15 Menu Seeing the affectionate scene between the two in front of her , my aunts face was filled with satisfaction . After dinner , she and William retired to the study . t was half an hour later that he finally emerged , bidding me farewell as he left for home . I quickly got up to see him out . Even though it was our first meeting , I felt a pang of reluctance . But I hesitated to speak , afraid that William might think I was one of those girls who lacked restraint . William noticed my hesitation . He chuckled softly , pulling me into his embrace and gently rubbing my hand . See you tomorrow . My eyes lit up , and I looked up at him in surprise . The amusement in his gaze was even more pronounced as he hugged me again before bending down to get into his car . It wasnt until his vehicle was completely shut off by the heavy gates that I reluctantly turned back to the villa . Outside the estate , William spotted the black Maybach tucked away in the corner . The tinted windows obscured the occupants , but he didnt care . He calmly rotated the prayer beads on his wrist . Its best not to be too idle . Over the next month , William and I grew closer . Meanwhile , Julian , summoned back to the States by a flurry of urgent calls , was overwhelmed with problems . Even though Olivia was already in prison , the Reed family still made frequent visits to stir up trouble at the Parker household . Having always lived a life of luxury , Julians mother was unprepared for such chaos and was driven to the hospital by the stress caused by the Reed 14:22 2.1 % < 15 Menu family . Julians father , on his way to work , was also ambushed by the Wen family , resulting in a car crash that landed him in the ICU . With all these major events unfolding , the Parker familys stock began to plummet . One problem after another left Julian overwhelmed , and by the time he finally returned to England after sorting everything out , he was hit with another shocking revelation . I was engaged ! The exquisitely decorated engagement invitation was gripped tightly in Julians large hand , crumpling the paper instantly . The crystals adorning the invite fell away , the sharp edges cutting into his palm , blood seeping out and staining the pristine invitation . But he seemed oblivious to the pain , crumpling the invitation into a ball . Impossible ! I had loved him fiercely , declaring I would marry no one but him . How could I be engaged to someone else ? It was as if a cherished possession had been stolen . Anger and anguish warred within him . He closed his eyes , and after a long pause , instructed the driver to turn around and head to my engagement venue . The grand estate was divided into two levels . The upper level hosted the closest relatives of both families , while the lower level catered to their business partners . Ironically , Julian couldnt even access the lower level . The imposing aura of the man made the attendant tremble , but he stood his ground . Im sorry , Mr. Parker , the hosts explicitly stated you werent to be admitted . 14:23 2.1 % < 75 Menu Julian stared at him , a self deprecating smile playing on his lips . In the midst of the heavy snowfall , Julian stood there in his thin coat , looking up at the grand floor to ceiling windows on the second floor . Under the glittering lights , I , in a white gown , danced with William . My light steps revealed my joyful heart . As the dance concluded , we shared a passionate kiss beneath a sky full of fireworks . The scene pierced Julians heart . Even though Id repeatedly said I no longer loved him , he refused to believe it . Since hed taken me in at six years old , my eyes had only been on him . He knew this , but in his heart , he only had Olivia , so he never took my feelings seriously . Now , his indifference had driven me to accept another mans proposal . Only now did he realize he was in love with me . In "She Returned, I Left" by CrushReel, a captivating romance unfolds against the backdrop of China. The novel follows the emotional journey of two lovers as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and second chances. Exploring themes of redemption, fate, and the power of forgiveness, "She Returned, I Left" delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships. The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own vulnerabilities and strengths that add layers of depth to the narrative. Set in the rich tapestry of China, the novel weaves together cultural nuances and traditions that enhance the storytelling experience. What sets "She Returned, I Left" apart is its ability to evoke raw emotions and resonate with readers on a profound level. With its richly drawn characters and compelling storyline, this ongoing romance novel is a must-read for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling. Available to read at CrushNovels, immerse yourself in this poignant tale that will linger in your heart long after you've turned the final page.