His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 109: Divorce Papers

That compliment made Iris feel sick.

"I'll ask Julian for a divorce." Iris sounded firm, with no hesitation at all.

"You're willing to let him go?" Frederick looked confused.

Iris scoffed to herself.

Three months of dating after a blind date, two years of a cold marriage. She couldn't even count the happy days on one hand.

Unwilling to let go of his cold treatment?

She could make her own money and buy her own house and car. He couldn't make her happy, couldn't even be intimate with her. Having a baby was just a dream. She'd only kept going because of that little bit of love and hope in her heart.

What was there to hold onto?

Iris spoke firmly. "I'm willing. I don't love Julian anymore. Not even a little."

Frederick smiled, pressing his lips together and nodding. He fell silent for a few seconds, then said, "Julian won't agree to a divorce. You're smart. Figure out a way to make him say yes."

"I'll file for divorce in court."

"File? Without a good reason, the judge won't let you get divorced."

Iris bit her lip softly and then made up her mind. "We haven't been intimate once in two years of marriage."

"Clang!"

Frederick was so shocked he dropped the scissors. He stared at Iris, eyes wide, lost for words.

Yeah, anyone who heard that would be shocked.

But she'd put up with it for two whole years.

And Frederick was probably more worried about Julian's sexuality.

"I hope we find the other five monkeys tomorrow." Iris took photos of the monkeys out of her bag and set them on the table. "These monkeys have marks. If any kind person sees them, they can call me with clues."

After she finished speaking, Iris slung her bag over her shoulder and left Rosehill Estate.

Frederick still couldn't snap out of his shock.

*****

The next day, no one called with any clues.

Iris knew Frederick still didn't believe her.

But she was sure he had the monkeys. They were probably safe for now. She had no idea if there were professionals keeping them quarantined and cared for, though.

She'd probably get the monkeys back the day she got her divorce papers.

She took the day off on purpose and went to a law firm.

She didn't tell anyone about the divorce.

She just did it—quick, firm, no mercy. She filed the papers.

The night in June was sweltering hot.

It was half past ten at night when Julian got home. He was so tired that it felt like a mountain was weighing on his shoulders.

He turned on the living room light, set down his car keys, changed into slippers at the doorway, and sat down on the sofa.

There was an envelope on the coffee table.

He took off his suit, pulled off his tie, and picked up the brown envelope. He glanced at it—it was from the court. His face turned dark right away.

He opened the envelope, and the paper inside was divorce papers.

The living room was so quiet.

Julian leaned back on the sofa, drained and weak. He held the papers tight against his lap, not moving. His face was cold, and his eyes were turning red.

His chest rose and fell. His shaking hand crumpled the papers. He took a deep breath, stood up, and turned toward Iris's bedroom.

He propped one hand on the doorframe. The other hand felt as heavy as a ton of bricks. He banged it twice on the door.

On the third knock, the door opened.

He pushed it open the rest of the way.

Iris felt a strong force hit her the second she turned the doorknob.

She stepped back two steps, still not processing what was happening. A tall figure loomed over her. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed her arm and pressed her against the wall.

His hot breath, his dangerous cold vibe, his overwhelming pressure—it felt like an invisible net wrapping around her.

Iris's heart raced. She looked up nervously at the man standing inches from her.

The warm light from the room was behind him, making his features look even sharper and colder. His red eyes were like a wounded animal's—no mask, just staring right through her.

Iris had never seen Julian like this.

It scared her.

Julian propped one hand on the wall, the other pressing her shoulder. His voice was hoarse. "Iris, this time you didn't even ask me for a divorce. You just went to court and filed?"

Iris forced herself to stay calm. "If I asked, would you agree?"

Julian's lips curled into a bitter smile. "No."

"I knew you wouldn't. That's why I filed." Iris held back the sharp pain in her chest, forcing back her tears. She spoke calmly, even coldly. "We have no kids, no property to split. It'll be over in two or three months."

Julian touched her cheek gently, bending down to look at her with his wet red eyes.

The second he touched her, Iris's whole body went stiff. She felt uneasy.

She was scared Julian might force himself on her out of anger and then her reason for the divorce would be gone.

But she didn't expect to see tears glistening in his red eyes. His whole attitude turned soft and gentle. His voice was so quiet it was almost gone, barely making it out of his throat. "Iris, I only have this one marriage in my whole life. You're my only wife. No matter what the judge says, I'm not letting you go."

Iris felt panic in her heart. "Julian, don't be like that. Don't go overboard."

Julian's breathing got heavier and heavier. He closed his eyes slowly, hanging his head like he was trying hard to control his emotions. His voice gained a little strength. "These two years, I couldn't bear to get mad at you. I had to take time to work through my feelings. Yeah, I ignored you. But I'm trying to change. I..."