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Chapter 85
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 86
Julian froze.He stared at Willow's tear-brimmed eyes. Seeing how sad she was, he realized how much she actually cared.She wasn't as strong as she pretended to be.She was only 27, yet she had gone through so much with him. The debt he owed her was something he could never repay in this lifetime.But now, all he could say was, "I'm sorry."Tears streaked down Willow's cheeks as she smiled faintly."Julian, I don't want your apology. All I ask for is for you to leave and let me have some peace. If you're truly sorry, sign the papers."Julian refused to sign as he didn't want a divorce. So, he left the apartment.Downstairs, his car hadn't left.He sat inside the car with a cigarette between his lips. He was about to light it when his gaze was drawn to a group of children playing in the distance.It was New Year's Day, and the children were setting off small firecrackers. Their laughter filled the crisp air.Julian looked at their innocent faces, lost in thought.Actually, W
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 87
Julian gave a bitter smile. "I let her down back then, and she's been ill ever since. That's why I've been taking care of her. There's nothing more to it."Such an excuse didn't sit well with Dominic. He tossed the chess piece to the ground."Nothing more to it? Then why are you treating her like a queen? She was born with the illness, but your wife's condition is because of you."Open your eyes!"Julian lowered his head. "Grandpa, I understand."The next day, Willow received a gift—a dog tag.The silver tag was engraved with the letters "JW", representing Julian and Willow.Willow thought, "Julian wasn't the type to do such a thing."Over the next week, she would receive a daily gift from him. None of them were particularly expensive, but they were thoughtful.There was even a delicate diamond necklace that she liked.However, she didn't use any of the items and just tossed them into a box.She ignored Julian and gave him the cold shoulder, but that didn't dampen his enthus
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 88
Everyone sympathized with Willow. So, the rumors were true, Willow had lost the ability to bear children.This type of sympathy was worse than death for her.She had already been betrayed by Julian, and now, she was being scrutinized under the harsh eyes of the world.But she couldn't wallow in self-pity. At the very least, she had to maintain her composure and dignity in front of others.Willow glared at Nancy and spoke each word clearly."Don't think that by humiliating me, I will drop the lawsuit."Not only will I not drop it, but I'll file an additional claim against your family for defamation. When that happens, Mr. Burke won't just have to pay damages, but he'll have to publicly apologize to me on social media."He'll be required to pin the statement on top for a month. I wonder if Mr. Burke can afford to tarnish his reputation like this?"Nancy regretted it instantly.She couldn't allow her husband's reputation to be tarnished. She wanted to take back her words, but Wil
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 89
Julian chased after Willow to the underground parking lot.Tonight, Willow had driven a white Rolls-Royce Spectre, but the car was empty. She wasn't inside.Julian tried to open the door, then gave up.He got into his own car, ready to drive around to look for her. He was anxious, eager to find her.Just as he was about to start the engine, his phone rang.The call was from Grandsburg. Alicia Burke was calling.Julian stared at the name for a few seconds before picking up. Soon, a soft feminine voice came through the phone."Julian, I'm really sorry. Catherine has caused you trouble again."I heard about what happened tonight. My parents acted rashly and offended your wife. I want to apologize on their behalf. Please don't hold it against them."They've done so much for me over the years. Julian, if it weren't for my poor health back then—"Julian didn't let her continue.Holding his phone, his chiseled face remained expressionless. His voice was calm yet devoid of warmth. "
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 90
Willow lowered her gaze. "It doesn't hurt anymore."Julian's gaze darkened. "If it doesn't hurt, why were you crouching on the street, crying? Willow, you could have—"Willow interrupted, "Could have what? Cried in your arms? Julian, your arms are too occupied."He wanted to explain but gave up in the end.Willow no longer trusted him. Explaining would've been pointless. Besides, he sincerely wanted her to live freely, just as he'd promised when he proposed."My Willow would stand at the pinnacle of power, admired by all."They had made it, becoming the most powerful couple in Brindley. But this marriage was crumbling. Willow didn't want him anymore.The love she had for him had disappeared into disappointment.After a long pause, Julian reached out and ran his fingers through the ends of her hair. "Let's go home."The night was enchanting.A black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up beneath an apartment building. Julian unfastened his seat belt and turned to Willow. "I'll carry yo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 91
Tears welled up in Julian's eyes. Willow had the right to hate him.Soon, Blair brought over a bowl of pasta, topped with the sauce. One look at it was enough to stir up one's appetite.Julian put out his cigarette and lowered his head to eat.Standing nearby, Blair asked carefully, "What did Mrs. Ziegler say? Is she willing to come back?"Julian's hand paused mid-movement.After a while, he said softly, "She's not coming back. She's mad at me."Blair didn't dare ask any further.The pasta, topped with Willow's sauce, was completely emptied.Blair added, "There's still half a jar left—enough for three more servings."Julian was stunned. He looked up at Blair and said, "Later on, ask her how she made it. Make a few more jars and I'll take them to Yarrowmere."The partnership between Nebula Group and Aurelia Group was nearly finalized.At the end of the month, he would be heading to Yarrowmere to sign the contract.If everything went smoothly, he'd be staying in Yarrowmere fo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 92
That afternoon, Willow's name shot to the top of the trending topics."Nebula Group CEO's wife is infertile!""Julian Ziegler's Stands by His Wife: A Love Stronger Than Gold."Along with the headlines was a blurry photograph, presumably taken last night when Julian was holding Willow.Within moments, the topic surged to the top of the trending list.Nebula Group's PR team acted swiftly, spending money to have it taken down.But in just half an hour, the discussion reached an astonishing 78 million views, with over 40 thousand reposts.Thousands of women online envied Willow's good fortune for having a husband who loved her deeply.Willow found it ironic.She was in a bad mood, so she left the gallery earlier than planned. She drove her white Rolls-Royce Spectre aimlessly around the streets before parking in the plaza outside an amusement park.She sat on the hood of the car and stared at the Ferris wheel that was turning slowly.At 4:00 pm, snowflakes began to fall.The air
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 93
At 10:00 pm, Willow had just taken a shower. She changed into a silk bathrobe, feeling loose and relaxed.She sat in front of the dressing table, applying her skincare products.Suddenly, a subtle noise came from the door. It was the sound of a key turning in the lock.Willow was about to walk to the living room to check it out when the uninvited guest had already let himself in.It was none other than Julian.Willow sat back on the chair in front of the dressing table and observed him through the mirror.He had some snow on his shoulders and his hair was dark and shiny. It was obvious that he had been standing in the snow for some time.Willow asked softly, "Where did you get the key?"Julian placed the key on the dressing table in front of her, saying matter-of-factly, "I made a copy."Willow sneered, "You're really impolite."Julian stepped behind her and put his hands on the back of the chair. He looked deeply at her through the mirror, as if he was trying to see straight
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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
