely sober! I've always been! Have you sobered up, Julian? If you have, you should have realized by now that Willow doesn't love you anymore. You can hold onto her for one to two years, but you can't hold onto her forever."Julian scoffed. "She's still my wife now."Jeffrey fell silent.Natalie, who sat beside him, tugged at his sleeve. She asked cautiously, "Jeffrey, do you like Willow?""M
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 26
In the other corner of the room, Julian leaned forward and stubbed out his cigarette.With his perfect side profile and slender fingers, he looked charming even when he was just doing those simple movements. Then, he stood up and walked over to the group. Julian placed one hand on Willow's shoulder lightly."It's time to go home, Willow."A heavy silence lingered in the air.The others did not expect Julian to be so affected by this. They all assumed that he did not care that much about Willow.Besides, Jeffrey had not overstepped his boundaries. He merely said something ambiguous. It was not as though he had actually stolen something precious from Julian. Yet, Julian had reacted this way.Even back then, he had never acted so defensive when it came to that person. It seemed like being officially married did make a lot of difference.Everyone thought that Willow would surely listen to Julian and follow him home since he had given in first. She would most likely go back to being
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 25
"Julian's wife is celebrating another man's birthday behind Julian's back.""Well, Julian caught her red-handed.""Julian doesn't love Willow, though. I don't think he'll make a fuss about it."…Julian leaned back against a couch placed in a corner of the room. With his black attire, it was as though he had blended in with the darkness.Even in a place like that, Julian exuded an air of refinement. He seemed like he could be a celestial being who would never be tainted by matters of the mortal world.Julian fixed Willow, who was standing at the door, with an intense gaze.It was obvious that she had dressed up for the occasion.Willow was wearing a greyish-blue satin dress with a fitted waistline, a pearl necklace around her neck, and a pair of diamond earrings. She also paired her outfit with a handbag and a watch of matching colors.She looked both elegant and feminine.No one knew exactly when it was that Willow had started showing these changes.She started showing this
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 24
One week later, Willow secured the unit for her business.She signed a contract for five years since the price and location of the unit were ideal. She wrote a check and passed it to the landlord.With the economy having slowed down in recent years, the landlord was very pleased with the fact that Willow wanted to sign a contract for five years.The landlord left shortly afterward since he had other arrangements. On the other hand, Willow remained seated as she tried to finish her coffee. It was a habit she had had for a long time.Just then, she heard a soft female voice. "Willow!"Willow paused for a split second.It was Natalie, Jeffrey's younger sister.Natalie was still a college student. She and Willow were not exactly close. However, she was being very friendly to her that day. Natalie hurried over and clung to Willow's arm while speaking to her enthusiastically.Even someone who was usually aloof and distant like Willow liked how bubbly and lovely the young lady was. Wi
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 23
Willow left the hospital and headed home. Julian quickly hurried after her.After she stopped her car, Willow could see Julian standing next to his car, which was parked beside the sycamore tree.When Willow exited her car, Julian moved to block her path. "We need to talk."Willow walked past him and headed for the elevator. "There's nothing for us to talk about, Julian. I'll see you in court."She went up to her floor, and Julian followed behind her. However, Willow did not let him into her apartment.She leaned against the door after closing it. Julian took up a big part of her youth. It was actually really painful for Willow to try and cut him off now.She spent some time organizing her thoughts. Then, Willow took her bathrobe and went for a shower. As for whether Julian would linger outside or leave, it was none of her business anymore.As the night deepened, one could see through the windows of the building the lights going out one after another.Inside a black car parked
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 22
Willow did not want to speak to him. She excused herself and went into the bathroom.She leaned against the wall and stared blankly into space. Willow was waiting for Julian to take the hint and leave.Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened with a soft creak. A ray of light streamed in through the opened door, and Julian slipped in shortly afterward.There were only the two of them inside that dark space.Willow did not look at him, a sign of her refusing to communicate with him.Julian stopped before her. With his tall form, he towered over Willow. Julian reached out and lightly placed his hand against her cheek. His voice was hoarse yet gentle. "Does it still hurt?"Willow turned her face away. She was repulsed by his touch, and she made sure to show it clearly.However, Julian was not someone who would give up easily. He pushed one leg between Willow's legs and held her chin. He gently caressed her cheek as if he was looking at something precious to him. Yet, Willow mere
