Semua Bab Leaving You Bereft: Bab 71 - Bab 80

Julian leaned against the sliding door, lowering his voice as he questioned Willow, "What's the meaning of this?"Willow set down the fruit in her hands and asked in return, "What do you mean?"He stepped closer, leaning against the dark-colored countertop, his sharp and handsome features looking down at her. "I'm talking about Jeffrey! Willow, are you keeping a backup while you look for something better?"Willow lowered her head and continued arranging the fruit. "Are you the backup?"Julian was furious.He grabbed her chin, intending to kiss her, but she bit down hard on the corner of his lips. As they struggled, the stainless steel kitchenware clanged noisily in the kitchen.After a while, she broke free and fled the kitchen. "Julian, I'm not as filthy as you are."Julian followed her out.The Gibson siblings had already left. The living room was empty…Willow stood there for a long moment, looking somewhat melancholic, which made Julian unhappy. "Do you miss them? Since wh

Willow blurted out, "No."Julian lowered his head and captured her red lips, kissing her deeply and repeatedly. She struggled against him, so he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head.He picked up the slender champagne bottle from the table and fed her the remaining half bottle until he got her completely drunk.Her long mauve dress was soaked with golden liquor, turning sultry and decadent.Her voice, too, became soft and alluring. "Julian, you bastard…"Julian caught her swaying body, his voice hoarse. "Yeah, I'm a bastard. A bastard who's taking you home."The night was intoxicating.A black Rolls-Royce Spectre was parked outside the apartment building. Even in the late hours, passersby couldn't help but steal glances. The car was simply too luxurious and dazzling.The driver, understanding the situation, stepped out for a smoke.Inside the car, Willow had fallen asleep.She was nestled in Julian's arms, wrapped in his light wool coat. She slept soundly with he

"You're the one who forbade him to see me, right?" Catherine cried.…Two female caretakers rushed in, grabbing Catherine by the arms to keep her from thrashing around.But Catherine still had her mouth.She started hurling insults at Willow, her words vicious. "Julian never loved you! You're nothing more than a tool for his power struggle! If he truly loved you, why would he stay in Grandsburg instead of coming back?"Willow, you're pathetic for clinging to a man who doesn't love you. You have no self-respect at all!"One of the caretakers covered her mouth.But it was too late. Everyone had heard her, including Charlie and Nancy, who had just arrived, and Julian.The room fell into a dead silence.Willow's pride was trampled on once again…Julian's Adam's apple bobbed as he called out, "Willow."Willow first looked at Catherine, then shifted her gaze to her husband. She let out a faint smile. "Julian, she's not wrong. You don't love me, do you? Do you dare say it now that

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

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