Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 146

Willow made no move to retreat. She walked up and met Julian's gaze. Her dark hair and white dress billowed in the sharp night wind, her striking crimson lips making the neon lights in the surroundings dim. She then said softly, "What's the matter? If it's about Caleb, I'd like you to know that I'm quite pleased with him. Thanks for sending him over."

Julian's gaze hardened as he said, "If it pleases you, then that's all that matters."

He seemed to have returned to his usual calm demeanor, no longer looking like the desperate man from before. He even added, "If you're pleased with him, then I'll find a few better ones and send them over to you tomorrow."

Upon hearing that, Willow couldn't help but look at him differently, thinking that Julian was an absolute nutcase.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle, Caleb reached out, pulled open the passenger door of the pink Rolls-Royce, and dramatically announced, "It's time to head home, Lady Harper."

Julian furrowed his brow and asked, "Did he just call you Lady Harper?"

Willow walked over to the Rolls-Royce and replied nonchalantly, "Is there an issue with that? If it pleases me, he can call me whatever I want—even 'darling.'"

Julian remained silent. He simply watched as the young man he had handpicked got into Willow's Rolls-Royce, chauffeuring her home and addressing her as "Lady Harper". He could have been the one saying it, calling her "Lady Harper"—the lady of the house.

Caleb, on the other hand, ran his hand over the steering wheel, exclaiming, "What an awesome ride! You were brilliant out there—Julian's expression was priceless!"

Willow fastened her seatbelt and stated flatly, "You're not to call me Lady Harper again."

Caleb hit the gas and asked, "Is 'darling' acceptable then?"

Willow was rendered speechless.

…

Julian stood in place for a while before letting out a soft scoff, thinking that Caleb was nothing more than an ignorant brat. He didn't need to take him seriously.

Julian took the final drag of his cigarette before getting into his Rolls-Royce. He then drove straight to Radiance Manor, which had become his primary residence nowadays.

Having pulled up at Radiance Manor, one of the household staff, Jesse Schmidt, promptly approached, took his coat, and asked, "Shall I prepare a late-night snack for you, Mr. Ziegler?"

Julian hesitated momentarily before replying, "I'm not really hungry."

Jesse, having picked up on Julian's foul mood, wisely dropped the matter.

Willow took a sip of her coffee and said softly, "It's not a matter of disrespecting your wishes, Liam, but Julian and I have truly run our course. I simply can't accept Alicia being in the picture. In addition, I had already paid my respects to Dominic at the cemetery yesterday, leaving him a bouquet of daisies. I'm sure he would have found them pleasing."

Her frankness left Liam with no room to argue. He was aware that the Ziegler family had wronged her regarding Alicia—at first, they kept the truth hidden, and later, they lacked the courage to reveal it. He stayed a little while longer before finally getting up to leave. He also reminded Willow to take good care of herself due to the recent chilly weather.

Having heard that, Willow felt slightly taken aback, though she was rather moved by Liam's attention.

It was only after Liam had left that Annie walked in and picked up the box of mince pies from Hearth Patisserie for closer inspection, saying, "You know, these are rather exclusive. You'd have to stand in line for two whole hours to get them if you don't order ahead."

Willow, not being a fan of sweet treats, said, "You can take it with you if you like it."

Upon hearing that, Annie was absolutely delighted.

Willow remained unaffected by Liam's visit and carried on with her work. She had even dismissed Caleb, who had dropped by at one point, thinking that he was quite needy for attention.

That evening, Jeffrey called, inviting her to his pre-engagement gathering, an event planned to introduce Rosabelle to his circle of friends.