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Chapter 18
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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
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 25
"Julian's wife is celebrating another man's birthday behind Julian's back.""Well, Julian caught her red-handed.""Julian doesn't love Willow, though. I don't think he'll make a fuss about it."…Julian leaned back against a couch placed in a corner of the room. With his black attire, it was as though he had blended in with the darkness.Even in a place like that, Julian exuded an air of refinement. He seemed like he could be a celestial being who would never be tainted by matters of the mortal world.Julian fixed Willow, who was standing at the door, with an intense gaze.It was obvious that she had dressed up for the occasion.Willow was wearing a greyish-blue satin dress with a fitted waistline, a pearl necklace around her neck, and a pair of diamond earrings. She also paired her outfit with a handbag and a watch of matching colors.She looked both elegant and feminine.No one knew exactly when it was that Willow had started showing these changes.She started showing this
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 26
In the other corner of the room, Julian leaned forward and stubbed out his cigarette.With his perfect side profile and slender fingers, he looked charming even when he was just doing those simple movements. Then, he stood up and walked over to the group. Julian placed one hand on Willow's shoulder lightly."It's time to go home, Willow."A heavy silence lingered in the air.The others did not expect Julian to be so affected by this. They all assumed that he did not care that much about Willow.Besides, Jeffrey had not overstepped his boundaries. He merely said something ambiguous. It was not as though he had actually stolen something precious from Julian. Yet, Julian had reacted this way.Even back then, he had never acted so defensive when it came to that person. It seemed like being officially married did make a lot of difference.Everyone thought that Willow would surely listen to Julian and follow him home since he had given in first. She would most likely go back to being
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 201
At the end of January, Julian received a phone call from 618 Southlane, Brindley, which was where Brindley Asylum was located. Alicia had been interrogated for a month, and she actually remained tight-lipped the whole time. However, a certificate of mental illness landed her in the asylum.Her doctor, Jonathan Crane, was a middle-aged man in his 40s. He was tactful and sensible and would immediately inform Julian about her latest developments. They were on the phone now, and his voice was deep and composed. "Just moments ago, Ms. Burke had a miscarriage."Julian was sitting on a couch in front of a floor-to-ceiling window in his office at Nebula Group. With his phone in his hand, he wore an emotionless expression, and his voice was nonchalant when he spoke. "I'll be there in half an hour."Jonathan nodded. "I know what has to be done. Leave it to me, Mr. Ziegler."…Half an hour later, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly drove into Brindley Asylum. The car door swung open, an
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 200
Julian prayed sincerely to the heavens. Landon wasn't even born and was completely innocent. If God wanted to punish anyone, he should be the sole target. He didn't care if it meant he could never come back from it or if he would be ripped to a million pieces. All he wanted was for the angels to give Landon a place to stay in the afterlife. …After Julian returned from the chapel, he fell heavily ill, leaving the doctors clueless and powerless to stop it. He didn't get better until two weeks later. It was evening, and the sky was bathed in an orange glow. A glistening black limousine slowly drove into Radiance Manor. After the car was parked, the driver got out and opened the door for Melanie. She had a delicate food container in her hand that held the mushroom soup she had made. A maid stepped over and said, "Mrs. Ziegler."Melanie passed the food container to the maid and asked as she climbed up the stairs. "Is Julian feeling better? Tell Esther to stop sending documents
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 199
As Julian walked out of the building. He thought he could still hear Alicia's blood-curdling cries in the hallway behind him. However, his surroundings were eerily silent as if there were countless demons lurking in the dark. He didn't believe in the existence of deities, but he believed that the demons had manifested in greed, anger, and delusion before infiltrating his soul. He got where he was today because of the darkness within his heart. If he hadn't been so focused on power, he would have known his feelings for Willow much sooner. Then, he wouldn't have let a woman who loved him deeply suffer for four long years. What was worse, she even ended up losing Grace and Landon. The great priest, Seraphion Lumas, once said that those who were fierce and antagonistic would harm the people around them. Happy endings would always remain out of reach.The wind roared in the night, lifting Julian's hair and chilling him to the bone. The glow from the street lamp stretched his shadow o
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 198
