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Chapter 100
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 101
Julian didn't want to let her go.Willow looked as though she was one touch away from shattering as she questioned Julian sharply, "I got slapped, my grandmother nearly died, and Jeffrey is now partially deaf. "Julian, do you think I'll ever reconsider mending our relationship? You'll only seek me out when you need something, but when everything's over? Well, you'll promptly toss me aside like yesterday's trash. "You were never there when I needed you. Plus, any affection you gave had always been a calculated act. Why do you think I'll still want you after all that, Julian?"Julian had nothing to say in his defense because Willow was right. He had let Willow down, hurting her over and over again. However, he was now ready to make it right.Julian, who had always been prideful, sounded meek as he asked meekly, "Will you only return to my side if Jeffrey's ear gets better? Will you reconsider me if I promise to treat you well?""Return to your side?" Willow slowly turned to look
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 102
Julian hired the best specialists to treat Jeffrey.Although the Gibson family was unhappy, they didn't raise a fuss due to their close ties with the Ziegler family. It also didn't help that a certain Mr. Chapman was now also involved in this incident.Still, Willow wouldn't be able to move past this incident if Jeffrey's ear didn't recover.As a result, Willow remained by Jeffrey's side when he was receiving treatment. Willow was folding him a paper plane before he had to undergo surgery on his arm. They could see the starry night sky outside the VIP ward's window.Willow placed the paper plane on her palm.Jeffrey picked it up carefully as they enjoyed the view. After a long while, he murmured, "Natalie told me I might as well be a cold-blooded reptile because I was never enthusiastic about anything. Now, I've realized that this isn't the case. I also possess emotions just like everyone else. I could also be reckless. "I still have another ear left. So, I'll be just fine. I
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 103
Willow bid the Gibson siblings goodbye at 9:30 pm.The gray Rolls-Royce Ghost gradually disappeared from her line of sight. Willow stood there for a moment longer and was about to head back into her apartment when she heard a low voice calling out, "Willow."Willow stiffened at the voice.Then, she locked eyes with Julian as the night breeze blew.He was standing next to his black Rolls-Royce Phantom. He had donned a classic three-piece suit, looking very refined.Still, Willow could tell that Julian had lost weight and gotten more tanned since they'd had last met.A breeze swept by, carrying with it the fragrance of tuberoses. It also brought with it the lingering echoes of their past. Those memories weighed upon them, unwilling to be forgotten.It had been two months since they had last met, two months since they had torn their relationship into shreds. Yet, it felt as though it had been centuries since then.They stared at each other for a long while before Julian approached
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 104
Julian nodded slightly. Then, he unbuttoned his suit as he walked toward the brightly lit foyer.The manor was the same as ever, but he couldn't help but find it cold and empty.He probably felt that way because Willow wasn't here.Blair took his suit jacket from him and asked in an attempt to gain his favor, "Would you like some supper, Mr. Ziegler? I've learned Mrs. Ziegler's spaghetti bolognese recipe."Julian paused briefly before inquiring, "Has my wife returned to the manor these past two months?"Blair shook her head.Julian was disappointed to hear that and didn't bother asking anything else. Instead, he went straight to the second floor's study.Nothing had changed, except there was a court summons on his desk. The hearing was scheduled for the day after tomorrow.The floor-to-ceiling windows in his study were immaculate and spotless. It was so clean that it reflected the lights… and the despondent look on his face.He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit and ha
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 105
Reporters from every corner of the city made an appearance at Brindley Court.There were so many people there that the court's entrance was one person away from absolute chaos. The cameras' flashing lights were aimed straight at a black limousine as the reporters eagerly awaited their chance to take a picture of Julian. They knew that the picture of Julian walking out of his car would definitely become the trending topic for the day.Esther, who was also in the black limousine, turned to look at Julian. "Mr. Ziegler, should we get security? The reporters are broadcasting this live. I'm afraid it'll affect your reputation."Julian straightened his suit and said dispassionately, "It's fine."The chauffeur opened the car door for him. Julian buttoned his collar and left the car, striding toward the court. The cameras' flashing lights promptly bombarded his vision."Mr. Ziegler, are you going to sign the divorce papers?""Rumors have it that you and Mrs. Ziegler have been living se
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 106
A black Rolls-Royce gradually came to a halt before the Ziegler residence that night.The car door swung open, and Julian came stepping out of the vehicle. He stood straight-backed, exuding an indescribable aura of elegance.He went inside and strode to the study, pushing the door open.Dominic was playing chess all on his lonesome. When he heard the door creak, he couldn't help but say mockingly, "Look what the cat dragged in. Here comes the great actor, Julian. You must be pleased to see all those ridiculous comments online. Those women are all throwing themselves at you now."Julian had read the comments as well.He sat in the seat across from Dominic, playing chess with him. "I don't like those frivolous women."Dominic sneered. "Willow isn't frivolous, but I don't see you cherishing her all that much. You didn't hesitate to divorce her."Julian made a move. "She'll always be my wife."Dominic's eyes brightened with hope. "What are you trying to say?"Dominic hadn't gotten
