Julian slowly opened his eyes again and looked at Liam and Melanie. "I don't regret the life I've lived. I was born in an affluent family and had the privilege of gaining much more than I gave. I'm luckier than most, and I even got to meet someone like Willow.
"If not for my stupidity, she and I would've been so happy together. Even if I'm leaving this world with some regrets, I still think my life was worth living."
Tears streamed down Liam's face as he nodded. Melanie was anguished and kept apologizing for having put Julian in this situation.
Julian leaned toward her for the last time. He stared out at the night and said hoarsely yet gently, "I never used to believe in fate, Mom. I always thought I was strong enough to determine my fate—that's why I was drawn to power and status.
"It was only when Willow's grandmother passed away that I realized there were too many things in this world that money couldn't buy."
He continued, "When I thought we'd lost Landon, I swore to the heavens that I was willing to let everything go; I was willing to give up my life to turn everything around. Everything that happened after that seemed written in the stars—I couldn't avoid any of the catastrophes.
"Don't blame yourself for this, Mom. I'm the one who killed Willow's grandmother; I didn't do well enough. If I'd genuinely treated Willow well, she wouldn't have suffered so much, nor would things have been so tough for her in our family. I failed her as a husband."
Julian became choked up. "But how I wish I could be her husband again. I want you guys to help me care for the children in the future. They're my flesh and blood."
Melanie broke down in tears. She slumped by Julian's side and cried, "I promise to do that, but you have to promise me you'll stay strong! You can't give up—it's too hard on Willow to raise three children alone. She needs her husband, and the kids need their father."
Julian's eyes gleamed with tears. Liam wanted to say something else to him, but it was too late. Julian couldn't hear anymore—his mind had descended into chaos again.
He forgot who Liam and Melanie were; he forgot who he was.
…
Julian hung on for a long time but didn't get to see the baby's birth. He left, and his things were gradually moved out of Radiance Manor.
No one knew where he went, and he stopped making public appearances from that day on. Some said he'd gone abroad to expand his business, and some said they saw him with his arms around two beautiful women as he'd strolled along the streets abroad.
He would send daily texts, though. They were voice messages for the children.
"Landon, do you miss me? I'll be back once you think of me a thousand times. I can't be with you because I'm working, so you have to listen to Mommy.
"Gabriella, have you seen the pony I asked your Uncle Dexter to get for you? Do you like it? I'll pick out a white horse for you when you grow up. I'm sure you'll be delighted to see it.
…
Lake Tolpond's surroundings were vast and empty. Only a few vacation cabins were scattered around, and the sky was painted with hues of the sunset.
A handsome man sat beside a cabin. He had no idea who he was and what he was doing there. All he knew was the name of the person caring for him—Noah Harris.
Julian stared dazedly at Tolpond Bridge. He sat there as the sun started setting and stared at the bridge, feeling like he was waiting for someone. However, he had no idea for whom he was waiting. It was likely someone precious to him.
His dreams were filled with chaos and flames. He also saw a woman's tear-streaked face. A gentle voice would ring out in his mind.
"Julian, is our promise truly for a lifetime? Will we never betray each other?"
"Yes. You mean everything to me, Willow."
"If power is what you want, I'll stay with you and help you attain it. I'll always be with you."
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