Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178

+25 BONUS

Annie was the one who opened the door. It was late at night and cold in Padstow, yet Julian only wore a thin coat. It was evident this trip was an impromptu one.

She appraised him before saying, “Ms. Harper is asleep. I’m sure whatever you want to say can wait until tomorrow.”

Julian couldn’t wait, though. He said, “I’ll wait in the lounge for her to wake up.‘”

Just then, Willow came out of the bedroom. She wore a cotton robe and her hair fell softly onto her shoulders. There was a hint of fatigue in her eyes. She looked at Julian for a while and then said “Come in.”

He followed them into the room. Annie made a cup of tea before going to her own room.

He looked at Willow in the dimly lit room and said, “It won’t take long. Alicia only has about three months left.”

Willow didn’t look impressed. “What if she doesn’t die? Are you going to keep dragging me and the baby down as sacrifices for the love you harbored as a youth, Julian? You’re not her husband, yet you’ve done everything a husband would.

“It’s been nine years–whatever feelings you had for her should’ve long since faded by now. You claim to love me and that the baby means everything to you, but you have no idea how crowded this relationship is because there are three people in it. Don’t come to me ever again if you can’t let her go.”

Julian left Willow’s room and got one of his own. Warm water poured down on him in the bathroom, and he leaned forward with one hand on the wall. The droplets trickled down his toned body.

After a hile, he turned off the shower, cutting off the stream of water. He lowered his head, and his Adam’s apple bobbed.

The woman he’d protected with all his heart for nine years had turned into his burden, and the marriage he’d once scorned had become a precious treasure he coveted but couldn’t get. The power he’d schemed and manipulated to obtain seemed laughable under the circumstances.

Yet it was as he’d initially said he knew he wasn’t worthy, but still wanted to have it.

He wanted Willow.

Julian’s phone rang where he’d left it in the bedroom. He walked out of the bathroom and checked it, but didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed his cigarettes and lighter before heading to the window. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

The tendrils of smoke that came from it blurred his face, making it hard to read his expression.

Willow had come to Padstow for work. Insight wanted to hold an auction in the city but had failed to secure a location thus far. So, Willow had come to negotiate that.

One night, she treated the relevant people to a meal. It snowed that night, making the city look like it was made of fragile glass.

Willow pulled her hair into an updo and put on a black coat with a large brooch pinned to it. She looked elegant and classy as she got into a black car. Annie shut the door for her before getting in.

As the car started moving, Annie turned to look at Willow. “It’s too bad Caleb isn’t with us. At least we’d have another person to help field the drinks.”

Willow smiled. “He’ll need more practice with that. One drink is basically enough to take him out.”

Annie nodded. “Don’t worry, Ms. Harper. I’ll make sure to take care of things tonight!”

After a brief silence, Willow said, “Annie, you’ve been with me for five years now, haven’t you? Once Insight goes public, you won’t need to accompany me for all this socializing anymore. You’re a young woman–you should have a life of your own. I’ll give you 5% of the company’s original shares.”

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Chapter 178

+25 BONUS

Annie’s eyes reddened. “What are you talking about, Ms. Harper?ve always been by your side for these things.”

When they arrived and started wining and dining, Annie realized she’d underestimated the situation. Everyone in Padstow could hold their liquor, and she was no match for them. They were all enthusiastic, too. She was worried she’d be unable to help Willow fend them off if she were to get drunk.

The other assistant was pretty much a gone case, but they’d still yet to get the green light for the venue they wanted.

The person in charge, Steven York, kept clamoring for Willow to drink with him. He waved his glass around and said business deals were all secured over drinks–he didn’t care who he was dealing with. They had to drink regardless of their identity and

status.

Annie was about to stop him when the door to the private room swing open. Julian strode in.

The moment he entered, Steven shot to his feet. “Mr. Ziegler! What are you doing here?”

Julian took off his coat and handed it to a server to hang up. He smiled and said, “Call me Julian. My wife told me she had a business dinner tonight but didn’t mention it was with you, Mr. York.”

Steven had never met Willow before, so he was gobsmacked to learn about her relationship with Julian.

Julian rolled up his sleeves and sat beside Willow, looking completely at ease. He picked up the glass Steven had placed before Willow and said, “She’s pregnant, so I’ll drink with you.”

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