LOGINShare
Chapter 219
Related chapters
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 220
Willow went to the restroom to tidy up. This time, Julian didn't disturb her. When she came back, she said, "I want to see the guarantee letter."Julian's heart skipped a beat. After a moment, he said, "I've set a dinner appointment with the bank manager of Yarrowmere's Harkive Bank. We'll sign the letter tonight."Willow smiled faintly. "Nothing escapes your control, does it?"Julian also smiled, but it was bitter. He walked her down to her car. As the door shut before him, he continued staring at her through the window. His gaze was filled with his deep longing for her.That night, Joe Paxton, Harkive Bank's manager, flew to Brindley. Julian brought him to Moonlit, where they downed several bottles of hard liquor before the guarantee letter was signed. The bank would release the funds to Aurelia Group the following day.Water flowed from a golden faucet in the opulent restroom. Julian leaned against the wall with his head thrown back. His face was red—it was clear he'd had too m
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 221
Gabriella was awake in the swaddle. She had flawless skin, bright eyes, and tiny dimples. She looked just like Julian.Every father had a soft spot for their daughters, especially since Gabriella kept staring at Julian with her twinkling eyes. She could see clearly now and seemed to be curious about him.He stared back at her as his heart melted. He carefully took Gabriella from Willow's arms, feeling like something was lodged in his throat as he held her close.She was so soft and light. Julian couldn't help but lower his head and press it to Gabriella's cheek. She smelled sweet and had that unique scent that only babies had. It was a smell that filled him with joy.Tears filled his eyes, which was unlike him. This was what blissfulness felt like.Esther quietly wiped her tears. She was just a regular employee, but she'd formed a bond with Julian after working with him for so long. She hoped beyond hope that this moment of bliss would last forever.She said softly, "It's chilly
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 222
Julian touched his box of cigarettes but held himself back. He sighed and said, "I don't want to have anyone else in charge of the company unless there's no other option. You know how many companies with billions in net worth have been ruined by those pests, right? Besides, the shareholders would never agree."Esther fell silent. Her heart ached for him.He lowered his voice and asked her a few things, to which she answered, "There hasn't been anything out of the ordinary."Despite that, he would still visit Landon every night and speak to the latter through the incubator. That night would be no exception.As for Gabriella, he also had plans for her. She was his flesh and blood, and he would ensure she grew up without worries, even if he couldn't be by her side. He wanted her to spend the rest of her life in bliss and do only what she loved. All that mattered was that she was happy.No one would expect her to grow up to become an heiress who would push herself harder than anyone e
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
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 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 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 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
Latest chapter
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
