Altar 36_leaving you bereft

Julian returned to Grandview Manorte at night. As his car rolled to a stop, he looked up at the second–floor master bedroom.

 The lights were already out.

 He stared into the darkness for a moment, then unfastened his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

 ir, who was on night duty, came forward, looking somewhat surprised. “Mr. Ziegler, you’re back? Mrs. Ziegler just went to bed. Would you like ate–night snack?”

 Julian answered indifferently, “A bowl of instant noodles will do.”

 ir was pleased for Willow that Julian had chosen to return home. Rubbing her hands together, she headed for the kitchen.

 Julian shrugged off his coat and tossed it over the back of the couch. While waiting for his meal, he picked up his phone to handle a few work emails. But before long, he found himself scrolling through his photo gallery instead.

 ir returned with the noodles. She stole a nce at the screen and said with a smile, “Mrs. Ziegler looks even more beautiful than before.”

 Julian smiled faintly. “Does she?”

 ir was just about to sing Willow’s praises when Julian’s phone rang. Seeing Catherine’s name on the screen, he frowned and answered. “I told you. Don’t call me for no reason.” 

 Catherine acted as if she hadn’t heard him. “You’re afraid of upsetting her, aren’t you?”

 Julian hung up without a word.

 Suddenly, he lost his appetite. Exhaustion seeped through his body.

 Leaning back on the couch, he tilted his face upward and shielded his eyes from the harsh overhead light with one hand.

 How many years had it been? Just how long had he endured?

 Even he couldn’t count anymore. All he knew was that he was tired. And on a night like this, with Willow back under the same roof, maybe he should just grow old with her. Maybe he should spend the rest of his life with her after all.

 The night stretched on, deep and quiet. 

 Julian ascended the stairs. 

 The long corridor was still, yet he swore he could hear the soft rhythm of Willow’s breathing. 

 He pushed open the bedroom door. Inside, the warmth wrapped around him like a silent embrace.

 Willowy on her side, fast asleep.

 She had bathed and changed into a white robe. Her entire being looked fresh and serene under the dim glow of the bedsidemp.

 Her hair cascaded over the pristine pillow, partially veiling her delicate face. The curve of her nose and the soft outline of her lips were like a masterpiece crafted by the finest artist. 

 She carne back. She was lying in his bed right now.

 Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He unfastened the buttons of his shirt, letting his clothes fall to the floor. Yet instead of iming Willow, he walked straight into the bathroom and turned on the cold water.

 The next morning, Willow woke up in his arms.

 Even after a full night’s sleep, Julian still looked effortlessly handsome. 

 His hair fell slightly over his forehead, softening his usual sharpness and making him look years younger. He wore a ck robe. The thin fabric clung to his body, hinting at the strength beneath.

 Willow wasn’t used to seeing him like that. 

 She carefully shifted, attempting to slip out of bed. But the moment her toes brushed against her slippers, Julian pulled her back and locked her firmly in his embrace. Her cheek pressed against his chest, where she could hear the steady thump of his heartbeat. 

 It was winter, and his arms were undeniably warm.

 But Willow didn’t forget. No matter how perfect he seemed, Julian was still a scumbag. Buried in his arms, she murmured, “I have to get up.”

 Julian lowered his gaze, his eyes deep and unreadable.

 The next second, he pinned her beneath him. Their fingers entwined as he kissed her with a fervor that seemed endless, as if the world itself could fade away.

 +25 Bonus 

 That was until ir knocked on the door. “The Ziegler residence just called. Mr. Ziegler Senior wants you two to go back for dinner tonight. He said there’s no refusing this time.”

 Juliany over Willow. The muscles in his back were taut, his body like a bowstring drawn tight. Without shifting his position, he responded tly, “Got it.”

 ir left after receiving his response.

 Silence filled the bedroom, broken only by the sound of their own heartbeats, Willow, finding their posture unbearable, pushed at him. “Get up. I have to go to the hospitalter.” 

 Julian didn’t press further. But as he let her go, he leaned close to her ear and asked, “It’s been three months. Don’t you want a taste of me?”

 “Not at all.”

 Willow quickly pulled her robe together and strode into the dressing room, almost as if she were escaping.

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Altar 36