Semua Bab Leaving You Bereft: Bab 291 - Bab 300

Esther's face was wet with tears when she finished reading the journal entry. Her sorrow couldn't affect a man who'd lost his memories, though.Julian couldn't see, and he couldn't remember anything. He lived in his own world, which didn't even have day and night. All he knew was that he had Noah by his side.The surface of the lake rippled, and the water lapped against the bank. For once, Julian couldn't sleep. He sat up in the darkness and said, "Noah."Noah immediately sat up. "Is your heart racing? Do you need water?"Julian shook his head. "Did something fall into the water? I keep hearing it lapping against the bank, and it's all I can hear. Can you help me out there so I can see it?"He couldn't see anything, but he still wanted to take a stroll. Otherwise, he couldn't be at peace.Noah tried to satisfy him wherever possible, so he helped Julian out of bed and straightened his clothes. He also wrapped a windbreaker around Julian's shoulders.They embarked on a journey in

Gabriella stared out at the snow, suddenly feeling like a car would just pull up outside. Julian would get out with a handful of sparklers that he'd bought for her and Landon.How could he be dead? He'd yet to hold Evelyn, so he couldn't be dead. But why wasn't he coming back when she'd waited and waited for him by the window every day?Tears filled Gabriella's eyes, and she threw herself into Willow's arms. "Mommy, will Daddy come back?"Willow held her close underneath the warm lights and pressed their faces together. "Yes, he will. It might be when you're in elementary school, or it might be when you're all grown up and with a family of your own…"Gabriella was already five and had a vague understanding of life's intricacies. She leaned into Willow's embrace and was dazed for a long time. Then, she mumbled, "I'll always be by your side, Mommy."Willow felt like crying. After putting the children to bed, she stood before the window and looked out at the blanket of snow.Where w

It was the night before New Year's Eve, and the first snow had cleared. However, snow still blanketed the mountains and pines lining either side of the highway, turning them into a sea of white.Most of the lake had frozen over in winter, but there were spots where the sunlight hit that weren't frozen. The water gently lapped against the bank, glistening in the sunlight.A black car sped toward Lake Tolpond. Willow sat in it, her face turned to look out the window. Her nose was red.It was noon, and the sun hung high in the sky. The car approached Lake Tolpond, where a secluded resort sat. It was deserted in winter, and things were silent and still. Only one cabin had smoke coming from the chimney—someone was obviously using the fireplace to make things warm and toasty inside.Willow told the driver to pull up before that cabin. Once the car stopped, she opened the door. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and she felt stiff all over. As she got out, she practically stumbled to the

It was warm and comfortable in the bedroom's lounge. Julian had taken off his coat to reveal the black cashmere shirt underneath. The thin material clung to his toned chest and broad shoulders. Even just sitting there, he looked good.Gabriella held a fairy tale book and read it aloud. "Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who had a stepmother. Her stepmother was jealous of her beauty, so she thought of a way to get rid of her. The stepmother used a poisoned apple to hurt the princess, leaving the princess in a deep sleep."Only a prince who genuinely loved the princess could awaken her with a true love's kiss. One day, a prince passed through the forest…"When she was done with the book, she looked at Julian with bright eyes. "You used to read to me like that. Do you remember now?"He didn't, but Gabriella had plenty of ideas. She ran to the cot and carried Evelyn to Julian with a maid's help. She held Evelyn up to Julian's nose so he could sniff her. Then, she said ha

Willow leaned against the cot and looked at Evelyn's face, sweet even when asleep. She said lowly, "She's just like Gabriella—they look like you. Landon looks more like me."She looked at Julian, her eyes glistening with tears.Later that night, she returned to the bedroom after showering and doing her skincare. Only a reading lamp was on, and Julian leaned against the bed head. The cot had magically been moved to be beside the bed. He only needed to reach out a hand to touch it.Willow could tell he adored Evelyn, even if he hadn't mentioned anything. She lifted the sheets and got into bed. It was warm underneath because of Julian's presence, and she leaned her head against his abdomen. She said nothing—all she did was lean into his embrace. He held her close.No matter how strong Willow was, she still needed someone to cure the worry that had plagued her for far too long. Moreover, she wasn't sure whether Julian could be treated. She wouldn't be able to rest easy until Leonard wa