Leaving You Bereft

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.