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Chapter 77
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 78
At the end of the year, Dominic visited the house in the southern suburbs.Coincidentally, Willow was there, reading a book to Grace.Maureen rushed over, panting. "Ms. Harper, Mr. Ziegler Senior is here. You should go greet him."Dominic?Willow was surprised.This time, he came here with quite an entourage, consisting of an entire fleet of black cars.Not only were Liam and Melanie here, but Tyler and Karen had come along as well.Their visit served two purposes. One was to visit Grace, and the other was to invite Willow to spend the New Year back at the Ziegler residence.Although Grace came from humble beginnings, she knew she couldn't embarrass her granddaughter.She remained composed.Maureen, being clever, arranged the seating so that both Ziegler couples sat below Grace, making their status clear at a glance.Dominic was impressed.He took a sip of tea and smiled at Grace. "Willow knows how to run a household. The Ziegler family cannot do without her! Madam Harper
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 79
In the final days of the year, Julian and Willow both stayed at the Ziegler residence.With Willow managing everything, the household ran smoothly. Every detail and social interaction was handled flawlessly.The entire upper echelon in Brindley was abuzz with admiration for Julian's capable wife.Melanie wasn't pleased.Liam, on the other hand, was quite at ease and in a good mood. He even had Victoria deliver a check for five million dollars to Willow.Willow was surprised at the generous gesture.Victoria smiled warmly. "Mr. Ziegler insisted you accept it. He said it's a small token from him."Willow immediately understood his intention.Liam must've grown tired of the Burkes. Given the circumstances, he'd rather support her instead.Willow accepted the check but in return, she discreetly handed Victoria a check of 100 thousand dollars.Victoria was surprised but accepted it after a moment's hesitation.As Victoria was leaving, she said, "Mr. Ziegler mentioned I resembled
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 80
Julian personally put the pendant around Willow's neck. "I got this as a good luck charm for you. It's said to be highly effective."Willow wanted to remove it, but he grabbed her hands, his gaze intense. "With this gift, I want you to be safe, happy, and free from worry for all your years."Willow turned her face away, avoiding Julian's affectionate gaze.That night, they were forced to share a bed.One by one, the lights in the bedroom dimmed until the room was completely shrouded in darkness.The darkness heightened their senses, especially for Julian. He had been celibate for a long time.Now, the woman he wanted was right next to him, so it was impossible for him to not feel anything.He knew Willow wasn't asleep yet, so he reached out and pulled her into his arms.The thin bathrobes did little to separate their bodies. Julian's thoughts were running wild. He whispered in her ear, "I want to do it. Do you want to?"Willow remained silent.Julian pressed on. "Do you want
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 81
That slap left Catherine's ears ringing.She covered her face and stared at Dominic in disbelief. She murmured, "How is this possible? Willow can't have children anymore. She's lost her worth."The atmosphere was tense, but not as grim as Dominic's expression.He let out a chilling laugh. "Who told you that Willow's worth is defined entirely by her ability to bear children?"Everyone was shocked.In the past, Dominic had been the most vocal about wanting grandchildren.Catherine refused to accept this.She had come in thin clothes during the New Year, not for this outcome. She thought Dominic didn't believe her words.She produced a piece of paper and handed it to Dominic, eagerly explaining, "I found this in Julian's coat pocket."If you don't believe me, ask Julian. Ask him if it's true."Julian walked forward and snatched the paper from Catherine's hand. Without hesitation, he tore it apart.He replied calmly, "It's not true."At that moment, Julian was conflicted.He t
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 82
Dominic spoke, "Tell her to come here."Liam nodded and stepped out of the study. His heart was filled with conflicting emotions.As a father, he wanted his son to be happy. But it seemed clear that Willow had no intention of staying in the Ziegler family.Thinking back, he resented his wife for being too harsh and intolerant.In the living room, silence reigned. Everyone just sat there, without any appetite for breakfast.Liam walked in and looked at Willow gently. "Go to the study. Dad is waiting for you."Melanie immediately asked, "Did he change his mind? Julian can't be without an heir."Liam's expression remained calm. "Dad has made it clear. If anyone is leaving, it will be Willow choosing to leave Julian, not the other way around."Melanie slumped into the chair, defeated.Liam gently asked Willow to go to the study.Just as she took a few steps forward, Julian stood up. "I'll go with you."Liam stared at Julian with a complicated look. "Dad didn't ask for you. He on
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 83
Hearing those words, Dominic understood that Willow had made up her mind. She was determined to leave.But he couldn't help but ask, "What about Julian? You don't want him either?"Willow lowered her gaze and replied, "It depends on him. Whenever he's willing to let go, we'll get divorced."She made it clear, and Dominic was disheartened.But he didn't blame her. Right from the start, she was flawless. It was Julian who had wronged her!Dominic pulled himself together and forced a smile. "Why don't you take another look? There are other men in the Ziegler family. Maybe you'll find someone you like."Willow let out a helpless laugh. "Grandpa!"Dominic sighed sadly. "I can't bear to let you go."Willow didn't want to leave as well.She had come from a lonely background, raised and nurtured by only her grandmother.During her time in the Ziegler family, Dominic was one of the few sources of warmth in her life.There was no way she could ever repay his kindness.Willow stood up