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 107
There was no way Willow would go to Yarrowmere.So, she promptly hung up on Julian.After a beat, she stared at the phone in her hands as her mind raced a mile a minute. Julian wasn't serious when he said he agreed to the divorce. He only chose to let her go free as a temporary means to keep her in check. The touching speech he gave in court was merely an act.He truly was a fantastic actor.…Willow went to the Ziegler residence that evening.The sunset painted the sky with swaths of breathtaking colors. The two rows of Faeria's sycamore trees in the Ziegler residence stood tall, their branches lush and vibrant as they were bathed in a soft golden glow.Sebastian came to greet Willow at the door, saying respectfully, "Mr. Ziegler Senior has gone fishing with his friends. I'm afraid he won't be back tonight. However, Mr. Liam is at home. Would you like to meet him?"Based on his words, it was evident he was Liam's mouthpiece.Willow considered her options and eventually agreed
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 108
Willow ate her dinner with Jeffrey.Jeffrey didn't mention a single word about the Gibson family's financial issues. Instead, he merely talked to her about her day.Willow only felt even more guilty due to him putting on a brave front. She took out a check and placed it on his tidy desk. She had written the amount she had in her savings, totaling around two billion dollars.Jeffrey looked at the check and asked softly, "What is this?"Willow continued munching on her food. "You can consider that as me trying to give you a hand."Jeffrey slid the check back to her and intoned solemnly, "Willow, that's a lot of money. However, the company owes over 20 billion dollars because of this contract. We're still negotiating the terms, but it's going to be an arduous process."Besides, he would never allow himself to accept Willow's money. As for the reason why… Well, there was no need to put things into words.Willow had spent years of her blood, sweat, and tears just to save up all that
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 231
For a moment, Willow was overwhelmed with emotion. It took her a while to find her voice. When she finally spoke, it was hoarse. "I've been back for a few days. Julian and I are divorced now… You don't have to call me 'Mrs. Ziegler' anymore."Jesse looked a little sad but still smiled with warmth. "If you get a chance, bring Ms. Harper over for a meal. We'll make something she loves."Willow's eyes welled up. She nodded with a quiet hum.The household staff here had all been with her since Grandview Manor. They had been through years together—there was no way she didn't feel a bond with them.After exchanging a few words, she followed Jesse upstairs.The master bedroom was still and quiet. Julian carefully placed Landon on the bed and took off his jacket.Beneath it, he wore a white T-shirt with a yellow duck print, which made his pale cheeks look even softer and more delicate. He looked like the picture of innocence.He turned onto his side, nestled into the familiar scent ar
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 230
Sunnybrook Kindergarten was Brindley's most upscale kindergarten. A year's tuition was 200 thousand dollars.The children who studied there were from families that were rich, powerful, or both. None of them could afford to offend anyone else.When Willow arrived at the kindergarten and made her way to the principal's office, she found two children inside. One was Thalia, and the other was a little boy who looked small for his age. He was tiny and had flawless skin. He looked gorgeous.Setting aside his good looks, Willow couldn't help finding him familiar. She felt like she'd seen him before, and he couldn't take his eyes off her the moment he saw her. It was almost as if he wanted to run to her but was doing his best to restrain himself… mainly because Thalia had thrown her arms around her.Thalia looked up at Willow and acted cutely, albeit tearfully. "Willow."Willow rubbed her head but couldn't help looking at the little boy again.Thalia turned to Landon and stuck her hands
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 229
Julian had never taken Caleb seriously. He didn't take his eyes off Willow, but his words were directed at Caleb. "Everyone's preferences change with time. Yours have changed, too, haven't they?"Caleb gnashed his teeth angrily, but Annie was both amused and exasperated. How could he possibly stand a chance against Julian when it came to arguing?She hurriedly dragged him away after giving Willow a heads-up. "We're gonna go. You two take your time catching up."Willow smiled helplessly as she watched them leave.Julian looked at her. "I thought Jeffrey would be the first person you'd meet for a meal upon your return."She said, "You're right. I ate with him and Rosabelle two days ago."He fell silent. After a brief silence, he asked, "Why didn't you let me know you were coming back? Why didn't you ask me out for a meal?"She looked into his eyes. When she realized he wasn't joking, she smiled faintly. "Is it even necessary for us to eat together, Julian? Grandma and Landon are g
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 228
