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Chapter 240
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 241
There were just too many memories. That piano in the restaurant—Julian had once played it.Julian lifted the piano lid and sat down, playing a familiar tune with one hand. Memories of the past echoed in the restaurant, lingering for a long time. At the corner of his eyes, a faint glint of emotion shimmered.Willow was a regret, a heartache, and a mark he could never erase. She was unforgettable for life!Sitting at the dining table, Sacha stared at the man she had fallen for. However, her gaze dimmed.She thought that through effort and pleasing Julian, he might come to like her, even if just a little. But the man before her was filled with longing for his ex-wife.He couldn't hide his feelings for Willow, nor did he want to hide them.Sacha decided not to do wrong to herself anymore. She had had enough.She grabbed a napkin and wiped away her smudged eyeliner. Her voice was laced with sadness as she faced the refined man across from her."Julian, I don't want to marry you anym
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 242
Noah laughed heartily. "Dexter does dote on the kids."Julian, however, looked unmoved. He believed that Dexter had rushed back all the way from Yarrowmere just to watch him make a fool of himself.As expected, after dinner, Dexter laughed and mocked him in the study."Julian, you got rejected! I can't believe it. You should reflect on yourself. Could it be that your cold and pretentious act pushed her over the edge?"Julian lounged back against the sofa, his crisp white shirt highlighting his gentle features.He glanced at Dexter and said calmly, "You sound like an expert, and yet, you're past 30 and still single. Oh, wait, I remember now."Wasn't Ms. Sutton from Nebula Group deeply in love with you in the past? But you decided to sacrifice yourself for a political marriage. And now, you're still unmarried."When it came to verbal sparring, Dexter had never been a match for Julian. After all, Julian was simply too cunning.Noah just laughed on the sidelines, but soon, his laug
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 243
Julian stepped into the room. He sat down by the bed, reaching out to gently touch his children's soft cheeks. He said softly, "Landon needs someone to take care of him. That's why I thought about remarrying."Melanie's eyes were filled with tears. She wanted to say something, but held back.She couldn't understand why Julian continued to suppress everything inside him. Why didn't he ever tell Willow about what happened back then—about his crushed arm, about Landon's illness?If he had, at least the family would be whole, and Landon wouldn't need a stepmother.The dim and yellow lighting illuminated Julian's gentle expression. He didn't want Willow to feel wronged. She had already endured so much pain in her life, and he had once promised her freedom.Melanie wanted to push a little further, but Liam stopped her. He sighed and whispered, "Let the young ones handle their own affairs."With that, Melanie and Liam left the room quietly.The night was still and quiet, leaving only t
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 244
Suddenly, a voice rang beside Willow's ear. "Willow."She turned around to look and saw that it was Dexter.After the incident back then, Dexter had been in prison. By the time he was released, Willow had already gone abroad.Thus, they hadn't seen each other in five years.Dexter walked over slowly as he looked at Willow's face. Though she looked a little tired, she was still as gentle and lovely as ever, a far cry from the aggressive figure he remembered.Perhaps, he had never really hated her. He had only resented her for not choosing him.But those kinds of thoughts could only be buried deep in his heart.She had children with Julian, so she was destined to be tied to him for life.Dexter's voice was low and deep. "It's been so long, and I still haven't had the chance to apologize to you in person. Willow, I'm sorry for everything. If you ever need anything from me, just say the word and don't hold back."Willow was filled with mixed feelings. After a long pause, she repli
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 245
Just as she was about to ask, Willow shook her head. "I'm going to the hospital."With that, she opened a black umbrella and walked out of the villa.Once in the car, she immediately called Julian. As soon as the call connected, she asked him hoarsely, "Julian, where's Landon? Where is he?"Before Julian could respond, Willow's tone sharpened. "Julian, how much longer are you going to keep this from me? What else are you hiding from me? "Right now, I want to know where Landon is. I want to know where my son is!"The autumn rain drizzled, tapping on the windshield.From the other end of the line came Julian's voice, hoarse and ragged. "Hope Garden Hospital."It was the weekend, so the traffic was terrible. Every stoplight felt like it was working against her. By the time Willow arrived at the hospital, it was almost 7:00 pm.She walked into the children's ward, and it felt as if she'd stepped into a different realm. That eerie feeling was something she hadn't felt in years.Th
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 246
Julian rarely shed tears, but at this moment, there was a glint of moisture in the corners of his eyes.Separated by a thin layer of fabric, Willow's cheek pressed tightly against his chest. She clutched that mangled arm of his, mixed emotions filling her mind.At that moment, a feeling of love and hate intertwined.Finally, Willow lost her control. She buried her face deeper into his chest as she pounded her fist against his chest.She cried out incoherently, "Julian, I hate you! Why didn't you let me continue hating you? You're the person I hate the most!"Her voice was completely hoarse. Finally, she couldn't even speak at all.After More than ten years of love and hate and several years of marriage, all of the feelings had turned into an overwhelming mess.No one else in this world could make her love so fiercely and hate so bitterly. He wouldn't even allow her any peace in her life. Just like that, he barged back into her world forcefully.She'd tried to run, but it was ho
