The snow in Brindley had finally melted.

    That morning, a convoy of a dozen ck cars escorted Willow and Grace back to the Chapman residence. Years ago, this was how Julian had married Willow.

    And today, this was how he was sending Willow home, just like how Grace had insisted.

    No matter how it ended, he and Willow married each other legally

    The polished ck cars entered the Chapman residence one after another and slowly came to a stop.

    Inside the dimly lit car, Julian turned his head to look at Willow. He didn’t say a word, but simply reached out to gently ce his hand on her stomach, feeling the child inside of her.

    After a while, he grabbed her hand and held it gently.

    No matter how reluctant he was to let go, he had to. He had promised Grace to set Willow free.

    Grace had brought Willow home.

    Timothy and Heather had been waiting outside for a while. When Willow stepped out of the car, Heather, with tears brimming in her eyes, pulled Willow into a tight embrace.

    She reached out a hand to hold Grace’s hand as her voice choked up. “Madam Harper, thank you so much.”

    Grace held her basket and let out a cheerful smile. “I’ve raised Willow myself since she was a little girl.”

    Heather ran her hands over Willow, making sure she was unharmed. But the moment she remembered Willow couldn’t hear her, sorrow overwhelmed her once again.

    Julian just stood quietly nearby, watching as Willow was helped into the house by the Chapmans. He didn’t follow her in. He simply stood there, watching her disappear into the world she belonged to.

    Out of nowhere, Caleb stormed toward Julian and swung a fist straight at Julian’s face.

    “You bastard! Why did you leave Padstow that night? Even if things turned out the same, it wouldn’t have been the same. Do you get that?”

    Julian took the punch head–on.

    He stumbled a few steps backward, and cold sweat beaded across his forehead. Still, he forced himself to stay standing.

    He gazed at Willow with a faint smile and mouthed to her, “I’m fine.”

    Willow just stared at him quietly.

    The sun was dazzling, reflecting off the ceramic tiles of the vi’s rooftop, scattering bright lights that blurred their faces.

    Julian took a step forward, wanting to see her more clearly, but Willow had already turned around and walked into the vi.

    Caleb blocked his way, swinging his fist and baring his teeth in warning.

    All Julian could do was let out a bitter smile.

    Back inside the house, Heather held Willow’s shoulders and checked her over and over again.

    Caleb crouched down before Willow. He had always been a troublemaker, always iming that he would marry Willow as a joke.

    But now that Willow couldn’t hear, his heart ached.

    “I was only gone for a few days. How did things end up this way? It’s my fault!”

    +25 bBONUS /b

    Riddled with guiltb, /bCaleb pounded his own head in frustration.

    Willow quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it away. She shook her head and smiled at him faintly.

    Caleb lifted his head and said in a rough voice. “I’ll study hard from now on. I’ll also help around here so you won’t have to worry anymore.”

    Since Willow couldn’t hear, he wrote it down on a piece of paper for her.

    Willow smiled softly.

    Willow felt grateful that after losing her hearing, she had Grace, her parents, and a loyal follower by her side.

    That afternoon, Julian returned to the Ziegler residence.

    Outside the study, Mnie covered her mouthb, /bsobbing quietly. “When the child is born, does that mean he won’t be living with us?”

    Julian smiled faintly. “Willow will take care of the child, but he’s still my child.”

    Mnie broke down in tears.

    Inside the study, Liam’s voice rang out.

    “She will carry the baby for nine months. After going through all that pain, why do you think she’ll let you raise the child?

    “It’s not like she can’t raise the child. From what I see, Willow’s grandmother did a really good job raising her, turning her into someone outstanding, with all the right values.”