Chapter Summary: Chapter 192 – Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) by Free Collection
In Chapter 192, 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.
Nebula Group reserved four floors of the Gloriosa Hotel and had their annual year–end banquet there. However, things were different this year. Tyler, Karen, Liam, and Melanie were all here.
Julian was uncharacteristically low–profile tonight. After he had given the opening speech, he’d basically stepped out of the spotlight.
It might’ve been because he was still wearing a wedding band or the photo released by the public relations department. In any case, no ladies flirted with him, even though he was single, which gave him a moment of peace.
With that said, Julian still had to socialize with certain people. Various shareholders of Nebula Group aimed to marry their daughters into the Ziegler family and elevate their family status.
At first, Melanie swapped pleasantries with them, but Liam shot her a look later. He was hinting to her that Julian and Willow might get back together. So, Julian wasn’t in the market for girlfriends.
When they had a private moment, she said softly, “Julian will be 30 years old soon. He can’t afford to wait any longer.”
Liam glared at her again. “Men age like fine wine. The older, the better. You know nothing. Moreover, Willow still has a baby in her belly, and yet you’re already asking Julian to get a new girlfriend.
“Did it ever occur to you that you’ll make her feel disheartened? What kind of a grandmother are you? Clueless idiot.”
Tyler also chimed in and said, “Melanie, I have to say that you didn’t think it through this time.”
She reacted by being overly coy and apologized to Liam. Ever since Dominic passed away, Liam’s words carried authority in the family. So, she didn’t dare to cross him.
The banquet had gone halfway when Julian summoned Esther and softly asked her something.
She responded gently, “The driver is waiting for you in the underground parking lot. The stuff you prepared for Madam Harper is in the trunk as well. Everything is in place now.”
Julian raised his hand and checked his watch. It was 7:50 pm.
Turning to his parents, he said something to them. Then, he delegated some tasks to some top management staff and left with Esther. He was going to swing by the southern suburbs to visit Grace.
It was the day before New Year’s Eve, and he wanted to visit Willow. Esther walked next to him and reminded him dutifully. “Mr. Ziegler, watch your steps. Don’t trip and fall.”
Julian responded nonchalantly, “I’ve merely drunk a couple of glasses of champagne. I’m fine.”
Esther grinned. “But you seem to be in a good mood today.”
Really? As a matter of fact, she seemed to have a point.
Julian bumped into Willow today, and he would get to see her again later. Also, he would get to rub Landon through her tummy.
As for her ears, she was still not in shape for medicines. Once Landon was born, he would search high and low for tamous modern and traditional treatment doctors.
Julian had made it his mission to cure her hearing so she would have no regrets. If he couldn’t do it, he would be her ears for the
rest of his life.
A hint of tenderness flashes across his face.
Esther believed that Julian had changed. He wasn’t as unsympathetic as he used to be. Instead, he was stoic, responsible, and protective.
Perhaps it was because he had someone he actually loved, and that changed his entire demeanor. In any case, she was happy for him.
Chapter 192
+25 BONUS
They chatted casually as they arrived at the car. She opened the door to the backseat and covered the top part of the car with her hand, saying, “Mr. Ziegler, be careful not to bump your head.”
He was about to step into the car when he heard a tender, female voice from behind him. “Julian.”
Turning around, he found himself staring at Alicia. She wore thick clothing today, wrapping her scrawny body with a long black puffer coat, revealing only her red cheeks.
When she stared at Julian and his elegant attire, there was longing in her eyes.
“Julian, I’m leaving. I want to go back to Grandsburg and spend the last moments of my life there. My dad, mom, and Dr. Andrew will go with me.
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything silly again. I’ll spend whatever is left of my life in peace and quiet. I acted willfully and dragged Willow down with me last time, and I’m very sorry for that
“Julian, this is goodbye.”
Alicia’s eyes were misty as she took steps backward, making her way to the exit of the underground parking lot.
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