His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 137: Unmasked and Unrelenting

Pretending to be someone he isn't?

What is that even supposed to mean?

Does he have a hidden side no one knows about?

Iris stared at the man in front of her. He was familiar, but also strange. A strong unease came over her, and she broke out in goosebumps.

Memories popped into her head—that scary show she watched as a kid, "Don't Talk to Strangers," and those terrifying news stories of wives being killed. Their bodies were cut up and flushed down the toilet, hidden in fridges...

Julian reached out to take her hand.

Iris stepped back, scared. She tucked her hands behind her back and stared at him nervously.

Julian's face turned dark right away. His outstretched hand froze in mid-air. After a few seconds, his knuckles tightened into a fist. "Iris, I'm not going to be polite and gentle with you anymore."

He reached for her hand again and grabbed it tight.

Iris panicked even more. She pulled her hand hard, but she couldn't get it free.

The next second, Julian bent down and lifted her up in his arms.

Her feet left the ground suddenly. Iris jumped, her heart beating fast. She grabbed his shoulders without thinking, her voice shaking a little. "Julian, what are you doing?"

"Going home." Julian's voice was deep and firm. He held her tight and walked quickly toward the neighborhood, his tone leaving no room for argument.

His arms were strong, like he wanted to press her right into his body.

"Put me down." Iris struggled, her voice full of panic and helplessness. "I have other things to take care of."

Julian ignored her. He walked even faster, like he was afraid she'd vanish from his arms any second.

His voice got colder, with a little suppressed anger. "Where did you stay these five days? What were you doing?"

Iris pressed her lips together and said nothing.

In the night, the streetlight hit his profile, casting a shadow under his deep eye sockets.

Julian's expression got darker, his voice serious. "Iris, we're still married. Do you really have to act like this with me?"

Iris didn't know how to answer. Her throat felt tight, like something was clogging it up.

As they got closer to the neighborhood, more and more people filled the streets.

Iris felt embarrassed, her cheeks turning red. She buried her face in Julian's chest without thinking, her voice as quiet as a whisper. "Put me down, Julian. Please. I promise I'll go home with you."

But Julian acted like he didn't hear her. He held her even tighter.

He was carrying his own wife home. It didn't matter if the security guards or neighbors saw.

They got on the elevator. Iris, still blushing, asked quietly, "Aren't you tired?"

Julian's face was cold, but his voice was gentle. "You're light. I could carry you for a few more miles and not get tired."

"I never see you work out."

The elevator door opened. Julian carried her out, explaining calmly, "I come home late a lot. Most of the time, I'm at the gym."

Iris froze for a second, her heart full of mixed feelings.

Julian held her with one arm, unlocked the door with his fingerprint, and kicked it shut with his foot once they were inside.

He didn't change his shoes. He carried her straight to the sofa and sat down.

Iris tried to get up, but Julian pulled her tight into his arms. His arms were like an iron cage, holding her tight.

Julian buried his face in her neck, breathing in her scent greedily, murmuring softly, "Don't move. Let me hold you for a minute."

Iris stiffened in his arms, listening to his fast, heavy breathing. Her heart was all messed up.

The living room was so quiet. The only sound was their heartbeats, each one pounding against her already tense nerves.

After a long time, Julian slowly lifted his head, his eyes fixed on Iris. "Let's not get divorced. Okay?"

Iris looked away from his intense gaze, bit her lip, and said nothing.

Julian's hand gently touched her cheek, his thumb brushing her lips. "I know I messed up before. I made you feel bad. But I can't live without you."

Iris's eyes burned, and tears almost fell. She turned her head, her voice choking a little. "Julian, the problems between us can't be fixed with just a few words."

Julian held her even tighter, like he wanted to chase away all her unease with his hug. "No matter what the problem is, we'll face it together. We'll fix it. I'll do anything, as long as we don't get divorced."

Iris closed her eyes. All she could think about was the last two years: a marriage filled with neglect that had worn her down bit by bit.

It was one hope after another, and then one disappointment after another.

Now that she'd made up her mind to get divorced, there was no going back.

Iris hardened her heart and lied, "I never loved you. That's a problem that will never get fixed."

Julian let out a soft scoff.

Iris thought he'd get mad and lose his temper. But instead, he mumbled, like he didn't care at all, "It doesn't matter. I don't care."

Iris couldn't figure Julian out at all. What made him cling so tightly to this loveless marriage?

For two years of marriage, he'd been cold and distant, breaking her heart completely.

Now that she'd fully let go and chosen to divorce, he was acting so weird it was hard to believe.

It wasn't about whether she was willing to give in anymore.