LOGINShare
Chapter 157
Related chapters
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 158
At 5:00 am, Julian was called back to the city by a phone call.Alicia's condition had worsened. Complications flared up, and after two hours of emergency treatment, she was finally out of danger.Julian hadn't slept all night. He eventually passed out on the couch from exhaustion.He had a dream.He dreamed he was back at Lake Tolpond, dreaming of that evening sky painted in vivid sunset colors. He and Willow sat side by side on the concrete railing of the dam. Willow had a painting kit strapped to her back, and on the canvas was a young Julian.…"Julian, we will never betray each other or abandon each other for the rest of our lives, right?""Of course! You're the most important person in my heart.""Then, let's get married, Julian."…"Willow… Willow," Julian murmured softly, gently running his hand over Willow's back.She came back. She hadn't left.Willow had said they would never betray or abandon each other. She still remembered the vows they made…Alicia froze, s
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 159
Every now and then, Julian would visit Alicia in the hospital.But more often, he preferred to be alone, quietly thinking about Willow.There was a period when Julian lost control. He went to the club every night to drink.There was a young woman there. Her features resembled Willow's, especially the faint red beauty mark at the corner of her eye.When she poured his wine, Julian would lean back on the couch, quietly staring at that mark, eyes dark and unreadable.He went for a full week, running up over a million dollars in red wine.The club manager noticed what was going on and called the woman aside.He needed a favor from Julian and figured, since Julian had no one around, he might as well send someone in.The manager spoke to the woman in a low voice, "If you serve drinks here for a year, you'll make 20 grand tops. But if you get in with Mr. Ziegler, it's silk sheets, mansions, and servants. It's the kind of life most people can't even dream of."The woman bit her lip. "
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 160
The end of October arrived in the blink of an eye.Alicia's condition kept deteriorating. She was afraid she wouldn't find a matching kidney donor in time, so she suggested traveling the world before it was too late.However, Julian objected. He told her to wait for a bit more.She realized that even though he was physically with her in the hospital, his heart wasn't in it. This put her on edge—she wanted his heart to be hers.…On Saturday, a famous stage play featuring a star-studded cast was being performed in Brindley. Alicia managed to get two box seat tickets and invited Julian to watch the play with her.He reflexively turned her down. "You're not in good condition. You should stay at the hospital."She'd already changed her clothes. She lowered her gaze and allowed her tears to flow at his words. "That's precisely why I want to go out. I haven't watched a play in ages, Julian."Do you want the final moments of my life to be spent cooped up in this hospital ward as I wai
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 161
After a short while, Alicia coughed a few times. Julian got her a glass of water.Willow knew Alicia was deliberately putting this loving act on for her—she wanted to make Willow back off. It was too bad it wouldn't achieve the desired effect because Willow was already thoroughly disappointed in Julian.Still, Alicia's existence pissed Willow off. Just as the latter told herself to stick it out until the play was over, Heather said coolly, "We really need to get our fortunes told before we leave the house in the future. It's too easy to run into bad luck otherwise."Willow smiled. "Did you pick up Timothy's sense of humor, Mom?"Caleb leaned close. "You mean our dad!"She glared at him, but Heather laughed. Willow was outstanding and capable; someone as cheery and goofy as Caleb wasn't a bad match for her. He was handsome and had a good figure with an infectious smile.Heather was only thinking that, but Caleb was serious about having her as a mother-in-law. He ran around, ensuri
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 162
The restroom door was pushed open, and Caleb entered. As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Willow leaning against the wall with her hand on her belly. There was something sacred and saint-like about the look on her face—his mother was also like that when she looked at him.He went crazy. "Are you pregnant? How can you be carrying Julian's child? Didn't you guys fucking end things? How could he have knocked you up?"This was his first time having feelings for a woman and wanting to marry her. Willow and Julian had finally severed ties, yet here she was, pregnant with his child.He was so furious that he wanted to storm off. In fact, that was what he did. He stomped out of the restroom, slamming the door shut behind him.Then, he returned a few seconds later after having talked sense into himself. He crouched beside Willow and carefully felt her belly. Then, he looked up at her.He was secretly pleased when she didn't stop him. She had to have feelings for him—why else would she let
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 163
Tears filled Heather's eyes. "They sure are."No one was happier than her. She was a mother and also a woman; she knew how painful it was for a woman to be unable to conceive. Now that Willow was pregnant, she didn't care whether or not Julian was the father. What mattered was that her daughter carried the child; it was Willow's.She and Timothy discussed the child's future, from its gender to the color of its clothes. They even talked about which school the child would attend.Willow was moved to bits. No one had mentioned anything about Julian being the father, and no one had advised her to reconsider having the child. All they thought about was how they could give the child the best possible life.She lowered her head and gently caressed her belly. The baby would grow up well and lead a happy life… She was going to be a mother!…Later that night, Willow leaned against the couch in the lounge with a hand on her belly. She imagined the baby's future.Just then, there was a com
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 164
Julian returned to the Ziegler residence the next morning and told Liam about his plans, which stunned the latter.Liam put down his teacup and said, "Julian, I've always felt that you still stood a chance with Willow, but it'll be hard to say whether that will be the same if you go on this trip with Alicia. Just the thought of this will make Willow uncomfortable—how can she still accept you in the future? Have you thought this through?"Julian was silent for a long time before he smiled bitterly. "You know what, Dad? I once desperately wanted a child. I figured an adorable child would make Willow change her mind and come back to me; I thought she would give me a chance to make things up to her."Yet the heavens aren't even willing to help me with that. There's no hope between Willow and me now. I might as well help Alicia fulfill her final wish."Liam knew Alicia wasn't far from death. He sighed and said, "Go ahead with it if you've thought things through and won't regret this."
