Chapter 3 – A Turning Point in Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) by Free Collection
In this chapter of Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian), Free Collection introduces major changes to the story. Chapter 3 shifts the narrative tone, revealing secrets, advancing character arcs, and increasing stakes within the Romance genre.
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, "I think you've probably dropped the idea of divorce after talking to Jeffrey. You’re still in your fertile window. Get ready when we get home. If you're not into it, I'll make it quick."
Willow gave a self-deprecating smile. Julian was as indifferent as ever when it came to discussing having children. And she had endured such a marriage for four years.
She was even colder. "Same as before. I'll take half the assets and let you go free."
Julian didn't like that response. He was about to snap when the elevator suddenly stopped.
The doors slid open.
Standing outside was a young lady in a white dress. She looked pure and innocent.
It was Catherine.
She stepped into the elevator and looked at Willow with a cautious plea. "The employee elevator's broken. Can I borrow this one, Ms. Harper?"
There were three people in the elevator, yet it felt crowded.
Willow held the open button, saying nothing, but her message was clear.
Catherine was mortified. Her beautiful face flushed red. Biting her lip, she looked at Julian, silently asking him to step in and support her.
Julian, however, spoke gently. "Do as Ms. Harper says."
Catherine reluctantly stepped out of the elevator.
The whole scene disgusted Willow.
She didn't say a word even until she got into the car in the parking lot. Julian, however, casually spoke as he fastened his seatbelt, "There's nothing between us. Don't overthink it."
Willow turned and quietly watched him. "Feeling sorry for her? Julian, maybe you should go get checked at a hospital."
Julian misunderstood. He thought she was talking about their fertility. He answered naturally, "I can have children."
Willow sneered. "I meant… You should get checked for STDs."
That set him off.
He unbuckled his seatbelt, yanked her over, and pulled her onto his lap. Luckily, the Bentley's front seat was spacious enough for him to move freely.
Willow's body hit the steering wheel with a painful thud.
She pushed him away with all her strength. "Are you out of your mind, Julian?"
Julian, who seemed so refined, now had his head buried between her legs, doing all sorts of unmentionable things. In her frustration, Willow grabbed his hair and yanked so hard she almost pulled it out.
Finally, Julian stopped. He looked up at her.
His face was bathed in the dim light of the underground parking lot. His long lashes cast shadows over his sharp features. At that moment, his expression was almost tender and filled with pity.
Willow was taken aback.
But before she could react, Julian grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her violently. He bit down hard on her tongue, drawing blood.
Her blood mixed with their saliva.
Willow froze, staring at him in disbelief. Her disdain in her eyes was so obvious. Julian, still holding her lips, whispered, "Am I clean, Mrs. Ziegler?" His voice sounded breathless, showing great restraint.
Willow shoved him away.
She sat back in the passenger seat, trembling as she straightened her suit. Yet her chest still heaved from Julian's intense passion. This unfamiliar surge of emotions scared her, but she tried to appear calm. "Don't worry. I'll have Annie arrange a checkup."
Julian was aroused, but his desire waned when he saw her indifferent expression.
He buckled his seatbelt and stepped on the gas.
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