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 247
The quiet night went on.Willow could barely hold it together, but she still sat down at the table. No matter how hard the food was to swallow, she forced herself to eat every bite.She was no longer the Willow of the past. Now, she was Landon's mother.But the sorrow was overwhelming. Her tears kept falling into the food.Melanie was distressed as well. She comforted Willow softly and then glanced at Julian. That mangled arm of his was a constant reminder of her own foolishness. The marks on her face pained her even more.Melanie couldn't hold back any longer. She wept and said, "That day, I was supposed to send you two off. But I must've been out of my mind."I answered a call and got caught up thinking about Alicia, whom I watched grow up. I couldn't bear to see her suffer, so I wanted to send her some money to improve her meals."Who would've thought that Alicia would knock me out cold? By the time I woke up, a few hours had passed."By the time I rushed to the hospital, Ju
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 248
Willow was stunned momentarily, her gaze drifting toward the window. Suddenly, she wanted to see Alicia.Dusk fell, and the sky was filled with purplish clouds.A black luxury car slowly drove toward the gates of the private hospital. Because arrangements had been made in advance, the person in charge was already waiting at the entrance.When the car stopped, that man gently opened the door. "Ms. Harper."Willow wore a thin black trench coat, her dark hair tied up. She looked as if she were attending a funeral.She nodded faintly and followed that man to a dark corridor. It was damp and chilly, accompanied by the faint squeaking of rats.That man pushed open a wooden door. With a dull clang, the green paint peeled off, showing that the door had been neglected for quite some time.That man smiled. "Our funding's a little tight here. Once we get more money, we'll renovate. We'll also replace the women's locks inside with something bigger and sturdier."Willow smiled faintly.As
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 350
Willow, feigning indifference, replied, "I think we should wait until our children are a bit older."Julian gently stroked her cheek, letting the remarriage topic drop for now. He then lowered his head to kiss Evelyn, who was currently nestled in his arms. She was clearly well cared for, with a soft, delicate face and chubby little arms, and holding her felt akin to embracing a cuddly stuffed toy.In the late hours, after the lights were turned off, Willow snuggled close to Julian, resting her head partly on his arm, and said softly, "I want to come back and look after the children, Julian. It feels like the right moment to do it now, since it'll just seem too sudden if I ask you to take over later."There was a prolonged silence before Julian asked gently, "Do you really want to leave the business world behind?"Willow, showing no lingering attachment to the business world, replied, "There are three little ones who need me to look after them at home. I mean, though the elders are
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 349
It was the dead of night, and at Radiance Manor—the most luxurious manor in Brindley—Julian and Willow were in the throes of passionate lovemaking when, jarringly, a phone started ringing from the suit pants that had been cast aside at the foot of the bed.It rang persistently, the insistent sound echoing throughout the bedroom. Julian had intended to ignore it, but Willow couldn't quite get back into the moment. She gently caressed his cheek and murmured, "You should answer it first—we can pick up where we left off later."Julian's gaze held a profound expression. He gave Willow a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth, then reached over and pulled his phone out of his pants. He glanced at the screen and noticed that it was a call from an unknown number. He then answered the call and said, "Julian Ziegler speaking."Having spoken briefly with the caller on the other end of the line, Julian glanced at Willow and said, "Got it. I'll be there shortly."He then hung up the phone and
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 348
Julian hardly ever drank this much. "I'm fine. It's not every day we get a night like this anyway."Willow, rarely this assertive, didn't back down this time. "You just had surgery not long ago. You're also not in your early 20s anymore, Julian."Julian, looking slightly tipsy, fixed her with a heated gaze and murmured, "I'll let you experience firsthand that a man in his early 30s is every bit as good as one in his early 20s."Upon hearing that, Willow's cheeks immediately flushed with embarrassment, murmuring, "Julian…"Julian's eyes were filled with love as he looked at her, taking her hand in his. Having toasted one last drink with one of the members of the project team, he decided not to push his luck with Willow and declared, "That's it for me! If I have another one, Ms. Harper will be displeased, and I might even end up sleeping on the couch tonight!"Those around them instantly hooted and hollered with amusement.Julian chuckled and exclaimed, "You bunch of rascals!"He
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 347
