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Chapter 107
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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
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 109
Willow didn't leave for Yarrowmere.She knew Julian far too well. He did all those things and was lying in wait for her. Then, he was going to take his time bending her to his will.Yet, Gibson Group was in dire straits.Willow received a call. Jeffrey's mother, Dorothy, had invited her for coffee.Although the Gibson family was in financial trouble, Dorothy still dressed herself to the nines for a simple meeting.She was practically dripping with branded goods and sparkling jewelry.Willow and Dorothy made themselves comfortable in a high-end cafe. Willow looked at the wealthy but weary-looking lady across from her, well aware that the other woman was most definitely going to spew some harsh words. Unfortunately, she had no choice but to show up.As expected, Dorothy stirred her coffee and said snootily, "I never objected to your friendship with Jeffrey in the past because you were Julian's wife. I had assumed that Jeffrey would know where to draw the line. I didn't blame you w
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 110
Willow was rendered speechless. "Julian, do you think that's why I called you? Snowy's my dog. You've stolen my dog."Julian remained utterly unfazed as he replied blithely, "Don't you worry. I'll take good care of it."Then, he ended the call and sent her a picture.Snowy was on a green lawn. It had a red ball in its mouth as it happily bounded over the person taking its picture.Willow could tell that Snowy really loved its new owner.Willow couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness at the sight.Maureen, who had been standing next to her, said hesitantly, "Are we just going to let Mr. Ziegler get away with stealing Snowy?"Willow kept her phone away and answered emotionlessly, "You should address Julian by his name in the future."Maureen promptly fell silent, not daring to say another word.…Willow finally gave up and took a flight to Yarrowmere three days later.She had it all planned out. After all, she was confident that Julian wouldn't be home at 4:00 pm on a T
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 111
Tears welled up in Willow's eyes. She could never move on from the fact that she was infertile.Julian rubbed the tip of her nose with his and asked in a deep voice, "We haven't begun doing anything, and yet you're already crying."Willow pushed him away and sat upright. Grabbing the hair tie, she tied her long hair back into a low bun. As her long fingers brushed aside her hair, she exposed a section of her delicate neck. Its graceful lines effortlessly reminded him of the past. Whenever he couldn't hold himself back anymore, he would nibble on her neck and make her moan his name. He rubbed Snowy and chuckled halfheartedly. "Are you sure you're here for Snowy and not Jeffrey?"He didn't wait for her response, though. Instead, he picked up his phone and ordered the maid to serve the meal in a while. After he hung up, he resumed his usual warm voice."It's been three months, and we're finally meeting officially. Let's share a meal."Julian looked so affectionate and considerate
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 112
After Willow returned to Brindley, she hadn't seen Julian for two whole months, and neither did they talk on the phone. It was as if he were gone from her world, good and proper. At the beginning of July, her auction house held its first auction, and the sales reached a whopping 160 million dollars, from which she made a handsome profit from commissions. On the same night, Willow had a celebration party at Insight. People from high society flooded the place, and her friends were also there to show their support. The man standing next to her was Jeffrey, wearing a black velvet suit. He looked handsome and graceful, and he brought out her delicate beauty. …Back in Yarrowmere, the CEO's office in Nebula Group was completely dark. Julian sat on the circular couch with a glass of red wine in his hand. He quietly watched the news playing on the wall across from him. Willow and Jeffrey were standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Occasionally, they'd swap glances and share a smile.She lo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 113
Julian remained composed. He even flashed Willow a tender smile. "Yeah, I've returned to Brindley for a couple of days now. "I've been made aware that something bad happened to Jeffrey's family. So, Natalie and I have shared meals with each other in this restaurant. The ambiance is great."…Willow would've buried the candlestick in Julian's head if she could, but she held herself back and led Natalie out of the restaurant instead. Julian had given Natalie a ride for today's date. So, Willow hailed a cab and gave the driver her address. Natalie was ashamed. Her eyes welled up with tears before she got into the cab. "Willow."Willow still didn't say anything. Natalie was simply too young and naive. It wasn't strange at all that she would succumb to his tricks.She brushed the strands of hair on Natalie's cheeks, tucked them behind the latter's ear, and said affectionately, "Get in the car. Your mom's waiting for you at home."Natalie stepped into the cab. At this point, she h
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 114
The summer night was cool and refreshing. Willow wore a thin jacket as she stood on the rooftop quietly. A cigarette was between her fingers, but she didn't smoke it. Instead, she let it slowly burn out. It was drizzling, and the rainwater doused her cigarette. It didn't bother her at all. She placed it on the gray railing, which was soon stained wet. It looked a tad depressing, much like her fading love and the friendship she was forced to end.The building across the street had a huge screen, and it was showing the latest news about Gibson Group. Gerard had been investigated for several rounds now. First, it was Gibson Group. Then, Natalie came next. Would Jeffrey be the latest victim, then?With the way things turned out, Willow had to give it to Julian. No one could compete with him when it came to heartlessness. Naturally, she didn't think for a second that it was because he loved her deeply. At most, she was an unexpected turn of events in his life. Willow used to love
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 115
This was the first time Julian had done something like this. Arching his toned body, he leaned into Willow's ear and spoke to her harshly. "You love him, don't you? Did you put on this dress for Jeffrey? Tell me. Did you wear it for him? Speak, now!"…The lights above them flickered wildly. Willow raised her head, her delicate neck stiffening. She stared at Julian, who was beside himself with rage, and spoke in a leisurely tone that was meant to agitate him. "Yeah, I put it on just for him."Julian narrowed his eyes, held the back of her neck, and uttered icily, "You asked for it!"The rain hadn't stopped. Instead, it intensified and turned into a storm, mimicking the intense, forceful coupling that went down in the apartment. Peace and quiet didn't return until it was dawn. The bedroom was dimly lit, and a thin blanket was draped over Willow's slender figure. She said nonchalantly, with her back turned to Julian, "You've gotten what you came for. You can leave now."Afte
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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