Alicia and Andrew were having hot, passionate moments with each other until she suddenly saw Julian. He was standing by the door and seemed to be looking at her calmly. However, there were some emotions in his eyes that he kept to himself. She could see disdain and revulsion in them, as well as some other emotions that she couldn't decipher. Alicia frantically pushed Andrew off. She was barely clothed when she got off the bed and ran over to Julian. Then, she begged pitifully, "Julian, this is a misunderstanding. Dr. Gabler drugged me and made me do this."Andrew curled his lips into a mocking grin. He slowly put on his clothes before walking out of the ward. As he brushed past Julian, he chuckled and added, "I'm just one of her many boy toys."Julian didn't do anything. The only thing he wanted to do now was find out if Alicia was behind the horrifying fire in the southern suburbs. Also, had she been actually ill all these years?His expression was cold and distant. There was n
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 197
Willow was very frail. Heather had to hold her arm and help her get into the car. She looked at the ultrasound report in her hand, which showed that she was actually pregnant with two babies. One of them hid behind the other during the last scan, and that was why it avoided detection. Willow was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. That was right. Her babies were still alive and well, but she had no intention of telling Julian about it.She decided she would move to Yarrowmere when she was done with matters related to the listing. By all means, she wouldn't return to Brindley anymore. Her babies would grow up in Yarrowmere, and they would take her family name. They would be hers and hers only.Willow stared at the report for a long time. Heather held her hand and said to her gently, "You have to eat more. Both of your kids need nutrition to grow up strong and healthy."She nodded in response. Turning sideways, she looked out the car window. The sun was bright, and Julian was sta
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 196
Willow had suffered a miscarriage, but she hurried back to Grace's funeral without getting any rest. When she got there, she still wore her mourning clothes and kneeled next to the latter's casket as she burned some of the letters she had handwritten to Grace.A breeze swept through, lifting the burned remains of the letters and scattering them to the wind in the dark. Willow lowered her gaze as tears dropped one after another. "Grandma, I hope you know how much I miss you. Be happy wherever you are now. I will write you a letter on every big day."The funeral banner flapped in the wind, its loud snaps reminding her of the sound the axe made when Grace used to chop wood. "Willow, dinner will be served in another two hours. The spaghetti is going to taste absolutely divine this year."Willow's heart ached so much that she couldn't breathe. She could no longer hear Grace's voice. Raising her head, she looked at the dark sky and screamed the latter's name at the top of her lungs.
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 195
Nancy screamed, "It's blood! She's having a miscarriage."Julian's heart clenched. Lowering his head, he saw blood staining Willow's mourning clothes, giving rise to a frightening sight. He stepped forward, intending to carry her in his arms. "Willow, I'm going to take you to the hospital."However, she wouldn't have any of it. She didn't want him anymore. She rejected his very presence. Taking a step back, her face turned pale. "Don't come closer. Julian, it doesn't matter if the baby is dead or alive. It has nothing to do with you!"Willow didn't stop retreating until Timothy caught her and steadied her. Her feet were trembling uncontrollably, and blood was flowing down her thighs relentlessly. However, she insisted on walking on her own as she slowly left the place and got away from Julian. Willow held onto the frame of the door underneath the bright light. Her waist ached so much that she couldn't stand upright.It wasn't as if she didn't love her unborn baby, but she h
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 194
Willow leaned on the stone slab, and the sounds got clearer by the second. She could almost hear the sound of the crackling flames as they consumed everything in a frenzy. She almost seemed to hear Grace's weak voice. The latter was uttering the same lullaby that she used to sing when she was putting her to sleep. "The sky is bright, and the moon is so high. And precious Willow's sleep drew nigh."The sky is bright, and the moon is so high…"Eventually, Grace's voice faded.…Willow pushed against the stone slab with everything she could. She wanted to get out, but Grace put her weight on it, preventing her from coming out. The basement might've been cramped, but it gave her a fighting chance at survival.Willow pressed against the stone slab with both her hands as blood trickled downward and fell to the floor, drop by drop.She wasn't sure when it started, but tears were already streaming down her cheeks. Eventually, the sky turned dark. It was like one of the summer eveni
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 193
Back when Willow was a little girl, she looked forward to the New Year. Grace would let the baked goods cool off in the evening and stash them in the basement, where she kept the cabbages. Now, that place was basically Grace's treasure trove. She was traumatized by poverty. So, she would always buy some cabbages at dirt-cheap prices during winter if she could afford it. Every day, she would buy some meat and pair it with spaghetti. That would be a meal for her. She had always picked and cleaned the meat meticulously so that Willow would get the nutrition she needed. Grace spent wisely and saved up whenever she could, and that was how she raised Willow and sent the latter to school. She had never married anyone in her life, but she said that she didn't have any regrets. After dinner, their maid went back home to spend time with her family. Grace packed the baked goods away in a white cloth and tied it up before she moved them to the basement, where the cabbages were stored. In
