His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 138: Secrets and Escape

Frederick was the one who held all the power to decide.

Iris struggled, pushing at his chest and feeling annoyed. "Julian, it's too late. We're getting divorced, no matter what."

Julian's big hand wrapped around the back of Iris's neck, pulling her close. He stared into her eyes, raw emotion swirling in his gaze. His warm breath fanned her trembling eyelashes. "Have you ever seen the real me?"

His other hand slid down her spine, lingering dangerously at the small of her back.

Iris's body tensed up, her breathing getting messy and fast.

"Last time, Lily broke into my room. I was closing my eyes, and she touched my nose." Julian's voice was extra hoarse and deep. He murmured softly, "I thought it was you, actually. I got so excited I started shaking all over."

Iris froze, shocked. Her heart fluttered.

"And the night you got drunk. When I changed your clothes, I couldn't help touching you. I even kissed you when you weren't drunk." His eyes turned hazy, dark and deep. A bitter smile pulled at the corner of his mouth.

"I'm not the kind of gay man you think I am. I know you don't love me. These past two years, I've been waiting for you to reach out first. If you'd tried even once—even if it was only fake—I never would've been cold to you for two years."

Iris's eyes widened. She suddenly realized what hidden, complicated feelings had been hiding in the little details she'd brushed off.

His words made a strange kind of sense, but they hurt her heart.

"Why did you have to wait for me to reach out first?" Iris looked totally confused.

Julian didn't answer directly. He pressed his lips together, looking bitter. He took a deep breath, his eyes filling with regret. "I was wrong. So wrong. Now my stubbornness is coming back to get me. You want a divorce, and I'm scared. I'm trying to fix this, to make it up to you, but you don't seem to care at all."

Iris felt down, full of questions.

This Julian felt so strange. It was like she'd never really known him.

Julian poured out his pain, his eyes turning red. He stared at her clear eyes, full of affection, his voice sad. "I don't know if you're swept up in fleeting desire, or if you're seeing someone else. I can't let go, and I can't get past this. But I know I can't let you leave me."

Iris frowned, thinking over his words. A chill ran down her back.

Fleeting desire? Or seeing someone else?

It sounded like he was accusing her of cheating.

And when he said "can't get past this," it made her sure he was hiding something from her—something he didn't want her to find out.

Even if divorce was definite, she wanted the truth.

The next morning...

Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, leaving dappled shadows on the floor.

Iris felt her body get warm. She opened her eyes, still half-asleep.

All she could see was Julian's chest, covered in a white casual pajama top. A cool pine smell filled her nose.

His left arm was under her neck, his right hand wrapped tight around her waist. His sleeping face was calm and handsome.

Memories came rushing back.

Last night, after Julian brought her home, he'd held her on the sofa and begged her not to leave him, saying all kinds of things.

She'd heard all his confessions, but they didn't make her change her mind.

Now she was more confused. If Julian had kissed her secretly when she was drunk, why had he refused to be intimate with her for two years?

He clearly had physical needs, but he could never get past that wall.

What secret was hidden behind that wall?

Iris stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. Suddenly, she thought of a way to find out the truth.

She moved gently, trying to slip away. But as soon as she moved, his arm squeezed her tighter.

"Where are you going?" Julian asked hoarsely, his eyes still closed. His arm muscles tensed up.

Since last night, he'd been on edge. Except when he showered, he never let her out of his sight. He was scared that if he looked away for even a second, she'd be gone again.

"Bathroom," she answered quietly.

The hand around her waist hesitated for a second, then finally let go.

Iris got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash up.

She used the toilet, washed her face and brushed her teeth, tied her hair back, and stood in front of the sink. The mirror showed her tired face.

This week, with her dad so sick, the dark circles under her eyes had gotten even worse.

She thought about Ethan and the nurse taking care of her dad at the hospital. She decided to settle things with Julian first.

The bathroom door lock suddenly turned.

Iris turned around in shock, staring at him.

Julian walked right in without a second thought. He picked up his toothbrush and glanced at her in the mirror—her cheeks were red. "Wait for me here."

"What if you need to use the toilet?" Iris tried to leave.

"I don't mind." Julian grabbed her arm.

"I do."

They stood there for a few seconds, stuck. Julian let go, warning her. "Try to run, and you'll regret it."

Iris hung her head and walked out of the bathroom. As soon as she heard the water running, she grabbed her phone and bag and hurried out the door.

Julian, who was always gentle and kind, had suddenly turned aggressive. That possessiveness in him made her feel lost.

In the ride-hailing car, Iris called Caleb and asked to meet him.

"Breakfast? Sure!" Caleb's voice went up sharply. "Where are you? I'll be right..."

He didn't finish speaking before Julian's call cut him off.

Iris hung up Julian's call right away and sent Caleb the restaurant's location.

In the car window's reflection, she pressed her lips together.