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Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 284

Willow listened to Julian calmly, looking like she'd expected this. Esther had fielded all her calls, and it seemed Julian was busy with this or that whenever she called. All of this pointed to a man being sick of a woman—she supposed he was telling the truth about being tired.

Willow didn't push him for more information. In fact, she felt somewhat liberated. When she looked at him, her gaze was indifferent. She could even smile as she said, "It's nothing to be upset about. At least we won't need to be in turmoil anymore. The kids can't grow up without a father, though."

Julian's left hand trembled slightly as he held his fork. He forced a small smile after a moment and said, "Of course."

He drank in the sight of Willow, noticing how she was trying to keep her tears at bay. They'd been together for long enough that he knew her well. She hated him, but her heart wasn't made of stone. They'd spent so much time with each other—it was impossible for her to feel nothing for him.

Julian wanted so badly to tell her that he'd lied to her. He was running out of time and probably wouldn't be able to hang on long enough for the baby to be born; he wouldn't see their children grow up. He wouldn't be able to be with her until they were old and gray.

He wouldn't be able to protect her anymore, and he'd have to make up for everything he owed her in another lifetime.

Julian's eyes prickled as he gazed at Willow. Perhaps this was his last time being able to look at her up close while still lucid. He didn't need to hide; he could look at her without being afraid… even if it was just to say goodbye.

However, would anyone other than he know just how resentful he was?

Tears filled his eyes as he murmured, "Let me play you a song."

It would be the last time. From that day on, Willow's presence in Julian's world would gradually fade until she no longer existed. He wanted to play her the song she liked while he could still remember her—just like their first meeting.

The strains of a lovely piano melody filled the restaurant, and Willow listened quietly. She remembered this same restaurant was where they'd once ended things. She'd thrown her ring into a wine glass and said, "We're over, Julian."

Yet now, he was the one leaving her.

In truth, there wasn't anything to feel bad about. Willow couldn't help shedding a tear, but she didn't try to get Julian to stay. Perhaps this was the best ending for them.

Julian returned to their table and took his seat after finishing the song. He looked out at the night scenery and said, "You and the kids can stay at the villa—they're already used to the place. It's up to you to decide if you want to upgrade to a bigger place after giving birth."

Willow nodded and made a soft sound of acknowledgment.

When he woke up, he stared at her dazedly, unable to remember who she was. He couldn't even recall who he was.

Esther weeped. She'd watched everything from beginning to end and had seen the tears both Julian and Willow had shed. They loved each other despite their difficult situation, yet an illness had to tear them apart. Everything that had happened in the past had rendered their parting so bitter and hollow.

She knew nothing about love, but whatever Julian and Willow had had blown her mind.

Julian watched her weep. Then, he asked, "Who are you? Are you my partner?"

She shook her head vigorously. "No, I'm not!"

She wanted to tell him that his beloved Willow had married him at 22 and stuck by his side through thick and thin. They had a family together, and she was the woman he loved so deeply that he refused to let her go, no matter what.

She wanted to ask him how he could possibly forget about Willow?

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