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Chapter 112
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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
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 116
Julian could tell that Willow was chasing him out of her place. He didn't push his luck. He put on the clothes he wore when he came, and his voice was as affectionate as before. "I'm going to leave now. Get some rest."Willow kept standing and didn't move until she heard the door close. She stiffly removed her bathrobe and stared at the suggestive marks on her body. Julian had been particularly rough on her because of Jeffrey. It was as if he wanted to leave his personal mark on her. She took a bath again and scrubbed her body three times. Then, she tossed her dress because Julian's musky scent was all over it. It was 3:00 am by the time Willow went to the rooftop. She stood there quietly and watched as the city went to sleep, feeling the loneliness enshrouding her. A few years ago, Julian made her his wife. He was the only person in her life. Years later, he made her his again, and her world became desolate once more because of him. It might have seemed like Willow had we
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 117
Julian drove over to Willow's apartment to pick her up at 7:00 pm, Saturday. She still wasn't downstairs. So, he leaned on the car and smoked. He had burned through two cigarettes by the time she came. It was a private banquet. Willow didn't wear a formal outfit. Instead, she put on a Celine dress and a modest set of jewelry. However, Julian was happy with it. He was the only person who had known just how delicate and elegant she really was.Once they were in the car, he unwittingly turned around and frowned slightly. Her neckline was rather low, and her supple breasts were exposed a little. Julian buckled up. His eyes were brimming with lust. "The party hall has strong air-conditioning. I want you to put on my coat."Willow knew about his dark thoughts all too well. She chuckled nonchalantly in response. He slammed on the gas pedal and drove along the street, speaking to her tenderly during the whole drive. Her coldness and distant attitude didn't bother him at all. It was 8
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 118
Someone walked to the balcony. It was none other than Julian. The moment he walked over, he saw Natalie hugging Willow and sobbing quietly, causing his eyes to darken. When Natalie turned around and saw him, she wiped her reddened eyes and left frantically as if she were running away from her worst fears.Julian glanced at her for a while and chuckled nonchalantly. "What's wrong with Natalie? She looked like she had seen a ghost when she saw me."Willow asked, "Julian, don't you think you're being too cruel to her?"He flashed her an enchanting smile. "Really? Should I keep sweet-talking her then?"Willow couldn't hold it in anymore. Raising her hand, she slapped Julian, but he caught her hand. He wasn't angry, though. Looking at her intensely, he said, "I know you're upset, but are you seriously pushing me into another lady's arms? Do you want me to do the same things to another woman that I did to you in bed?"Willow laughed in exasperation. Julian was a master of twisted lo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 119
Willow wasn't suspicious at all, nor did she bother to correct the way Heather addressed her. She nodded and hummed in response. Heather's hand was trembling even more intensely now. She was wife to the wealthiest man in Yarrowmere, but her hands were shaking as she touched Willow's reddish mole. She was being so careful with it as if she were dealing with an invaluable treasure.Was Willow the beloved daughter she had lost?Heather's heart was filled with hope, but she was also afraid that it was all a big misunderstanding. Brushing her fingers across the back of Willow's head, she murmured, "Mrs. Ziegler, there was a strand of gray hair over here. Let me pluck it for you."Willow was startled for a moment. "I've never realized that I have gray hair."Heather gently plucked off a strand of black hair and let it rest on her palm. Then, she put on some fresh clothes for Willow. When she circled around to do the buttons, she slowed down, tears welling up in her eyes. If Willow
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 120
Timothy immediately held Heather's arm and steadied her. "What's wrong? Did something unpleasant happen at the party?"She slumped onto the couch. Gripping his clothes tightly, she said in a daze, "Timothy, I think I found my little girl. I told you about her. She has a mole on her waist, and I saw it on Willow tonight."Timothy, do you think she's the daughter I've been searching for all this time?"He asked anxiously, "Did you ask her about her background?"She nodded. "All I know is that she lived with her grandmother. All they had was each other."What a coincidence. Timothy put his hands on his back. He paced back and forth for a while before he stopped and said, "We're going to need proof for it."Proof?Heather took a silk handkerchief out of her pocket and unfolded it with trembling hands, revealing a strand of hair. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke. "Timothy, I held myself back as best I could at the banquet. I made up an excuse and plucked a strand of her h
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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
