Chapter 219 – A Turning Point in Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) by Free Collection
In this chapter of Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian), Free Collection introduces major changes to the story. Chapter 219 shifts the narrative tone, revealing secrets, advancing character arcs, and increasing stakes within the Romance genre.
It was pouring the following day when a black car pulled up outside Nebula Group’s building. The driver circled to the back to open the door, and Willow got out with an umbrella over her head lowever, the downpour was so heavy that a patch of her jacket was soon soaked.
Esther was waiting for her by the car. She led Willow to the office on the top floor and got her a glass of milk. Then, she said, ” Mr. Ziegler is in a meeting, but he should be here soon. Please have a seat and wait for a while.”
With that, she left the office.
Willow didn’t sit. Instead, she stood before the floor–to–ceiling windows and gazed out at the scenery of most of Brindley. Rain veiled the view in a soft, gray mist and soaked the streets… Perhaps also dousing the embers of one’s youth and ambition.
She stared outside for so long that time seemed to blur, making her feel like that day was no different from years ago.
In a daze, she felt like she was taken back to the past, when she was still Nebula Group’s vice CEO. She was so out of it that she didn’t even notice the door opening.
Julian shut the door and stood there, watching her. He was still as handsome as always, and Willow was still young. The only difference was that they were no longer married; she was about to leave him.
Willow would soon leave for Faeria. Who knew how long she would stay there? Would she even return?
When Julian spoke, his voice was a little raspy. “Why didn’t you sit while waiting? You’re still in postpartum recovery–you need to be careful.”
Willow returned to her senses and slowly turned to look at him without saying anything.
He headed to the couch and invited her to sit. Then, he warmed the glass of milk and said, “Take this to warm yourself up. The A/ C is on full blast.”
She looked at him stoically. “Don’t bother beating around the bush, Julian. Name your conditions.”
He held the glass, feeling somewhat upset. After a moment, he said, “We don’t get to see each other often. Are transactions and deals all that’s left between us?”
“What else could there be?”
“I suppose you’re right. You despise me now, after all.‘
“I
Julian put down the glass and looked at Willow. Then, he returned to his usual businesslike behavior. “I can act as a guarantor for Aurelia Group. Knowing what Timothy is capable of, I’m sure he’ll soon be able to lead the company past this crisis.
“My condition is simple–I want us to live like a married couple for three days before you leave for Faeria. I’ll let you go once it’s
time.”
Live like a married couple for three days?
Tears filled Willow’s eyes, and she sounded broken as she asked, “Have you lost your mind, Julian? Grandma and Landon’s lives lie between us. Do you think we can still be together?”
He got up and crouched before her, looking as he always had–he was still the same Julian who struck a good deal.
He placed a hand on her knee and said gently, “Think it through. All you need to do is bring Gabriella with you and stay with me for three days–Aurelia Group’s crisis will soon be averted. Isn’t that a win–win situation? You respect Timothy, and he treats you well. Isn’t that the case?”
Willow slapped him, but he didn’t get mad. He caught her hand and swooped in, gripping her jaw and kissing her hard before she could react. Even when she turned away, he followed.
It was still pouring outside, so it was dark in the office.
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Chapter 219
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