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 84
The morning light pierced through the thin mist, casting a soft glow into the bedroom.Willow was packing her belongings. Aside from a few sets of clothes and Snowy, she didn't take much.It only took her a few minutes to gather everything. Then, it was time to leave the Ziegler residence.The bedroom door swung open, and Julian stepped inside.Moments ago, he just had a heated argument with Melanie. She accused him of hiding Willow's condition, while he felt she was being heartless and unreasonable.The moment he entered the room, he saw Willow bending over, folding the sheets, which still held the warmth from the night before.Julian walked toward her and wrapped his arms gently around her waist.He didn't say a word, but Willow understood what he meant.He didn't want a divorce.She found it absurd, yet she still chose to respond calmly."Julian, look at how humiliating this marriage has been for me. Today, everyone heard that I couldn't bear children."I can't stay here
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 85
After standing up for herself, Willow felt liberated. She walked toward the parking lot leisurely.In the distance, Dexter watched Willow silently. He still couldn't believe that she would leave the Ziegler family as well as this alluring world of power and prestige.But she had.Julian was waiting for her downstairs, waiting outside the Rolls-Royce Phantom he often drove.He was smoking outside the car. The morning sunlight illuminated the smoke, blurring its surroundings and his handsome face.When he saw Willow approaching, Julian threw away the cigarette and stamped it out with his leather shoe.He walked over and took her luggage, "I'll take it."As their fingers touched, he noticed how cold her fingers were.Julian couldn't help but gently wrap her hand in his, his dark eyes scanning her pale face.His voice was low and gentle. "It's chilly these days. You should keep yourself warm."Willow thought he was being too clingy. They were getting a divorce, so there was no ne
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 147
Though Willow had initially planned to refuse his invitation, Jeffrey suddenly said, "You should really come over, Willow. You see, Rosabelle is particularly looking forward to meeting you."In addition, Jeffrey felt indebted to Willow for entrusting him with Insight Corporation's affairs, which generated substantial revenue and a significant commission. Having given it some thought, Willow finally agreed to it.Her well wishes for Jeffrey and Rosabelle were genuine. Thus, on the following day, after a thorough and meticulous selection process, she chose a pair of his-and-hers watches valued at six million dollars as their engagement gift.It was after she had swiped the card and left the place that Caleb exclaimed, "How could you be so generous when it comes to spending on your lover? I merely make 12 thousand dollars a month, and you just blew six million dollars on your lover! It's six million dollars, for goodness' sake!"Willow glared at him and bellowed, "You should yell lo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 146
Willow made no move to retreat. She walked up and met Julian's gaze. Her dark hair and white dress billowed in the sharp night wind, her striking crimson lips making the neon lights in the surroundings dim. She then said softly, "What's the matter? If it's about Caleb, I'd like you to know that I'm quite pleased with him. Thanks for sending him over."Julian's gaze hardened as he said, "If it pleases you, then that's all that matters."He seemed to have returned to his usual calm demeanor, no longer looking like the desperate man from before. He even added, "If you're pleased with him, then I'll find a few better ones and send them over to you tomorrow."Upon hearing that, Willow couldn't help but look at him differently, thinking that Julian was an absolute nutcase. Having thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle, Caleb reached out, pulled open the passenger door of the pink Rolls-Royce, and dramatically announced, "It's time to head home, Lady Harper."Julian furrowed his brow and aske
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 145
Charlie fixed Willow with a gaze of profound disappointment as he exclaimed, "You're just as heartless as your mother! How could you do this to Alicia? She's your sister, for goodness' sake!" Yet, before Willow could even respond to Charlie, someone tall suddenly sauntered into the office. He then tossed his backpack onto the coffee table, glared at Charlie, and barked, "Get out of the way!"Charlie raised his gaze, spotting a handsome youth before him. He felt a wave of disdain washing over him as he thundered, "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"Caleb sat on the coffee table and continued chewing his gum, looking like a hoodlum as he exclaimed, "I know who you are! You're the one I saw at the fertility clinic a few days ago, right? I guess you're missing something important down there."Charlie's face flushed crimson with rage as he snapped, "Why, you! I'll sue you!""Go on, sue me! You can take it up with my father's attorney! Oh, and in case you didn't know—my fathe
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 144
