Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 132

Tyler personally came to apologize to Willow. “Karen has a sharp ngue, but she isn’t a bad person at heart. Willow, please don’t take it to heart. Once the funeral is over, I’ll thank you properly.”

Willow’s eyes grew misty. “I’m only here for Grandpa.”

Tyler thanked her again. Then, he and Liam both entered Dominic bedroom and called out loudly, “Dad, your sons are here to send you off.”

The casket carrying Dominic was slowly carried out and placed in the mourning hall, ready for guests to pay their respects.

All of Brindley’s elites had come to bid farewell to Dominic.

They all came to commemorate his contributions, to remember his love for his family, and to wish him peace on the journey beyond.

For three whole days, Tyler and Liam were busy handling the funeral and attending to the guests.

Julian appeared to be thinner, having spoken little aside from greeting and sending off guests.

On the eve of Dominic’s burial, Noah approached Julian and handed him a letter.

Noah said softly, “After the accident, Dominic knew things weren looking good. While he was still conscious, he told me to write this letter. I wrote down every word exactly as he said it.

“Mr. Julian, Dominic has always treasured you the most.”

Julian took the letter and remained silent for a long time.

When he came back to his senses, Noah had already left.

Julian tore open the envelope and slowly unfolded the letter, which was written in Noah’s handwriting.

“Julian, by the time you open this letter, I’ll be gone. I feared I wouldn’t make it, so I asked Noah to write this down for me.

“Julian, despite entrusting your father to take charge of the family. I’ve always known he wasn’t capable. He’s too soft–hearted and indecisive. So, it’s you to whom I truly entrust this family.

“Julian, the fall of any great family always starts from within. What happened with Dexter was a grave lesson in itself. So please, protect the Ziegler family’s reputation.

“The family is already standing on shaky ground and cannot withstand any more turmoil. As for you and Willow, selfishly, I hope you two can reconcile, but ultimately, that rests on fate.

“In your younger days, you were so driven and ambitious. You said you liked Catherine, but you never thought of marrying her, claiming she didn’t meet the Ziegler family’s standards or offer the necessary support.

“And yet, you married Willow. No one is perfect, and a change of heart isn’t shameful. I only ask that you be honest with yourself. With love, your Grandpa, Dominic Ziegler.”

Julian read the letter over and over again.

Only when his eyes turned sore and dry did he put down the letter, carefully smoothing it out before keeping it.

Qutside, the sound of funeral music and the mourning cries of Tyler and Liam could be heard.

Julian opened his bedroom door and walked down the long, dimly lit hallway. Though it was summer, a gust of wind swept through, chilling him to the bone.

At the end of the hallway, he pushed open the door to a guest room where Willow was staying.

Willow hadn’t gone to bed yet. She was sitting on the sofa, flipping through a photo album filled with Dominic’s life. Her eyes

1/2

Chapter 132

were moist as she turned the pages.

After tomorrow, Dominic would be buried, so she would never see him again.

The door opened with a faint creak. She looked up and saw Julian.

+25 BONUS

For the past few days, though Willow was staying at the Ziegler residence, she didn’t have many interactions with Julian. Everyone was immersed in grief, unable to attend to other matters let alone personal feelings.

A gust of wind stirred Julian’s dark hair, making his features appear even more defined.

He didn’t say a word, but gently closed the door and walked toward Willow. He knelt down in front of her, wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and then buried his head against her.

Willow stiffened slightly, looking down at him.

After a while, Julian’s low, hoarse voice sounded. “Willow, Grandpa is gone.”

Willow felt as if something was stuck in her throat.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify