His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 125: Sweet Moments

"Of course you can. Taking a picture will help you remember even better."

Iris smiled and nodded, standing up to take photos.

One of the women making pastries sighed. "Young people these days like everything simple. They've forgotten all the traditions our ancestors left us."

"Yeah, some even do destination weddings and skip the reception entirely."

Beatrice frowned, upset. "We can't just throw away the traditions our ancestors passed down."

Iris finished taking photos and sat back down next to Beatrice. "Grandma, I remember it all. I won't forget, and I won't let them fade away."

Beatrice truly loved Iris. She patted her hand, teaching gently. "We have to pass down our culture. It's the most sincere wishes and hopes us elders have for the new couple."

Iris nodded obediently.

"Come, I'll teach you to make the sweet pastries."

Iris stood up. "Okay, I'll go wash my hands first."

She washed her hands thoroughly and then came back to learn how to make the pastries, completely forgetting about Julian's two missed calls.

Before long, the pastries were done.

May carried the pastries to the kitchen to steam them, and Iris followed to help.

May opened the steamer, which was full of hot steam. She placed the pastries on a plate and warned, "Be careful. Don't burn yourself."

"Got it," Iris replied, placing the pastries carefully.

Suddenly, Julian's slightly hurried voice came from behind her. "I've been looking for you everywhere. Why are you hiding in the kitchen?"

Iris jumped, spinning around. She hadn't noticed Julian come in.

As she turned, the back of her hand accidentally brushed the edge of the steamer tray.

"Ouch!" Iris gasped, yanking her hand back and staring at it.

Julian's face darkened. He stepped forward quickly, grabbing her burned hand. A faint red mark had already appeared on her skin.

May panicked. "What happened? Did you burn yourself?"

"I'm fine." Iris tried to pull her hand away.

But Julian held on tight, leading her to the sink and turning on the cold water to run over her hand.

May headed for the door. "I'll go get burn cream."

"No need, May. Really, I'm fine."

May ignored her and left the kitchen.

Iris looked up at Julian beside her.

He had a serious look on his face, not saying a word as he held her wrist under the running water.

The cold water eased the burning pain. She shrugged it off. "It's just a little burn."

Julian's deep gaze fixed on the red mark, his voice tight with worry. "It's already red."

He was standing close, his hand still holding hers. The air felt intimate. Iris changed the subject. "Did you need me for something?"

Julian lifted his eyes. "Why didn't you answer my calls?"

"My phone was off."

"I looked for you earlier. You weren't in the kitchen then."

"Yeah, I was in the study."

"What were you doing there?"

"Your dad asked for me."

"What did he want?"

Iris fell silent for a few seconds and then looked into his deep, warm eyes, speaking earnestly. "Julian, I've made up my mind to divorce you. I won't change it. Go apologize to your dad and go back to Everhart Group. Don't fight him over something not worth it. It won't do you any good."

Julian fell silent, seeming a little uneasy that she knew. He gave a bitter smile. "You have your reasons to stand firm. I have mine too."

"The outcome won't change. Why bother?" Iris didn't understand his stubbornness.

May rushed back in. "I got the burn cream!"

"Thanks." Julian took the cream, turned off the water, and grabbed a paper towel to gently pat her hand dry.

He squeezed a little cream onto the red mark and rubbed it in softly with his fingertips.

Julian's touch was gentle.

Iris stared at his serious, handsome face, her heart softening and warming up.

Julian handed the cream back to May, washed his hands, and took her hand to lead her out.

Iris wanted to stay and help, but he refused firmly.

When they reached the living room, Beatrice called out to them again. "Iris, come join us. We need a fourth."

Iris looked confused.

Julian spoke up for her. "Grandma, Iris doesn't know how."

"It's not hard. You'll pick it up in no time." Beatrice walked over, pulled Iris out of Julian's hand, and dragged her toward another room.

Iris frowned. "Grandma, where are we going?"

"We're one person short for a game."

"What?" Iris didn't get it, glancing back nervously.

She felt a little better when she saw Julian following them.

They walked into a big game room, and Iris finally understood what "one person short" meant.

They were going to play blackjack.

Irene and Gloria were already sitting at the table. Beatrice pulled Iris to a chair and pushed her down to sit.

"Grandma, I've never played blackjack. I really don't know how."

Irene didn't want to play with Iris either. She smiled at Julian. "Julian, you play instead."

Beatrice was set on it. "We're all women. We don't play with men."

Iris sat there, stuck. She couldn't get up, but she didn't want to stay. She looked embarrassed. "I really don't know how, Grandma."

"You're smart. You'll learn fast." Beatrice sat down at the blackjack table. "They say blackjack's a lucky game. First-timers always have good luck."

Iris looked back at Julian, feeling nervous.

Julian pulled over a chair, sitting so close his arm almost touched hers. He spread his legs slightly, one hand resting on the back of her chair, the other reaching to adjust the cards in front of her. His voice was soft and gentle. "It's okay. I'll teach you."