In the end, with the conclusion of the bidder conference, Nebula Group was officially awarded PrimePath Group's project. Michael turned on his heel and stormed out of the conference room.In contrast, the representatives from the other companies, being good sports, all went up to congratulate them. Given that Nebula Group was the biggest player in Brindley, Julian's direct participation in the bidding was a game-changer, giving them all a memorable lesson. It definitely provided them with plenty of fodder for future conversations and boasting.Meanwhile, those back at Nebula Group had already begun their celebration by popping the champagne.Julian and the other returned to the company, where Dexter immediately popped open a bottle of champagne and playfully doused Julian with it. Upon seeing that, those from the project team cheered and clapped enthusiastically. They had, after all, never dared to act this way toward Julian, who had always been perceived as cold and utterly rut
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 346
Upon seeing Julian, Eleanor went completely still, knowing that her defeat in PrimePath Group's bidder conference was inevitable.Michael firmly held her hand, his eyes conveying a deep conviction as he said, "I believe you won't let me down, Eleanor."Upon hearing that, Eleanor felt a wave of cold air wash over her.It was then that Julian and Esther took their seats next to Eleanor. Having exchanged a polite nod with Eleanor, Julian feigned surprise at seeing Michael, saying, "It's been a while, Mr. Hall. You're looking as distinguished as always—unlike the last time, when you looked like a swollen mess."Having heard what Julian said, Michael's lips trembled almost imperceptibly.Julian, looking thoroughly pleased, settled into his seat.Esther leaned in and whispered, "It seems like we're the ninth one to present our bid, placing us directly after Ascent Group."Julian nodded in understanding.It was then that Preston Padilla, the key figure from PrimePath Group, stepped fo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 345
Dexter seethed with a desire to triumph over Michael, after all.In the early hours, Willow began the scheduled meeting, but after five minutes had elapsed, Dexter's seat was still unoccupied.Having noticed that, Willow turned to Julian and instructed, "Please go take a look in the storeroom."Julian nodded his assent, readily following Willow's instruction. He made his way to the storeroom in a couple of minutes and bypassed the fingerprint lock. He then noticed that the space within was silent, though the subtle sound of someone breathing could still be detected.Dexter, likely overcome by exhaustion, had inexplicably fallen asleep in the storeroom, holding "Julian," the AI robot, in a tight embrace. That sight inexplicably sent a chill down Julian's spine.Dexter remained asleep, undisturbed by the slight movements. He was even issuing a command to the robot in his dreams, murmuring, "Did you miss me, Julian?"Julian landed a solid punch on Dexter, exclaiming, "It's already m
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 344
In the aftermath, Michael, wearing a white bathrobe, leaned against the headboard and smoked his cigarette. Khloe snuggled against him, being incredibly affectionate and wheedling, her ultimate aim being for Michael to financially support her on the side.Michael lowered his gaze, and the finger holding his cigarette softly brushed against her cheek. Khloe looked up at him, allowing him to do as he wished.It was common knowledge that men had always preferred the gentle and compliant type.Michael had never kept women around. He was very displeased with Eleanor, though. He could tell that Eleanor still had a thing for Dexter, which, for a self-made man like Michael, felt like a huge slap in the face. Thus, in order to get back at her out of spite— and with Khloe being good in bed and easy on the eyes—he agreed without much hesitation.In their social circle, it wasn't uncommon to keep a woman or two on the side. In addition, his subsequent marriage to Eleanor would only be a marria
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 343
Julian smiled faintly and said, "It must have been someone who was always around, then."Upon hearing that, Liam was completely dumbfounded. It took him a while before he blurted out, "You've actually known all along, huh, Julian?"Julian turned slightly and flicked his cigarette ash, thinking that it would have been impossible not to know about it. Liam's partiality for Willow had been so clear since Willow's reunion with her family. It was only Melanie, in her obliviousness, who had failed to notice it. Those who were aware simply played along, thinking that what happened in the past had no place in the present.Julian quipped, "You should probably be a bit more subtle going forward."Liam's face flushed with embarrassment as he quickly made up a reason to retire to his room.Julian's surroundings had fallen silent once again. His gaze drifted into the dark depths of the night as he slowly took a drag of his cigarette, his thoughts drifting between the past and what lay ahead, o
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 342
In the hush of the night, a black car slowly pulled into the Ziegler residence, where Tyler and Karen had been waiting anxiously at the entrance.Upon seeing Dexter unharmed, Karen gave him a firm smack on his shoulder and exclaimed, "You gave your father and me such a fright! You can't go breaking the law—no matter what!"Having stepped out of the car with Willow, Julian smiled gently and said, "Dexter only acted in such a manner out of deep affection."Tyler sighed softly and said, "I seriously can't thank you enough, Julian. If it weren't for you, Dexter might have gotten himself into real trouble again."Julian, maintaining his smile, exclaimed, "You give me too much credit, Uncle Tyler! I'm certain Dexter knows what he's doing."Tyler had instructed the household staff to prepare some late-night snacks, but Julian, after giving it some thought, expressed his worry about leaving his three children alone and decided to return home with Willow instead.It was only after their c
