Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 31

Willow was deeply grateful to Heather.

Just as she was hesitating, a call came from the Ziegler family. Dominic wanted to see her.

Liam was the one who called. The Ziegler family was strict about etiquette. Since Willow was Dominic’s guest, even Liam, her father–in–law, spoke to her with formal courtesy.

He said, “No matter what’s going on between you and Julian, you should still come see my dad. You know he’s always been fond of you.”

Willow agreed.

Early winter had arrived.

The courtyard of the Ziegler residence was beautiful all

year round.

Willow parked her car and stepped out, only to see Liam already waiting for her. The fact that he came in person to escort her to Dominic showed how much this meeting mattered.

On the way, he made polite conversation, carefully avoiding any mention of Julian.

Willow did the same.

When they reached Dominic’s study, Victoria appeared and whispered something to Liam. As they spoke, Willow studied her features.

When Victoria left, Willow remarked, “Liam, your secretary looks familiar to me.”

There was a hint of hesitation on Liam’s face.

After a pause, he pushed open the door and looked at Willow. “Dad is waiting for you.”

Willow let the matter drop and stepped inside.

In the rustic study, the rich aroma of tea filled the air. Dominic was leisurely sipping his tea while on a rocking chair. There were no maids in sight.

Hearing footsteps, he smiled and said, “Willow, you’re here? Come. Have some tea with me.”

Willow walked over and sat down, greeting Dominic respectfully. There was still a touch of formality in her tone.

Dominic smiled. “Julian isn’t here, and I sent everyone else away too. Let’s have a good chat today.”

Willow gave a small smile and leaned forward to pour him tea.

Arnong all the younger members of the Ziegler family, aside from Julian, Dominic valued Willow the most–perhaps even more than his eldest grandson, Dexter. Of course, this special favor had also made her a target of resentment. This was something Dominic was well aware of.

He took a sip of tea, then casually brought up Dexter and Eleanor, before ending with a light remark, “You and Julian have been married four years. It’s about time we settled Dexter’s marriage too.”

Willow stiffened.

She immediately understood. Dominic didn’t approve of Eleanor. If he did, Dexter would have married her already. By bringing this up now, Dominic was making it clear that he was about to remove any obstacles to a more suitable match for Dexter. (1)

Though the realization shook her, Willow kept her expression calm, even offering a smile. “You’re right. Dexter should settle down by now.”

Dominic gave her a sharp look.

She was steady and reserved, the kind of woman who was more than worthy of Julian.

Then, shifting the conversation, he asked about Grace’s health.

Willow gave a brief, measured response.

Dominic paused for a moment. “Why didn’t you have Julian tell me about something this important? I know what’s on your mind. You think Julian doesn’t love you. But I see things clearly. If he didn’t care about you at all, your marriage wouldn’t have lasted this long.”

Willow lowered her gaze. “I understand that feelings don’t matter in the Ziegler family.”

Dominic’s expression darkened. “Did Julian tell you that crap? That idiot! If feelings don’t matter, then how the hell did his parents manage to have him? Was that just some mindless animalistic mating?”

Willow couldn’t help but think of Victoria. Her striking beauty was hardly accidental. 1

But she said nothing.

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