Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 31

Martha Mercer: "Then how did Julian meet such powerful people?"

Julian certainly didn't know them, and even if he did, he wouldn't make the introduction. For a brief moment, Willow Horgan considered just telling her the truth, but seeing the desperate hope in her mother's eyes and her hollowed cheeks, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"I don't know, probably through work," Willow said, feeding her some water. "Your only job right now is to focus on getting better."

Martha nodded. Ever since getting sick, she had become incredibly compliant with everything Willow said.

They chatted for a while longer before Martha urged her to go home. She insisted that since it was finally the weekend, Willow needed to rest, adding that she didn't need to keep running to the hospital if there wasn't an emergency. She could handle things on her own.

Leaving the hospital, Willow headed straight home. Upon opening the door, she was surprised to find that aside from Cooper, Jade Yates was also there.

Willow was thrilled. "Didn't you say you were swamped with work and couldn't make it back this week?"

"That was the plan," Jade said. She had just arrived and was busy unpacking her luggage. "But I have to travel out of state for a case next month and probably won't be back at all. I was worried about you, so I made sure to stop by this weekend."

"What's there to worry about? I'm twenty-four, not a child," Willow laughed.

"Age doesn't equal experience. Besides, twenty-four isn't exactly over the hill. In my eyes, you'll always be my little girl." As she spoke, she pulled a beautifully wrapped box from her suitcase and handed it over.

"What is this?" Willow took the elegant box with careful hands.

"Open it. It's a gift for you."

Understanding her friend's intentions, Willow didn't push back. She slipped the bag over her shoulder. "It's beautiful. I love it."

Jade stepped back to admire it. "Gorgeous. It suits you perfectly." She studied Willow for a moment before clicking her tongue in approval. "I have to say, a beauty is a beauty. Sure, you've gained a few pounds compared to before, but that elegance and charm? Still completely there. Especially your eyes—that amber color. Up close, they're as deep as a lake. Absolutely mesmerizing."

Back when Willow was thinner, she had practically been the undisputed beauty queen of her college. But as she gained weight and weathered endless malicious comments, her self-esteem had steadily eroded.

Because of that, she assumed Jade was just trying to make her feel better.

"Then I'd better put this away somewhere safe."

"Why would you put it away? You have to use it." Jade finished organizing her things and dropped onto the sofa next to her. "By the way, did you hand over the divorce papers to Julian?"