After a moment, Julian spoke in a quiet voice. “Alicia, get some res.”

    He hung up.

    That night, he drove back to Radiance Manor.

    As he stepped into the entryway, a housekeeper habitually asked if he wanted ate–night meal. Julian shook his hand lightly, then slowly walked up to the second floor and pushed open the master bedroom door.

    He had never felt this drained. He didn’t turn on the light or even take off his clothes. He justy down on therge bed and covered his eyes with his hand.

    Hey there inplete silence.

    It rained in the middle of the night.

    The rain pattered softly, like drops hitting straight at the heart.

    Julian felt dejected. His thoughts blurred as he remembered all thosevish, carefree years.

    The truth was, they had all been spent with Willow. Now that she was gone, all that remained in his world was ash.

    He didn’t want to give up, but Heather’s words kept echoing in his mind.

    “Julian, Alicia is your past, not Willow’s. Stop dragging Willow into this. If you can’t let go of Alicia, let each other go.”

    Theorners of Julian’s eyes gradually dampened, too.

    In the dim light, he whispered, “Willow, I’m giving your life back to you.”

    From now on, he would stay in the abyss while Willow would be free and happy.

    It was 8:00 pm on a Tuesday night. Willow finished up her work and stepped out of the office.

    Outside, Caleb immediately stood up. “Heading home?”

    Willow gave a nod, frowning. “Why are you wearing jeans again?”

    He kicked out a leg, speaking with deliberateziness. “I’m young and full of energy. What’s wrong with jeans?“/

    She walked outside. “Next time, 200 dors will be deducted from your paycheck.”

    Caleb grumbled under his breath. “How many paychecks have you even given me? You sure are generous with your lover. You gave him six million in one shot. If you gave that to me, I’d treat you real good.”

    Willow gave him a sideways look. “What exactly can you do?”

    He puffed out his chest. “I can do plenty-” But before he could finish, his eyes locked onto someone in the lobby.

    It was Julian.

    Tonight, Julian was dressed to the nines. He wore a dark gray shirt and an expensive, tailored suit paired with a ck silk tie.

    A suit was a man’s best look.

    After years of marriage, he knew at least a bit about Willow’s tastes

    He walked toward her, eyes fixed on her, voice low and soft. “Have dinner with me. I’ve made the reservation.”

    Caleb crossed his arms and eximed, “Ms. Harper’s busy. Hey, why don’t you go find that old me of yours? Whatb, /bis she dead now?

    Julian ignored the loudmouth and gently took Willow’s hand. “Just give me two hours. I won’t bother you again after thatb./b”

    Caleb bared his teeth. “Hey, I’m really good in a fight.”

    Julian’s voice stayed calm. “I’m a ck belt in karate. Try me.”

    Caleb immediately fell silent.

    Julian looked at Willow again. “I’ll drive you back after dinner.”

    Willow looked up at him quietly.

    After a moment, she pulled her hand away without saying anything, walked to the parking lot, and opened Julian’s car door.

    Julian followed. After getting in, he reached over to fasten her seatbelt, but Willow stopped him cold. “bIt’s /bjust dinner. Nothing

    more.”

    Julian’s eyes dimmed slightly. Then, he stepped on the gas.

    Back on the steps, Caleb waved a fist in the air, muttering, “Why the hell did I chicken out just now?”