Willow picked up the scattered documents, only to catch sight of an acquisition proposal that involved a holdingpany acquiring Gibson Legal Group. Willow was surprised, staring at it for a moment before quietly putting it back down.

    Julian seemed to guess what she’d seen and said casually, “Rosabelle missed her flight. She rushed to the airport but couldn’t find him, and was even crying on the phone this evening.”

    Willow remained indifferent.

    Julian softened his voice, making it gentle. “What? Are you still trying to keep your distance?”

    Willow couldn’t stand being provoked and said coldly, “Why would I do that? We’re no longer legally married.”

    Julian stared straight at her. After a while, he smiled apologetically. “That was poorly said. I’m sorry, Ms. Harper. Please don’t be mad at me.”

    “There’s nothing to be mad about,” Willow replied before going into the bathroom.

    These days, they would asionally share the same bed, but nothing ever happened. There wasn’t even anyte-night embracing. Theyy side by side, properly separated as if they were in separate beds.

    Tonight, it was inevitable that something would happen Willow spent a long time in the shower. Once she was done, she took nearly another half an hour applying skincare, and by the time she was done, it was close to 11:00 pm.

    She assumed Julian had already fallen asleep. However, he had taken a shower in the guest bhroom was now sitting against the headboard, reading a financial report. He was truly diligent.

    Hearing footsteps, Julian looked up. His gaze followed her silently. She had deliberately chosen a two-piece pajama set that was conservative, afraid of arousing him.

    Julian understood what she was thinking, so he didn’t say a word. Instead, he reached out and turned off the bedsidemp. In an instant, the room plunged into darkness.

    In the darkness, Willowy down beside him. Soon, the room was filled with a rustling noise. Then, there was the sound of Julian’s restrained breathing, as well as Willow’s faint whimpers.

    It was nearly all silent. Amidst the chaos, Willow touched Julian’s mangled arm. His gaze deepened, and he cupped her face with one hand and kissed her…

    There was no forey, and it was purely for the sake of conceiving a child. After a moment of back and forth, they finished their business.

    Willow didn’t resist, but she barely felt anything. They were both suppressing their emotions, not daring to enjoy it. To them, enjoyment would be a sin.

    Afterward, Julian held Willow close, his chiseled features buried in her hair. His voice was low and husky as he murmured her name. 1

    Later, they even showered separately. Willow had intended to sleep in the guest room, but Julian grabbed her hand and looked at her intensely.`

    This isn’t some one-night stand, so there’s no need to sleep separately. Besides, we might not seed on the first try.”

    In the past, she’d always had trouble getting pregnant. This time, Julian felt just being able to conceive within six months would be considered lucky.

    Willow didn’t insist anymore. She was honestly exhausted. Lying on the bed, she instinctively turned her

    back on him.

    He got closer and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. After thinking for a moment, he asked softly,” Feeling okay?”

    Willow mumbled, “It doesn’t hurt.”

    Julian smiled. After that, they didn’t speak anymore. They justy quietly, watching the moon outside the window. The room fell silent, with only the steady thudding of two hearts.

    As dawn broke, a little figure climbed into the bed. It was Gabrie.

    She nestledfortably in her father’s arms. Julian woke up and looked at his daughter with eyes filled with affection.

    Gabrie reached out her little hand, gently brushing his chin. The fresh stubble pricked her fingers, and she giggled like a little mouse.

    Julian had always doted on his children. Gabrie’s body was soft, feeling like a toy in his arm. It was heart-melting.

    This was his and Willow’s flesh and blood.

    Julian whispered, “Don’t wake Mommy.”

    Gabrie’s bare feet pressed against Julian’s abs, as if she were stepping on a washboard. She tilted her head in confusion. “Mommy looks really tired….”

    Usually, Willow would already be awake at this hour. But today, she was sound asleep.

    Julian thought for a moment before replying, “Mommy workedtest night.”

    Gabrie excitedly replied, “I know! Mommy must’ve been reading. She loves reading at night!”

    Julian raised an eyebrow, his expression calm andposed. “Gabrie, you’re so clever.”

    Then, Gabrie gave her father a sweet kiss.