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Chapter 45
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 46
Julian pushed open the bedroom door.The room was quiet, filled with the faint scent of Willow's perfume. On the bed, Willow lay curled up, seemingly asleep.He walked over and crouched down beside her. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face before placing a hand on her forehead.It was still warm.Willow stirred. Her fevered eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze. Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "You're home?"Julian's heart skipped an inexplicable beat.He cupped her face gently and nodded. "I told Blair to bring up some soup. Eat a little before you sleep again. Are you feeling very sick?"The way he touched her reminded her of how one would pet a small animal. She wasn't used to it.Reaching out, she pressed a hand to his forehead. He wasn't sick.Julian chuckled. "Is it so strange for me to be concerned? You used to complain that I wasn't attentive enough."Willow leaned against the headboard, her expression unreadable. "I needed that before but not any
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 47
Willow was still sick, so naturally, there was no way for them to be intimate.She went back to bed to rest.The sound of running water drifted from the bathroom. Julian was taking a shower. The steady stream was oddly soothing, and before she knew it, Willow had drifted off to sleep.Even in her dreams, Julian refused to leave her alone.When she woke up again, it was already 1:00 am.The bedroom was dimly lit by a single reading lamp. Julian was sitting against the headboard, reading through some important documents. His features were striking. Even in a simple white robe, he looked effortlessly refined. Willow found herself stealing a few extra glances.The subtle shift in the bed caught Julian's attention. He lowered his gaze to her. "You're awake?"Willow nodded. "What time is it?"Julian set down his documents, leaned back slightly, and wrapped an arm around her delicate shoulders. His voice carried a rare hint of warmth. "1:00 am."She wasn't used to this kind of tender
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 48
"I have an amazing wife. One could even say she's the perfect woman, but I don't love her. I can say for sure that I'm not attracted to her at all. I only slept with her to have a legitimate heir. However, I seem to be addicted to this relationship of ours. I've never felt desire in the past," Julian explained, confused.The doctor took some time to evaluate the situation before saying, "Mr. Ziegler, the first thing you need to do is decide whether you love her or not. It's impossible to be subjective or objective about relationships, especially with how unpredictable they can be."Julian frowned, dismissing that line of thought. He had someone he loved when he was younger, so he knew what loving someone felt like.After the consultation, he buttoned up his suit and left the clinic. Esther, who was waiting outside, saw him come out and asked, "Have you been unhappy lately, Mr. Ziegler?"Once they were in the car, Julian leaned against the backseat and muttered, "I'm too happy, actu
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 49
Julian walked over to Willow with a dark look in his eyes. "Why are you here?"Willow lifted her briefcase. "Not for a date."Julian's gaze deepened as he offered, "Come eat with us."Willow didn't spare his dignity, and she didn't even glance at Melody. Listlessly, she replied, "I'm quite full. Take your time talking to her, Julian. I'm heading home."Then, Julian grabbed her wrist with a frown. "Willow!"Willow let out an airy laugh. She looked at him and said, "Aren't you two talking business? I'm not that close-minded, you know. Our marriage is only contractual, anyway. Once the time is up, we'll go our separate ways. Who you spend your time with is none of my business."Julian's frown deepened. He knew Willow was only saying that out of anger, but it was irritating enough to make him lose his patience and stop trying to persuade her. He simply let her go.Willow had no intention of staying, so she turned and left without a second glance. She left Julian where he was, and hi
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 50
Julian leaned back in his leather chair in the CEO's office of Nebula Group. He was having a serious moment of introspection.Everything he did was for his marriage and to have a legitimate heir. He didn't hate Willow. In fact, he somewhat liked her. They had been getting along well in that aspect, at least. Men like him were animals with needs. If they were satisfied in bed, they would generally become much more generous.He was willing to treat her well, let her experience the benefits of a marriage, and show her what love felt like if that was what Willow wanted. That had nothing to do with actually loving her, though. He still didn't love her.While Julian was lost in thought, Esther knocked on the door before stepping in. "You have a call from Grandsburg, Mr. Ziegler."Julian took the phone and lowered his chin. "You can leave."Esther returned to the secretary's office while thinking, "Mr. Ziegler gets a call from Grandsburg once a week, and he flies there at least once a mo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 51
Dressed in all black, Willow held a glass of red wine as she watched everything go down.Julian walked over to her, and she subtly raised her glass while lifting her chin. "Are you sure it's okay to do that? It seems like you're neglecting Ms. Simpson."Julian stared at her with a seductive look that only a mature man could pull off. A while later, he grabbed the glass in her hand and kissed her on the lips. "Should we get going, Mrs. Ziegler?"Before Willow could react, Julian had already grabbed her and dragged her out. It was a rather rude thing to do, but it was what he wanted. The chandelier shone down on them, casting a gorgeous silhouette.They could hear Melody yelling from behind them, "Julian!"For some reason, Willow smiled. Annoyed by the teasing, Julian took it out on her by pushing her against the wall and kissing her.The hotel corridor was a public space, and people could show up at any moment. Obviously, Willow was against it, so she tried to break free. However,
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 52
On Julian's third day in Yarrowmere, Willow went to the mall. Julian liked the shirts from Kitom, so she picked out two colors for him—black and dark gray. He rarely wore white shirts, and most of the time, his clothes were tailored.After she paid, the clerk started buttering her up. "You've got wonderful taste, Mrs. Ziegler. We're getting a new batch of clothes next week, so you have to come and take a look. Mr. Ziegler looks amazing in this brand."Willow smiled. "Of course, I will."Women tended to love shopping, and Willow was no exception. She wanted to invite Heather out for coffee but wasn't sure if Heather was busy.Just when she was about to make a call, she heard a joyful voice calling out to her. "Willow!"When she turned to look, she saw that it was Natalie and Jeffrey. Natalie had already forgotten what happened that night at the birthday dinner.Willow would buy her dessert, so Natalie was very fond of her. Most people said that eating too much dessert would cause
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 53
Esther immediately did as he said. As soon as she was done, Julian kicked her out of the room.Beyond the floor-length windows, the night was quiet. Julian had mostly sobered up by then, so he called Willow. He figured that she was probably still awake, and as expected, Willow soon picked up.With a slightly hoarse voice, Julian asked, "Did you buy the shirts?""Yes. They're a little ugly, though." Willow said that on purpose. It wasn't often that they got to chat like they were an affectionate married couple.Julian chuckled. "I trust your taste, Mrs. Ziegler."He changed the topic, and his voice grew gentle. "Cameron Stone is having a concert, and he's quite a good performer. I told Esther to get us two tickets. I'll attend the concert with you when I'm back in Brindley."Willow was happy to hear that. She had been a fan of Cameron for six years, but she had yet to see him in person. Julian really knew how to set aside his pride and do what she wanted. It was only natural for h
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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
