Julian stepped into the room. He sat down by the bed, reaching out to gently touch his children’s soft cheeks. He said softly, “Landon needs someone to take care of him. That’s why I thought about remarrying.”

    Mnie’s eyes were filled with tears. She wanted to say something, but held back.

    She couldn’t understand why Julian continued to suppress everything inside him. Why didn’t he ever tell Willow about what happened back then–about his crushed arm, about Landon’s illness?

    If he had, at least the family would be whole, and Landon wouldn’t need a stepmother.

    The dim and yellow lighting illuminated Julian’s gentle expression. He didn’t want Willow to feel wronged. She had already endured so much pain in her life, and he had once promised her freedom.

    Mnie wanted to push a little further, but Liam stopped her. He sighed and whispered, “Let the young ones handle their own affairs.”

    With that, Mnie and Liam left the room quietly.

    The night was still and quiet, leaving only the former lovers and their two adorable children.

    Willow went into the bathroom to wring out a warm towel to wipe Gabrie’s body. After tending to every inch of her skin carefully, she tucked Gabrie in carefully.

    Gabrie looked much morefortable and slept soundly. Her big head and small body made her adorably disproportionate, and the unique milky baby scent she carried made one want to scoop her up and breathe it in deeply.

    Willow looked at her with affection and couldn’t help but lean down to kiss Gabrie’s forehead.

    When she straightened up, she identally bumped into a solid chest. It was Julian.

    Willow was startled. By then, Julian had already slipped an arm around her slender waist. His face was so close that their breaths intertwined.

    He stared deep into her eyes and whispered, “You’ve epted him?”

    Willow froze for a second before realizing he was referring to Patrick.

    She didn’t answer directly. Instead, she replied, “I’m not in the right mind for that right now.”

    She tried to pull away, signaling for him to let go.

    Julian’s long fingers caressed her waist, reluctant bto /bpart. But in the end, he let go.

    Willow knew about his failed blind date. After his sudden touch, she couldn’t hold back. “Julian,

    you must be starving.”

    Men could never take provocation well.

    The moment she said that, Julian’s gaze darkened, and his voice went hoarse. “Then would you

    give it to me? Now that we’re single, there’s no burden.”

    In the dark of night, the hunger in his eyes sent a chill down her spine.

    Willow sat back down on the sofa, picked up a book, and pretended to read it. “I don’t have that need.”

    “Is that so?” Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. But in the end, he restrained himself. After all, Gabrie was still sick.

    That night, Willow stayed by both children’s side and barely got any rest.

    Only when dawn began to break did she drift off for a moment. Then, a familiar scent filled her nose. She opened her eyes abruptly, only to see a handsome face inches away from hers.

    Julian was leaning over, trying to drape a nket over her.

    He was so close that their noses nearly touched. He whispered, “If you’re tired, go rest in the room next door. I’ll stay with the kids.”

    Willow didn’t want to sleep in a Zieglers‘ bed, so she declined gently. Julian had no choice but to give up.

    He didn’t sleep either and just stayed with Willow and the children. Only in these quiet moments could he steal a trace of warmth, pretending that they were still a family.

    In the morning, Alex confirmed Gabrie had fully recovered. With a smile, he said, “Just be cautious in the future and avoid the intake of beans.“‘

    Willow’s heart finally settled. She knew Alex was a pediatric specialist and decided to walk him out personally to ask for parenting advice. Alex was easygoing and answered all her questions patiently.

    After bidding Alex goodbye, Willow went back upstairs to bring Gabrie home.