Chapter Summary: Chapter 176 – Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) by Free Collection
In Chapter 176, a key moment in the Romance novel Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian), Free Collection delivers powerful storytelling, emotional shifts, and critical plot development. This chapter deepens the reader’s connection to the characters and sets the stage for upcoming revelations.
Chapter 176
Jeffrey and Rosabelle’s wedding was on Saturday. The church wedding was held in the morning, and the reception dinner was at Westera Estate. It was November, so the Gibson family had spared no expense in ensuring the venue would be at a comfortable temperature.
That night, the place was filled with the elite and the famous. The guests made a dazzling scene of flowing gowns and sharp suits.
Charlie and his family arrived early. Alicia had been away from Bridley’s social circle for many years, so most people had no idea who she was. There was no denying her good looks–several chi men approached her to ask for her number.
However, she remained aloof and turned them all down. Nancy was even more so. She said coldly, “My daughter doesn’t make friends with just about anyone.”
For a moment, they were the center of attention.
But on the other side, Rosabelle’s family was upset. This was her big day, yet Alicia had arrived in white. Was she deliberately trying to steal the show?
Rosabelle didn’t hold it against her, though. She looked at Jeffrey and said, “I’ll change into my red gown.”
He asked Natalie to go with her. Natalie quite liked Rosabelle and happily went with her.
Shortly after they left, the Chapmans arrived. Coincidentally, the Zieglers arrived at the same time, almost as if they’d timed their appearances.
The Chapmans and Zieglers were important guests, so Jeffrey and Gerard made sure to focus their attention on them.
Will showed up in the dusty pink Dior gown, which showed off her slender figure. Her hair had been trimmed to just below her shoulders, and it was styled so the ends curled inward. She looked beautiful and demure.
Julian had never seen her look so gorgeous. He stared at her, unable to look away. After a long time, he said lowly, “You look
beautiful in this.”
Unfortunately, he wasn’t her companion. Caleb was. The latter wore a black suit and looked dashing. He clung to Willow and said, “You’re not allowed to look at him, or I’ll get mad.”
She was amused and exasperated. Before she could say anything, a gentle voice rang out. “I didn’t know you were the one who bought this gown, Willow. As expected of my sister–it looks amazing on you, and it’s much more expensive than mine.”
Alicia was pissed. She’d put in so much time and effort to prepare for the wedding dinner, yet Willow had captured everyone’s attention upon showing up. Willow had even worn the gown that was supposed to be hers, and Julian couldn’t take his eyes off
her.
Willow didn’t answer, and neither did Timothy and Heather. They didn’t want to be associated with Alicia.
Caleb stepped forward to shield Willow. “Get lost. Who do you think you’re calling your sister? My mother–in–law only had one child; Ms. Harper has no siblings.”
His protectiveness warmed Willow. She reached up to straighten his bow tie.
A few days ago, Braxton had called her, and she’d agreed to slowly show Caleb the ropes when it came to managing a business. It was partly because she’d found it hard to say no to Braxton’s enthusiasm and partly because she genuinely thought of Caleb as a brother.
He enjoyed her tenderness and said, “You’re really warming my heart.”
Just then, Braxton called out to him in the distance, saying that he wanted to introduce him to some people. Before leaving, Caleb glared at Alicia and said, “Don’t you dare latch onto just about anyone.”
For a moment, Alicia felt utterly humiliated. She turned to Julian, who frowned at her. “What are you doing here?”
Chapter 176
+25 BONUS
She grimaced. “You don’t even want to see me now? I didn’t mean to show up before you. I just didn’t want to be locked up in the ward all day. I felt smothered and wanted to come out for a breather.”
Melanie cleared her throat. “It’s better for those who are ill to get more rest.”
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