Chapter b228 /b

    Julian wasn’t in the best of moods. Over the past three years, he’d imagined countless scenarios in which he and Willow would be reunited. However, none of them had included her already having someone else in her life.

    The moment he saw Patrick, all his thoughts about wealth and power were pushed out of his mind. Being able–bodied was enough to defeat him.

    He could care for himself without any problem, but his crushed arm would be in full view once his shirt was taken off. No woman would dare open their eyes when in bed with him.

    And if that woman happened to be Willow, Julian knew he wouldn’t be able to ept the shock in her eyes if she were to see what he’d be. He would rather her impression of him remain

    wless.

    Mnie’s heart twisted painfully, and her guilt surged when she saw the look on Julian’s face. When had he ever been this self–deprecating and unconfident? He’d always been prideful and bold.

    Still, no amount of guilt would change anything. Her stupidity was what had cost him his arm -she’d led to him losing the confidence to pursue the woman he loved and the happiness he

    deserved. He, Willow, and the children were supposed to be a happy family of four, yet they were now apart from each other.

    Mnie left, feeling downtrodden. Before that, she gave Julian a photo, which he only picked up after a long time.

    It was of Sacha Cantrell, the heiress of a family who owned a medium–sized enterprise. She was a college professor.

    She looked gentle, and based on that alone, seemed like a wonderful woman. It was a waste for her to be paired with him.

    He smiled bitterly before smoking his cigarette. The glowing red tip red and dimmed with each drag, like his restless, wavering heart.

    A couple of dayster, Willow met Caleb and Annie for lunch. Thetter two were dating, and Braxton adored Annie.

    They met at Hidden Springs Restaurant and were excited to see each other after three years apart. Willow saw how level–headed Caleb acted as he ordered the food and turned to Annie, saying, ” You’ve got some skills.”

    Annie poured her some tea and smiled, “You set a good foundation.”

    Caleb wasn’t happy to hear that. “The Young family has good genes, okay?”

    It was interesting to see him and Annie poke fun at each other. Willow watched themb, /bfeeling like her youth had slipped away too quickly. Then again she’d never had the chance to joke around with a partner like this–she’d married Julian when she was just b22/bb, /bafter all.

    Her eyes dimmed at the thought of him. Annie noticed her sudden glumness and held her hand.” Why didn’t you bring Gabrie? It’s been almost a year since Ist saw her.”

    Willow perked up and smiled. “Her grandmother brought her to an amusement park.”

    Annie was about to say something when Caleb harrumphed and pointed in a direction with his jaw.” Isn’t that the bastard? Looks like he’s on a blind date. He’s maintained a low profile for the past few years, but I guess that hasn’t stopped him from secretly searching for a new wife.”

    Willow turned and followed his line of sight. Sure enough, it was Julian.

    It seemed he was indeed on a blind date. He and the woman maintained an appropriate distance as they sat opposite each other, and it looked like they d picked their outfits carefully–suitable for first meetings.

    Julian wore a suit, but he had a ck leather glove on his right hand.

    Caleb hadn’t kept his voice down, so Julian and his date heard him. They looked in Caleb’s direction; Julian zeroed in on Willow and was unable to tear his eyes away from her.

    For a moment, the atmosphere turned a little awkward.

    Sacha, who sat opposite Julian, followed his line of sight and also saw Willow. She guessed he was no longer in the mood to continue with their date, so she politely ended their dinner. “Let’s speak some other time since you have something to attend to, Mr. Ziegler.”

    He retracted his gaze and hoarsely agreed. Once he saw Sacha off, he turned around and headed straight to Willow. He asked, “Having dinner with friends?”

    Caleb had never liked him, so he sneered at that. “‘Friends‘ doesn’t cut it. I’m Ms. Harper’s ex- boyfriend.”

    Annie scooped a mouthful of food and stuffed it into his mouth, shutting him up. He had no choice but to chew vigorously to vent his irritation.

    She knew a bit about what had happened three years ago, so she looked up at Julian and invited him to sit. Thenb, /bshe got him an extra set of cutlery and some of the food he liked.

    He was pleasantly surprised, but Caleb was even more upset. He sounded even more sarcastic than usual as he said, “Looks like your tastes have changed after a few years. You seem to like nd things nowadays.”

    He was taking a jab at Julian’s blind date.