Julian wasn't in the best of moods. Over the past three years, he'd imagined countless scenarios in which he and Willow would be reunited. However, none of them had included her already having someone else in her life.The moment he saw Patrick, all his thoughts about wealth and power were pushed out of his mind. Being able-bodied was enough to defeat him.He could care for himself without any problem, but his crushed arm would be in full view once his shirt was taken off. No woman would dare open their eyes when in bed with him.And if that woman happened to be Willow, Julian knew he wouldn't be able to accept the shock in her eyes if she were to see what he'd become. He would rather her impression of him remain flawless.Melanie's heart twisted painfully, and her guilt surged when she saw the look on Julian's face. When had he ever been this self-deprecating and unconfident? He'd always been prideful and bold.Still, no amount of guilt would change anything. Her stupidity was wh
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 227
Willow turned off the faucet and met Julian's gaze in the mirror. She said indifferently, "I don't think my personal life has anything to do with you."He swallowed. "You're right. It doesn't."She turned and left. As she brushed past him, his right arm twitched underneath his suit jacket. Ultimately, however, he did nothing and allowed her to leave.He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled self-deprecatingly. What could he do to win her back? His right arm was a mess of patchwork, and he couldn't even hold a glass of water properly. What right did he have to ask a woman in her prime to stay by his side and endure the odd looks others would give them?Willow had plenty of men to choose from. Why would she settle for him?…Later that night, a black car slowly pulled into Radiance Manor. The car stopped, and the driver circled to the back to open the door. "Mr. Ziegler, we're back."It was dark inside the car. Julian sat in the backseat, still engrossed in the agony of his p
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 226
Three years passed in the blink of an eye. It was yet another September, and the leaves had turned a beautiful shade of gold in the fall.Julian ran into Willow at a banquet. He had no idea she was back—their communication was kept to a minimum, and she rarely revealed her whereabouts. All he knew was that she'd spent the past three years in Faeria caring for Gabriella and refining her painting skills.The banquet hall's bright lights sparkled, casting an elegant glow on Julian's figure. However, the suit that should have been crisply tailored was draped loosely over his shoulders, hiding the horrific injuries he'd sustained during the car crash.It had been three years, but he could only do simple things with his right arm and hand. He'd gradually gotten used to doing everything with his left hand.He held a glass of champagne and quietly watched Willow with the crowd between them. She wore a short dress with an embossed pattern that showed off her figure. Her hair was pulled back
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 225
Melanie sneaked back to the Ziegler residence at 2:00 pm, looking disheveled.It was eerily quiet at home; the place seemed empty. None of the Zieglers seemed to be around.She grabbed a passing maid and asked, "Is Liam home yet?"The maid was taken aback. Then, she started crying when she saw it was Melanie. Choked up, she said, "You should hurry to the hospital, Mrs. Ziegler! Mr. Julian got into an accident, and his arm was crushed. We don't know whether he'll be able to keep it—he's still in surgery."Melanie was stunned. She couldn't care less about how unkempt she looked as she hurried to the hospital. The Ziegler family's relatives and friends stood outside the operating theater, looking grim, especially Liam. He was utterly despondent.She staggered to him and grabbed his arm with trembling hands, asking, "Where's Julian? Where is he? Tell me where he is, Liam!"Instead of answering her, he backed away. Meanwhile, Tyler cried, "You've made a huge mistake this time, Melanie
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 224
Liam held Gabriella and played with her. He was completely like his usual stoic self. She smiled in his arms and revealed her gums.He secretly cursed Melanie for her bad luck. Gabriella was adorable!Time was almost up, yet Melanie didn't show. Liam couldn't bring himself to ask Willow to wait any longer, so he reluctantly returned Gabriella to her. At the same time, he said, "Melanie's out of control. I have no idea where she's gone off to."Willow merely smiled. She and Melanie were on bad terms, so this didn't bother her.Now that their parting was imminent, Liam was tempted to ask Willow to give Julian another chance. However, he swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue and ultimately remained silent.It was too late for things to change.…Julian entered the room at 10:00 am. He wore an expensive suit fit for a banquet, clearly wanting to leave Willow and Gabriella with the best impression possible. However, it didn't seem to occur to him that this would be the last da
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 223
Willow and Julian had agreed to live like a married couple for three days, but Julian was busy throughout those three days. Even when he was at home, he spent most of his time attending to work in his study.At night, he was rarely home. He would leave the villa every night and return before 5:00 am. After showering, he would fall asleep with Gabriella in his arms. He would sing her lullabies.He only had three short days with her, so he gave her his all—he exhausted himself physically and mentally just to be with her. He wanted her to grow up with memories of a father's warmth, no matter how brief it was.On Julian's last night with Willow, he returned home, overwhelmed by his despair as usual. He sat in the car, feeling drained as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. His hand trembled as he smoked his way through half of it.Each time he saw Landon felt like the last. He'd hired the world's best doctors to save Landon, whom he knew was in pain. He was such a tiny baby, yet he co
