Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 35

It had been ages since Willow had taken the initiative to hold Julian.

He lowered his eyes. His long lashes trembled ever so slightly with an unspoken intensity.

Half an hour later, Julian’s car pulled up in front of a luxurious apartment building.

Catherine had finally left that old villa behind and was now living in a 2,800–square–foot apartment. Her days were filled with nothing more than clocking in at Nebula Group, followed by endless beauty treatments and shopping sprees. It was a textbook existence for a kept mistress.

Esther had been waiting for quite some time.

As soon as Julian’s car came to a stop, she opened the door for him.

Stepping out, Julian frowned slightly. “What’s she up to now?”

Esther only managed a helpless smile. “You wouldn’t return her calls, so she’s been refusing to eat or drink, even breaking things. Not even Mr. and Mrs. Burke can handle her anymore.”

Julian paused in his steps. “The doctors can’t do anything? Have they tried a nutritional boost, or even force–feeding her?”

Esther’s doubts began to stir.

She’d worked for Julian for years and still couldn’t fathom what he saw in Catherine. It wasn’t that he loved her passionately, but why did he spoil her so endlessly? Of course, being on his payroll, she dared not speak out of turn.

As they spoke, the pair entered the apartment where Catherine lived. Inside, Charlie and Nancy were already there. They were trying to calm Catherine down and urging her not to push Julian too far.

When the door swung open, Julian strode in.

At the sight of him, Catherine flounced forward like a little bird returning to its nest, desperate to nestle in his arms.

But Julian sidestepped her advances.

He walked to the couch, smoothed down his sharply pressed trousers, and said coldly, “We had an agreement. You’d enjoy a life of luxury in exchange for your contribution. So, why are you reneging now?”

Catherine’s face went as pale as paper. She looked up at him. Her lips trembled as she whispered, “She went back to your home, didn’t she?”

“Yes.” Julian’s tone grew even colder. “She’s my wife, and returning home is perfectly natural. What right do you have to say anything about it?”

Catherine’s complexion turned even whiter, mortified beyond measure.

Nearby, Charlie stepped in to smooth things over. “Catherine is just confused right now. In time, she’ll understand that you’re married and she can’t keep acting out like this. We’ll handle her.”

Julian’s expression softened at Charlie’s words to show his respect. He turned and ordered the cook to prepare a bowl of chicken noodle soup for Catherine to help restore her strength.

Charlie watched silently, fully aware of the situation.

From the moment Julian arrived, he had kept his coat on. That was an unmistakable sign he intended only a brief visit. Now, as he smoked indoors, it was clear he didn’t care about Catherine’s health.

As expected, no matter how clingy Catherine tried to be, Julian remained utterly indifferent.

Charlie guessed that Julian’s mind was with Willow at home.

Once Catherine finished her meal, julian promptly stubbed out his cigarette and left.

The moment he was gone, Catherine broke down in tears. “Julian must have gone back to that old woman at home. She must have found a way to cling to him. He doesn’t even like her.”

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