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 165
Annie was great at holding her liquor. She didn't even bat an eye as she downed two glasses of scotch consecutively, and everyone cheered.Willow backed out of the private room before running to the restroom and spitting out the scotch she'd drunk earlier—she hadn't swallowed, but some of it had gone down her throat. She gargled and forced herself to heave it out. She was weak by the time she was done.Caleb felt worthless. Aside from throwing a few punches and mouthing off, he couldn't even compare to someone like Annie. He rubbed Willow's back gently and said, "I'll work hard in the future! I'll learn everything I can so you won't have to push yourself. All you'll need to do is kick back and relax at home."Willow laughed. "Don't act like there's actually anything between us.""There is!" he muttered. After some thought, he said, "I'll be able to do everything that Julian can do now. I'll be even more powerful than him in the future!"That took her aback. Why had he suddenly br
Latest chapter
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 189
The snow in Brindley had finally melted.That morning, a convoy of a dozen black cars escorted Willow and Grace back to the Chapman residence. Years ago, this was how Julian had married Willow.And today, this was how he was sending Willow home, just like how Grace had insisted.No matter how it ended, he and Willow married each other legally.The polished black cars entered the Chapman residence one after another and slowly came to a stop.Inside the dimly lit car, Julian turned his head to look at Willow. He didn't say a word, but simply reached out to gently place his hand on her stomach, feeling the child inside of her.After a while, he grabbed her hand and held it gently.No matter how reluctant he was to let go, he had to. He had promised Grace to set Willow free.Grace had brought Willow home.Timothy and Heather had been waiting outside for a while. When Willow stepped out of the car, Heather, with tears brimming in her eyes, pulled Willow into a tight embrace.She r
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 188
"Julian, you're not even 30 yet. You still have plenty of chances to have children of your own. I'm begging you, for the child's sake, please let her go."Willow isn't that weak. She can still write and see. She'll raise the child to be well-mannered and capable. Just let her come home. I promise you'll still get to see the child."Grace said a lot, and Julian just listened quietly until the very end.He neither agreed nor disagreed.He took the tiny pair of shoes from Grace's hands. They were for Landon. The shoes were sky blue and adorable. The soles felt comfortable to touch.Grace showed a kind smile and said, "I know you care about Willow. If it's meant to be, life will find a way to bring you back together. Otherwise, when you have another child someday, I'll sew them a pair of shoes too."Julian choked up. "Grandma."Grace reached out and patted his arm gently. "I know you're a good boy. Just send her back the way you brought her into the Ziegler residence back then. Her
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 187
The night was quiet and serene.Julian stood alone in his study, staring out at the endless snow outside. His mind kept replaying the scene of Willow's distorted speech, as well as her tear-streaked face that was filled with despair.Willow herself must've found it unbearable!Julian looked at the night sky, his gaze unreadable.He realized that he seemed to never have truly made Willow happy. All he ever did was hurt her, disappoint her, and make her cry.This wasn't how loving someone was supposed to be.The next morning, Julian didn't appear in her room.Willow washed up on her own. Even if she barely had an appetite, she still walked out to find something to eat for the sake of the baby she carried.As she opened the bedroom door, she froze.Grace was standing outside the door, holding a basket in one hand and Snowy in the other. She stared at Willow with her gentle, loving eyes.Willow stood there in a daze before her lips trembled.In a broken, trembling voice, she cal
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 186
The pregnancy hadn't made Willow's body bigger. She was still slender with her dark hair cascading down her shoulders. The hot water streamed down along her shoulder blades, trailing down to the small dip of her waist.There, a small reddish mole stood out."Let me help you."Julian grabbed her by the shoulders, wanting to help her bathe.Willow was startled, so she instinctively slapped him across the face.After striking him, she pressed herself against the warm ceramic tiles, her lips trembling as she stared at him. Since she couldn't hear him, she didn't know what Julian's intentions were.She was afraid that he was trying to initiate sex with her. After all, it had been quite some time since he had last done it.Julian's handsome face was turned to the side. It was quite embarrassing.After a while, he let out a self-deprecating smile and began writing on the palm of her hand.Only then did she understand that he was offering to help her bathe. She refused, but how coul
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 185
Willow was forced to stay here, subjected to Julian's arrangements. Every day, she simply sat there in a daze.After a while, she couldn't help but think that it wasn't just her who was sick. Julian was sick too.In fact, they were both sick.At the villa, everything seemed peaceful, as if it weren't affected by the outside world.But outside, things were an absolute mess.About half a month later, Liam somehow caught wind of what was going on and showed up at the villa.In the study on the second floor, the faint scent of tea lingered in the air. It was Earl Grey, Liam's favorite.But right now, Liam wasn't in the mood for tea. He pointed angrily at Julian and roared, "Send her back immediately!"You can't just take someone's daughter away like this after just leaving just a message. How am I supposed to explain to Timothy and Heather? That's their biological daughter!"The crystal chandelier sparkled, casting its light on Julian's expressionless face. "Dad, Willow is my wife.