In the CEO's office of Nebula Group, Julian sat at his desk, reviewing the documents. He was dressed in a light gray shirt and black trousers, bathing in the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows—highlighting his noble and handsome features. It was then that Esther suddenly knocked on the door and said, "Mr. Braxton's son has arrived, Mr. Ziegler."Julian, without raising his gaze, instructed, "Please let him in."It wasn't long before the sound of footsteps echoed through the office, followed by a nonchalant voice asking, "You're Julian Ziegler, huh? My father told me to come find you."Julian raised his gaze and was immediately stunned. He noticed that the man before him, towering at six feet and three inches, possessed striking features. He was wearing a black shirt and a pair of dark blue ripped jeans, his physique resembling that of a model. Julian furrowed his brow as he wondered if the man before him was truly Braxton's son, Caleb, never expecting him to
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 143
It was a captivating evening in Brindley, with a multitude of celebrities gathering at the banquet hall in Evergreen Grand Hotel.Julian, dressed in his finest, was holding a glass of champagne as he socialized with the other guests in a relaxed manner. His eyes would often wander to the entrance of the banquet hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Willow. However, the banquet was well underway, and Willow was still nowhere to be seen.It was then he heard a familiar voice calling out to him, asking, "What are you looking at, Julian?"Julian turned and noticed that it was Braxton Young, the CEO of Aegis Group, talking to him, so he smiled slightly as he greeted, "Good evening, Mr. Young." Braxton patted his shoulder and said with a teasing smile, "I noticed that you had been looking a little out of it for a while now. What's the matter? Who are you expecting?"Julian replied with a polite smile, "I'm not waiting for anyone."Braxton, observing Julian's striking and polished demeano
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 142
Catherine had died, her passing remaining a mystery. Her body was cremated in Searheim three days later and was later brought back to Brindley for burial.Thereafter, the Burkes stormed into the Chapman residence, causing an uproar. Nancy, overcome with grief, insisted that Catherine's untimely demise was a direct result of Willow's trip to Searheim.Heather sneered and retorted, "Catherine's death was only a matter of time! She did do one good thing before she died, though—exposing the collusive activities of both families in fraudulent marital arrangements, leaving my daughter robbed of five precious years. And you actually have the audacity to make a scene here? If that's the case, then let's settle our old scores once and for all!"Charlie hurriedly held Nancy back, saying, "That medical examiner had already confirmed that there were no signs of poisoning."Sean, having made a point of coming over, explained, "Ms. Harper's visitation of Ms. Burke was entirely within legal param
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 141
Melanie protested, "Liam, don't you think you're reading too much into it? Alicia is pure-hearted and wonderful."Liam looked at her. "Doesn't she strike you as a hypocritical young lady?"Feeling rather speechless, she reprimanded him. "Liam, you never fuss over the younger generation. What's more, you've known her since she was a little girl."He closed his eyes once more. "Willow is still the better match for Julian."…Willow woke up early in the morning. She was sleeping on a bed she wasn't familiar with, but she was wearing a bathrobe from the brand she usually wore. There was even a faint scent of the shower gel that was also present in Grandview Manor.She had a hunch that this place belonged to Julian.At that moment, the sound of a piano echoed from the lounge, and the melody was extremely familiar to her. It was a song that used to cause her emotional turmoil. Willow lifted the blanket and got out of bed. Then, she walked over to the door of the lounge in her bare f
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 140
Radiance Manor was the most high-end residence Brindley had to offer. The master bedroom on the second floor was adorned in dark Ivalian decor, accentuating its luxury and class.The night was chilling. Willow slept soundly on the dark bedsheet. The moonlight shone through the white curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. It was as if the bed was covered in a pale glass.Julian stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. There was gauze wrapped around his forehead. The family doctor dropped by and treated him earlier. The sounds of a car engine could be heard on the porch.Then, Esther led Liam and Melanie inside. The whole thing must've gotten a little out of hand and startled them. Melanie walked over and checked out Julian's wound, feeling utterly heartbroken. "Willow shouldn't have hurt you like this, no matter how unhappy she was."Julian responded dismissively, "It's nothing."She wasn't happy about it. "Keep defending her and see where it gets you. This ti
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 139
Julian grabbed Willow's hand, looked into her eyes, and said in a serious tone, "It's not what you think. I've never shared Grandview Manor with Alicia, and we have never crossed the line. I've never slept with her."She immediately shook his hand off and took a step back. The truth was just unbearably cruel for her. Willow no longer had the strength or intention to hide the misery on her face. So, she allowed her tears to hang off the tip of her nose and smiled in a daze, exposing her unabashed sorry state to him. "That means the love you have for her is pure and innocent, but it is love nonetheless."Julian, back when we got divorced, you said in court that you wanted Grandview Manor and nothing else because it is a home we once shared. Well, you're wrong. It's not our home. It belongs to you and Alicia."On our first anniversary, things got slightly better for us. I asked you to play 'Für Elise' for me, but you smiled and said that you didn't know how to play the piano. "Th
