Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 189

The snow in Brindley had finally melted.

That morning, a convoy of a dozen black cars escorted Willow and Grace back to the Chapman residence. Years ago, this was how Julian had married Willow.

And today, this was how he was sending Willow home, just like how Grace had insisted.

No matter how it ended, he and Willow married each other legally

The polished black cars entered the Chapman residence one after another and slowly came to a stop.

Inside the dimly lit car, Julian turned his head to look at Willow. He didn’t say a word, but simply reached out to gently place his hand on her stomach, feeling the child inside of her.

After a while, he grabbed her hand and held it gently.

No matter how reluctant he was to let go, he had to. He had promised Grace to set Willow free.

Grace had brought Willow home.

Timothy and Heather had been waiting outside for a while. When Willow stepped out of the car, Heather, with tears brimming in her eyes, pulled Willow into a tight embrace.

She reached out a hand to hold Grace’s hand as her voice choked up. “Madam Harper, thank you so much.”

Grace held her basket and let out a cheerful smile. “I’ve raised Willow myself since she was a little girl.”

Heather ran her hands over Willow, making sure she was unharmed. But the moment she remembered Willow couldn’t hear her, sorrow overwhelmed her once again.

Julian just stood quietly nearby, watching as Willow was helped into the house by the Chapmans. He didn’t follow her in. He simply stood there, watching her disappear into the world she belonged to.

Out of nowhere, Caleb stormed toward Julian and swung a fist straight at Julian’s face.

“You bastard! Why did you leave Padstow that night? Even if things turned out the same, it wouldn’t have been the same. Do you get that?”

Julian took the punch head–on.

He stumbled a few steps backward, and cold sweat beaded across his forehead. Still, he forced himself to stay standing.

He gazed at Willow with a faint smile and mouthed to her, “I’m fine.”

Willow just stared at him quietly.

The sun was dazzling, reflecting off the ceramic tiles of the villa’s rooftop, scattering bright lights that blurred their faces.

Julian took a step forward, wanting to see her more clearly, but Willow had already turned around and walked into the villa.

Caleb blocked his way, swinging his fist and baring his teeth in warning.

All Julian could do was let out a bitter smile.

Back inside the house, Heather held Willow’s shoulders and checked her over and over again.

Caleb crouched down before Willow. He had always been a troublemaker, always claiming that he would marry Willow as a joke.

But now that Willow couldn’t hear, his heart ached.

“I was only gone for a few days. How did things end up this way? It’s my fault!”

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Riddled with guilt, Caleb pounded his own head in frustration.

Willow quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it away. She shook her head and smiled at him faintly.

Caleb lifted his head and said in a rough voice. “I’ll study hard from now on. I’ll also help around here so you won’t have to worry anymore.”

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