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 184
Late at night, in the Chapman residence, the moonlight shone through the white curtains, spilling onto the ivory white bed, wrapping the woman's body in a robe made of moonlight.Willow was sound asleep.Suddenly, a tall figure stepped into the room, bathed in the moonlight. He approached the bed gently and crouched down next to it.Since Willow couldn't hear a thing, she was unaware.Julian knelt before her, listening to her shallow breathing while staring at her pale face. After suppressing the urge for so long, he finally raised his hand and stroked her fragile features.If he could turn back time, that night, he would never have returned to Brindley. He would've stayed by Willow's side, not letting her be gripped by fear in the middle of the night.Every time Julian closed his eyes, he would recall the way Willow spoke. When he remembered how her voice was distorted, it tore him apart inside."I'm sorry! Willow, I'm so sorry!"Julian's voice trembled, his eyes glistening wi
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 183
Julian turned to Alicia and asked softly, "Isn't this enough? Alicia, what else do you want?"Originally, he could have been happy.Willow and the child would have stayed by his side, surrounded by happiness. Even if he was burdened with countless sins, he could've had the chance to grasp happiness.But now, that was gone. After Alicia's repeated acts of self-harm and unreasonable demands, his patience had finally run dry. In the end, he and Willow had finally reached this point of no return.Julian's voice was low and hoarse. "Alicia, we're done."He turned around and walked away, ignoring Alicia's cries behind him. She fell to the ground in tears. "Julian… Julian…"But he never looked back.The team of specialists remained helpless when it came to Willow's condition.They were simply too late.This type of neurological disorder, triggered by the weather and atmospheric pressure, was extremely rare. There was no effective treatment at present.Moreover, Willow was pregnant,
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 182
Julian's face was ghastly pale.Annie stepped forward with a grim expression, her voice colder than ever."Let me tell you what happened! After you rushed back to Brindley to comfort Alicia, Ms. Harper lost her hearing due to barotrauma. The snowstorm that night in Padstow was so severe that everywhere was covered in thick snow."We couldn't get a ride anywhere. Back then, I naively believed that you were in the hotel. I thought if I asked you for help, you'd certainly figure something out."After all, you've always been so capable, haven't you? However, you were back at Brindley."I had no choice but to call Mr. Chapman. Mr. Chapman and Mrs. Chapman immediately rushed to Padstow in the middle of the night."Mr. Chapman, a man in his 50s, carried Ms. Harper in his arms for half an hour through the snow, which was about 20 inches deep, to get to the helicopter."When they arrived at the hospital, his clothes were soaked through. Mrs. Chapman's legs were completely numb, and she c
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 181
Willow couldn't hear anything anymore.Her world had fallen completely silent.But Julian didn't know that.The snow in Padstow had finally stopped.Heather gently cupped Willow's face, her voice choked with sobs. "I'll take you back to Brindley for treatment! They have the best doctors there. We'll definitely find a way to cure this."Willow tried to comfort her. "Mom, I'm fine."The words were simple, but because she couldn't hear, her voice came out slightly distorted.Heather almost broke down right then and there, but she held it together. As a mother, she had to be strong for moments like this.That very day, Timothy and Heather brought Willow back to Brindley.Timothy had already made arrangements with top-notch specialists to consult on Willow's condition.They couldn't afford to waste any time. As long as there was the slightest chance, they wouldn't give up.At 2:00 pm, the Chapman family's black car entered the hospital.Ahead of them, a small crowd had gathered,
