Willow smiled faintly and allowed Julian to take over the task.
Julian seemed to have come to terms with something, showing no outward signs of trouble. He finished putting up the string of lights and then noticed the Louis Vuitton cashmere scarf Willow was wearing. It was probably a gift from Melanie. It seemed like Willow was willing to wear it now.
He couldn’t help but feel a wave of tenderness washing over him at that thought. He stepped forward, put his arms around Willow’s waist, and asked, “What kind of gift would you like for the New Year?”
Willow smiled faintly and simply shook her head.
Julian’s eyes held a deep longing as he looked at her, as if trying to imprint her image in his mind. He didn’t know how much lucid time remained, nor did he know when he would forget Willow, after all. He wanted to see her and the children as much as he could while his mind was still clear. 1
He also wanted to write it all down–to record everything about Willow, Landon, Gabriella, and Evelyn, who had yet to be born. He was terrified at the thought of forgetting them.
In that instant, Willow remained unaware of what Julian’s lingering gaze truly meant.
Julian never confessed his feelings, nor did he attempt to dissuade her from leaving. He simply offered his quiet companionship and care, hoping that when the time of his departure arrived, Willow wouldn’t be inconsolable.
That evening, Julian began the practice of journaling, recording the various details of his daily life.
In the deep of night, much like the night before, he stayed with Willow in the master bedroom. He held her slight frame close all night until daybreak, recounting stories from the past and reminiscing about their shared past, though he had carefully selected only the fondest memories to recount.
Willow, snuggling against Julian, murmured, “Are the years catching up to you, Julian? What’s with all this reminiscing?”
Julian smiled faintly, thinking perhaps that was indeed the case.
Upon seeing his expression, Liam immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. He set down his teacup and asked calmly, “What’s wrong, Noah? You usually don’t get this worked up.”
Noah was silent for a moment before saying softly, “Alicia as passed away. Her body was discovered in a ditch, the circumstances suggesting either drowning or exposure to the cold. It doesn’t really matter, though, since she’s definitely dead, and the Burkes are currently handling the paperwork to claim her body,”
In an instant, everyone in the study fell silent.
In the end, Karen broke the silence, exclaiming, “Good riddance then! I’d say it’s for the best for a scheming and conniving woman like her to die. Her existence was a mere waste of space! You guys better not feel sorry for her! She got away with far too much by feigning madness and contnitting all those misdeeds for so many years!” Having heard what Karen had said, Melanie found the courage to speak. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she said, “If it weren’t for the deranged woman, Julian’s arm would never have ended up this way. I’m not completely blameless either since I was far too lenient back then.”
Julian remained silent.
Liam, on the other hand, kept his gaze fixed on Julian. He then addressed Julian after a long silence, saying, There’s something I wish to ask you, Julian.”
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