Altar 32_leaving you bereft

Willow struggled briefly. “I haven’t decided yet.”

 Julian said, “Then decide now.” 

 Her voice turned cold. “Is this a threat or an enticement? Don’t take me for a fool, Julian.”

 Before he could respond, Dominic’s voice rang out from inside. “If you two are going to unt your love, take it somewhere else. Don’t rub it in the face of a lonely old man like me.”

 A long silence followed.

 Julian looked down at Willow, then took her hand and led her toward his car. “I’m taking you to see Mr. Frost.”

 It wasn’t until she got in that Willow realized it was that ck Maybach–the one they had driven during their first two years of marriage. Back then, they relied on each other and had no one else. There were too many unforgettable memories between them.

 She let out a soft smile. (1)

 Julian really would do anything to get what he wanted.

 After buckling her seatbelt, she said lightly, “Don’t think that just because you’re helping with Grandma, I’lle running back to you.”

 Julian nced at her.

 He was wearing a dark gray shirt beneath a lightweight ck cashmere coat. He was tall and good–looking. No matter what he wore, he exuded the effortless charm of a cold and aloof heartthrob.

 He studied Willow for a long moment before pressing down on the gas pedal. “Rx. I’m just doing my part as a grandson–inw.” 

 Willow said nothing throughout the drive.

 After a while, they arrived at Leonard’s home, a secluded retreat nestled between the mountains and water–a perfect ce to grow old in peace.

 A house of blue bricks and red tiles stood nestled among the rolling hills, blending seamlessly into thendscape. With autumn crabapple blossoms in full bloom, the scene exuded an elegant charm.

 As soon as Julian parked, Leonard himself came out to greet them. “Just yesterday, Zara was </bining that you never visit anymore, bring your wife around to see us.” 

 and that you

 don’t even 

 Julian stepped forward and embraced him. “Well, here I am, Mr. Frost.”

 After letting go, he turned to Willow and introduced him properly. “This is Mr. Leonard Frost, a surgical expert. Also, Mrs. Frost makes excellent home–cooked meals, so be sure to grab an extra helpingter.”

 Willow naturally stood beside Julian and greeted him politely. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Frost.”

 Leonard smiled. “You two seem to have a good rtionship.”

 He had met Willow once before, at their wedding. Back then, she had struck him as a delicate, pretty young woman. Butter, after hearing about her from Dominic, he realized she was far more capable than she appeared. No wonder she could keep Julian in check. 

 Now, seeing her again, he noticed that she had matured and changed quite a lot. 

 Leonard took an immediate liking to Willow, as did his wife, Zara Scott. She eagerly took Willow by the hand and led her around the garden to see the flowers and fish she tended to. 

 Willow was particrly drawn to a tree in the garden. It had a small sign hanging from its trunk that read “Under the Magnolia Tree“, written by Leonard himself.

 Catching her thoughtful expression, Zara smiled. “Leonard likes to dabble in calligraphy in his spare time.”

 Willow reached out, tracing the lettering with her fingertips. “He has beautiful handwriting.”

 Zara beamed. “I’ll send you a few of his pieces </bter. He’ll be thrilled to know someone appreciates them. He acts all serious, but deep down, he loves a little ttery.” 

 Willow found herself liking Zara too.

 Before lunch, Leonard reviewed Grace’s medical scans and assured Willow that the situation wasn’t too concerning. They set a tentative date for the consultation.

 With that settled, she finally felt a weight lift off her chest. Over dinner, she naturally raised her ss to toast Leonard in gratitude.

 Julian intercepted it.

 Taking the ss from her hand, he turned to her and said gently, “You’ll be driving us back. I’ll be the one drinking with Mr. Frost tonight. It’s been a while since I <bst saw him.” 

 Leonard admired the affectionate bond of the young couple. 

 +25 Bonus

 After some drinks, Julian’s face was tinged with a faint flush. There was a hint of mischief in his eyes. Even Willow couldn’t help but blush at his teasing. Beneath the table, Julian quietly held her fingertips.

 Willow lifted her gaze, and it suddenly hit her.

 In four years of marriage, this was perhaps the most peaceful time they had ever spent together. No forced social gatherings, no hidden agendas. Just a quiet moment, untouched by the outside world.

 Julian had a few drinks too many and wasn’t in any shape to leave now. Leonard helped him to a loft to rest.

 The afternoon sun streamed through the window.

 Juliany on a bed. The room was warm, and he was only covered by his ck cashmere coat, which he had taken off earlier.

 Willow had shed her own coat, curling up on a cushioned bench by the window with a book in hand while waiting for him to wake.

 The world outside was still.

 At some point, Julian stirred.

 The sunlight was too bright, and he raised a hand to shield his eyes. Through the gaps in his fingers, he caught sight of Willow by the window.

 She was wearing a muted lc dress, exuding a mature and feminine charm. Her long hair was casually braided Into a fishtail braid,plementing her delicate Jface.

 Willow had always been beautiful.

 Julian watched her quietly for a long moment before speaking, “Pour me some water.”

 Willow set her book down and looked up. “You’re awake?”

 D

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Altar 32