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Chapter 9
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 10
It was obvious that there was some hidden lust in Julian's eyes.Willow felt frustrated. She had had no intention of seeing him again. Jeffrey was supposed to handle everything about their divorce.She tried closing the door. However, Julian was faster and stopped the door with his foot. Then, he made his way through the front door easily.As soon as the door clicked shut, Willow was immediately enveloped in Julian's arms.Julian held her by her slim waist and kept pressing her against himself. Then, he started kissing her feverishly and desperately. Willow was completely unable to break free from his hold. So, they just continued kissing and struggling like that, eventually making their way to the living room couch.This was the first time Julian had ever behaved like this.Even the bright lights and Willow's gentle voice couldn't get Julian to snap out of it. It wasn't until he finally saw the reddish mole on her waist that he finally let up a little.He was breathing heavily
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 11
Willow figured that something had to be the matter about Julian. He must have just gotten dumped.However, he was going to be her ex-husband very soon, and she didn't think she had the right to ask about his private matters anymore. She had some self-awareness, after all.Since Willow wasn't able to shoo him out of her apartment, naturally, she didn't want to continue sitting around watching him smoke either. She just pulled her still-damp hair behind her head, twisted it up, and secured it in place with a hair claw before going into the kitchen to make herself some food.Willow wasn't a bad cook. It was just that she seldom had the chance to cook after she married Julian. But now that she was living on her own, she had to settle her three meals all by herself.A short while later, the heavenly aroma of pasta bolognese came wafting out from the kitchen.Julian was still sitting dazedly on the couch. From his position, he could see Willow's back turn to him as she cooked at the sto
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 12
Early the next morning, Willow was woken up by the garbage truck passing by her apartment building while blasting her favorite song "Strangers Again" to all the neighbors.The sun rays streamed in through the windows as the curtains danced gently in the early morning breeze. Julian wasn't next to her anymore.Last night, he never forced her into sex. However, he did keep waking up in the middle of the night repeatedly to kiss her every time.It felt as though he'd been holding it all in for a long, long time. Willow could even vaguely recall hearing Julian mention something about starting over while kissing the living daylights out of her. "Willow, let's start all over again."Start all over?Truth to be told, the three words sounded incredibly enticing to Willow. However, all the pain and suffering she'd gone through had given her plenty of trauma. Julian's expression had scared her enough at Veil Club the other night too. She was scared that everything would eventually tur
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 13
Willow couldn't help wondering how much Julian had to love Catherine for him not to care about rumors and gossip.She didn't want to watch them anymore and turned to leave. However, Catherine suddenly called out to her in a rather high-pitched voice. "Mrs. Ziegler."Willow turned around and fixed her gaze on the couple.Catherine seemingly tightened her arms around Julian's neck. She called out again in her supposed weak voice, "Mrs. Ziegler, there's absolutely nothing going on between Julian and myself! I was just feeling unwell. That's why he's carrying me."Without waiting for Willow to respond, Nancy then piped up in an overly polite voice, "You must be Julian's wife! Catherine and Julian are childhood friends, and Julian just takes care of her often. You don't mind, do you?"Willow looked at Julian.Julian didn't let go of Catherine. He just frowned a little.Meanwhile, Willow had no interest in playing the jealousy or possessive game. She was just disgusted by both Catheri
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 14
It was late at night when Willow finally drove home.She was about to undo her seatbelt after getting home when she suddenly caught sight of something.Julian had parked his car under the sycamore tree opposite her. He was dressed in all black as he puffed clouds of smoke into the air. His Adam's apple kept bobbing lightly, drawing her attention to it.As the smoke rose into the air, it framed his face for a slight moment before being blown away by the gentle night breeze.The night was dark and black, and his clothes blended right in. It was as if he was part of the darkness himself.When Julian caught sight of Willow, he frowned deeply at first. Then, he extinguished the cigarette and threw it to the ground, stomping out the embers before heading over toward her.Willow didn't want to talk to him, so she hurried into her apartment building toward the elevators while Julian's hurried footsteps could be heard following her.In the end, he managed to corner her against her own un
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 15
Willow didn't like Julian anymore.He just couldn't understand it. Since when had he lost Willow's love and adoration?…Three days later, in Julian's office at Nebula Group, it was obvious that he was in quite a terrible mood. There were a bunch of court summons on his office desk. Willow was the prosecutor. She wanted the court to grant her a divorce and to split up their common marriage properties and assets.Julian leaned back on his couch, one leg crossed over the other, as he held the summons in his hand. He then asked Esther, standing next to him, "Has she contacted a lawyer?"Esther answered truthfully. "She hired Mr. Zachary Lawless, the most famous and capable divorce lawyer in the field. If he agrees to take her up on her case, I'm afraid that Mr. Gibson won't be able to win the case for you."Julian glanced at her and said softly, "Who said I was going to court with Willow? That's just her wish. I do not plan on getting a divorce with her."Esther was stunned. "What?
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 16
Jeffrey was dressed very formally.He wore a navy blue shirt with a black suit jacket draped over his shoulder. To complete his look, a black tie was strapped around his neck. Put together, he looked sharp and refined, yet exuded an air of restrained allure.He gazed at Willow with a faint smile. "Can I sit and have a coffee with you?"After a brief pause, Willow returned the smile lightly. "Of course."Jeffrey set his briefcase down and sat down. Very quickly, a waiter approached and politely asked, "What kind of coffee would you like, sir?""Blue Mountain," he replied with a tap of his finger.The waiter nodded and left.He sank back into his chair and habitually reached for a cigarette. Remembering where he was, he frowned and abandoned the idea. He tucked the cigarette away and turned his attention back to Willow.They hadn't seen each other for a while, and it seemed she had changed quite a bit.She wore a fawn-colored woolen dress that outlined her slender, graceful figu
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 17
Willow's attire was markedly different from before. Gone were the rigid, professional suits—her current outfit carried a touch of innocent allure. It looked as if she had casually styled for a date.Julian felt extremely uncomfortable. He pulled out his phone and started dialing Willow's number.As soon as she answered the phone, he coldly demanded, "Where are you?"It wasn't until a brief pause later did Willow reply, "Must I report my whereabouts to you? Julian Ziegler, we are about to get a divorce."Julian's voice remained firm. "That's only your one-sided decision."She couldn't hold back an incredulous laugh. "Is that so?"She didn't want anything to do with him any longer. Suppressing her emotions, she managed as gently as she could, "I no longer hold any value for you. Can't we part on good terms? Actually, Julian, I can't...""Willow Harper!" interrupted Julian.His voice was quick and urgent; he wouldn't let her utter the rest of her sentence.They had wanted two chi
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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
