Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 165

Annie was great at holding her liquor. She didn’t even bat an eye as she downed two glasses of scotch consecutively, and everyone cheered.

Willow backed out of the private room before running to the restroom and spitting out the scotch she’d drunk earlier–she hadn’t swallowed, but some of it had gone down her throat. She gargled and forced herself to heave it out. She was weak by the time she was done.

Caleb felt worthless. Aside from throwing a few punches and mouthing off, he couldn’t even compare to someone like Annie. He rubbed Willow’s back gently and said, “I’ll work hard in the future! I’ll learn everything I can so you won’t have to push yourself. All you’ll need to do is kick back and relax at home.”

Willow laughed. “Don’t act like there’s actually anything between us.”

“There is!” he muttered. After some thought, he said, “I’ll be able to do everything that Julian can do now. I’ll be even more powerful than him in the future!”

That took her aback. Why had he suddenly brought Julian up?

The mention of him made her remember hearing about him wanting to take Alicia on a trip to fulfill her final wish. She was his darling, after all.

Willow smiled faintly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. In fact, a sense of sorrow clouded her.

Caleb was upset when he saw her like that. “Are you thinking about him again?”

“No.” She straightened up, supporting herself on the sink counter. “The dinner should be over soon, so let’s head back and see Mr. Weller off. Things should be settled after this.”

He held her to support her, looking cautious and caring.

A tall, stoic figure stood outside the restroom. It was none other than Julian. The light from the chandelier above him accentuated his good looks. He was dressed in all–black–his shirt, pants, and coat were the same color, and some water droplets were on them.

That was how Willow knew it was raining outside.

Julian’s gaze was dark as he stared at Willow, but he didn’t step forward. Instead, he said his goodbyes. “I’m going on a trip, Willow. I’m leaving tomorrow.”

She smiled. “I know. You’re going on a trip with her.”

He fell silent briefly before saying, “Don’t drink so much in the future–your stomach can’t handle it. Keep an eye on her, Caleb. She can’t take anything that’s too cold or spicy. Remember to make her a warm drink in the winter and remind her to take hot baths. She’ll sleep better that way.

“Willow, if you meet a good guy, don’t let him go. Don’t give up on the right to love and be loved because of me. There are many wonderful men out there; I’m not all there is. Call me when you find the right person so I can prepare your wedding gifts. Take care, okay?”

He smiled bitterly after saying what he needed to say. Once he and Willow parted this time, they would become no more than strangers.

Caleb couldn’t take it anymore. He waved a fist as he stepped forward and snarled, “Take care of her yourself, you asshole! You don’t even know that she’s-”

“Caleb!” Willow shouted, stopping him.

He lowered his fist, but his lips continued trembling with rage. “You know nothing, you bastard!”

Willow shook her head. She didn’t tell Julian about her pregnancy or say her goodbyes–there was no need for that. Instead, she

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