Using one hand, Julian slipped into a bathrobe and stepped out of the bathroom.
The night of their long–awaited reunion promised to be sleepless. He finally had some rare moments of peace, time to think about Willow, even though she was just in the next room.
But they were no longer a couple, and disturbing her at this hour would be crossing a line. Besides, she still held a grudge against him.
By the floor–to–ceiling windows in the living room stood the grand piano. Julian took a bottle of red wine from the cabinet and poured himself a glass. Leaning against the piano, he sipped the wine, gazing out the window, lost in thought, reflecting on the past.
The good and the bad, the sweet moments of love and the lingering pain, all weighed heavily on Julian.
He looked down at his damaged right hand, trying to lift the mug to his lips, but his hand trembled. After a long struggle, the transparent cup fell to the floor.
The deep red wine spilled onto the beige carpet, staining it a bright hue.
Julian stared at the stain, lost in the memory. For a moment, the past felt more bitter than the wine.
The next morning, before Willow could make her appearance, Gabriella had already woken Landon
She treated him like a doll, carefully dressing him in his tiny clothes and slipping on his shoes. The only thing she didn’t do was brush his teeth.
Landon blushed, but he was happy. He liked having Gabriella around.
He thought she was even prettier than Thalia.
In the dining room downstairs, Julian and Willow sat with Gabriella and Landon for breakfast.
Gabriella had a tight hold on Landon, making sure he was well taken care of. He sat up straight, concentrating hard on eating, his little hand holding the spoon so cutely.
In fact, Willow wanted to hold him and feed him. She had never had the chance to feed Landon
before.
Julian noticed the longing in her eyes and softly said, “Let him eat on his own. It’s good that he’s becoming independent. At kindergarten, the teachers feed him at lunch.”
Willow gently patted Landon’s head. “Landon, you’re such a good boy.”
Landon, pleased by the praise, flushed even more and dug in with more enthusiasm.
Gabriella rested her chin in her hand. “Landon, you look like a little girl when you blush.”
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Chapter 234
Landon puffed up his cheeks. “I’m not a little girl! I’m a big, strong boy!”
But he was still too small to show off any muscles.
+15 BONUS
Gabriella quickly apologized, then exclaimed that she wanted to attend Sunnybrook Kindergarten, so she could look after Landon all day long.
Willow glanced at Julian. “What do you think?”
Julian thought for a moment before agreeing. “That sounds good. It’ll be more convenient for drop- offs and pick–ups.”
As Willow and Julian were discussing their plans, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway interrupted their conversation. A few moments later, Melanie walked in.
Landon obediently called out, “Grandma.”
Melanie, eager to hold her precious grandson, suddenly froze. Her eyes landed on Willow, then on Gabriella.
At the dining table, the family of four sat together in perfect harmony.
This scene was one she had always dreamed of. For countless nights, Melanie had imagined Willow bringing Gabriella back, so they could all be reunited with Julian. Now, seeing them sitting together, Melanie couldn’t quite believe her eyes.
She blinked and wiped her eyes, making sure she wasn’t imagining things. Once she was sure, covered her mouth, trying not to cry.
Julian was already used to Melanie’s reactions.
she
Although Willow’s relationship with Melanie wasn’t the best, she still made sure Gabriella greeted her. “Gabriella, this is your father’s mother.”
Gabriella raised her hand proudly. “I know. Daddy’s mom is Grandma.”
The room fell silent for a moment.
But Melanie wasn’t bothered.
She walked over to Gabriella, her eyes glistening with tears. “You’ve grown so much! You look like Julian. I’m so happy to see you.”
Gabriella lifted her little chin, then looked at Landon. “Landon, you don’t look like Julian… So, does Grandma not like you?”
Another silence fell over the room.
The maids couldn’t help but chuckle. Gabriella was clearly outwitting Melanie.
Melanie, though flustered, did her best to maintain her composure. With a strained smile, she replied, “Oh, I like Landon just as much–just the same.”
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Chap
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