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Chapter 16
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 17
Willow's attire was markedly different from before. Gone were the rigid, professional suits—her current outfit carried a touch of innocent allure. It looked as if she had casually styled for a date.Julian felt extremely uncomfortable. He pulled out his phone and started dialing Willow's number.As soon as she answered the phone, he coldly demanded, "Where are you?"It wasn't until a brief pause later did Willow reply, "Must I report my whereabouts to you? Julian Ziegler, we are about to get a divorce."Julian's voice remained firm. "That's only your one-sided decision."She couldn't hold back an incredulous laugh. "Is that so?"She didn't want anything to do with him any longer. Suppressing her emotions, she managed as gently as she could, "I no longer hold any value for you. Can't we part on good terms? Actually, Julian, I can't...""Willow Harper!" interrupted Julian.His voice was quick and urgent; he wouldn't let her utter the rest of her sentence.They had wanted two chi
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 18
Now that autumn was here, the streets had transformed into rivers of fallen leaves.A fleet of sleek black cars drove into a villa in Brindlewood, making a grand entrance. There were maybe seven or eight in total.The servants tried to stop them from entering, but how could they hold back over 20 men in black?An elderly servant was forcibly dragged in front of Willow. He couldn't stop trembling in fear.Willow's eyes were glacial. "Is Catherine Burke home?"The old servant feigned ignorance, avoiding eye contact and mumbling evasively.Willow paid him no attention and walked straight into the grand hall. Behind her, Annie and the 20-odd security personnel followed closely.Catherine was lounging on her sofa enjoying a self-pamper session when she suddenly found herself surrounded.Startled, she tried to act tough. "What do you think you're doing? This is trespassing! I'm warning you—it's illegal!""Illegal?"Willow emerged from within the crowd, a mocking smile tugging at he
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 19
Without the slightest sliver of mercy, the guards dragged Catherine away.Very soon, her delicate limbs were covered in bruises that were especially stark against her pale skin. Her shrill, unrestrained screams rang through the entire villa."You old hag! You're just jealous because you can't have children yourself. Julian will never forgive you. He'll only love me more and treat me better!"Her words were like needles piercing Willow's heart, inflicting a deep, unrelenting pain.She walked up to Catherine, raising her hand to deliver another slap.But her hand never landed.Julian had arrived in the nick of time.The evening twilight cast shadows over his face, making his grim expression all the more terrifying.He took in the scene before him—the wreckage of the villa, Catherine's swollen face, her bruised limbs. As the frail girl wept pitifully, a storm brewed in the depths of his dark eyes.At that moment, his anger boiled over, clouding his reason. It drove him to commit
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 20
Annie took a deep breath. Choking back her tears, she continued, "Catherine almost killed Ms. Harper's grandmother! She lied and told Madam Harper she was pregnant with your child, causing such a shock that she almost died. Yet, here you are, slapping Ms. Harper for her instead."Julian was taken aback for a moment.Catherine, pregnant? How was that possible?His gaze darkened as he turned to her. "You told Willow's grandmother that you were pregnant?"Catherine was scared out of her wits.Pitifully, she tried to explain to him, "I just couldn't stand her! She's always putting on airs in front of me, so I... Julian, I didn't mean any harm."He abruptly released her and strode out, ignoring her desperate calls.He didn't even spare her a second glance.Catherine was left in shock.For the first time, she had failed to keep Julian on her leash.She refused to believe that Willow still held a place in his heart. Their marriage had clearly been a transaction. How could he possi
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 21
Julian stood there. His face was devoid of emotion. It was impossible to tell what was going through his head.…While Julian was outside, Catherine's parents had rushed over to the villa. Nancy screamed when she saw how the house was in a complete mess."What on earth happened here? Who was it that had the audacity to do this to the Nebula Group's CEO's house?"Catherine held one hand over her cheek. "It was Willow."Nancy's anger diminished almost instantly. However, she snickered a few seconds later. "She won't be able to act haughtily like this for long. We can do pretty much anything we want to an orphan like her once Julian divorces her."Charlie felt his conscience telling him this was not right. He furrowed his brows. "Don't say that. She's Julian's lawfully wedded wife, after all."Nancy was irked. "Lawfully wedded wife? If you ask me, the two of them are just pretending to be a couple. If it weren't for what happened back then…"Charlie called out to Nancy and stopped
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 22
Willow did not want to speak to him. She excused herself and went into the bathroom.She leaned against the wall and stared blankly into space. Willow was waiting for Julian to take the hint and leave.Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened with a soft creak. A ray of light streamed in through the opened door, and Julian slipped in shortly afterward.There were only the two of them inside that dark space.Willow did not look at him, a sign of her refusing to communicate with him.Julian stopped before her. With his tall form, he towered over Willow. Julian reached out and lightly placed his hand against her cheek. His voice was hoarse yet gentle. "Does it still hurt?"Willow turned her face away. She was repulsed by his touch, and she made sure to show it clearly.However, Julian was not someone who would give up easily. He pushed one leg between Willow's legs and held her chin. He gently caressed her cheek as if he was looking at something precious to him. Yet, Willow mere
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 23
Willow left the hospital and headed home. Julian quickly hurried after her.After she stopped her car, Willow could see Julian standing next to his car, which was parked beside the sycamore tree.When Willow exited her car, Julian moved to block her path. "We need to talk."Willow walked past him and headed for the elevator. "There's nothing for us to talk about, Julian. I'll see you in court."She went up to her floor, and Julian followed behind her. However, Willow did not let him into her apartment.She leaned against the door after closing it. Julian took up a big part of her youth. It was actually really painful for Willow to try and cut him off now.She spent some time organizing her thoughts. Then, Willow took her bathrobe and went for a shower. As for whether Julian would linger outside or leave, it was none of her business anymore.As the night deepened, one could see through the windows of the building the lights going out one after another.Inside a black car parked
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 24
One week later, Willow secured the unit for her business.She signed a contract for five years since the price and location of the unit were ideal. She wrote a check and passed it to the landlord.With the economy having slowed down in recent years, the landlord was very pleased with the fact that Willow wanted to sign a contract for five years.The landlord left shortly afterward since he had other arrangements. On the other hand, Willow remained seated as she tried to finish her coffee. It was a habit she had had for a long time.Just then, she heard a soft female voice. "Willow!"Willow paused for a split second.It was Natalie, Jeffrey's younger sister.Natalie was still a college student. She and Willow were not exactly close. However, she was being very friendly to her that day. Natalie hurried over and clung to Willow's arm while speaking to her enthusiastically.Even someone who was usually aloof and distant like Willow liked how bubbly and lovely the young lady was. Wi
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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,
