His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 144: Truth and Heartbreak

Julian set the paper on the counter. His warm, big hand touched Iris's wrist gently, pulling it apart softly. His voice was low and rough. "How'd you get it undone?"

Julian held her wrist and turned to face her.

Before he could react, Iris grabbed his shoulders, stood on her tiptoes, closed her eyes, and kissed the corner of his mouth.

Julian froze, his eyes narrowing to deep slits.

When Iris saw he wasn't doing anything, she pulled back fast.

Disappointment showed in his eyes. "First time you've ever been this forward with me. I thought... I guess I was wrong. You only did it to run away. To leave me."

Iris felt guilty, swallowing hard. She stared at his red-rimmed eyes and explained softly, "I really have a lot to do. You can't keep locking me up."

Julian laughed bitterly. "If you didn't keep avoiding me, would I be this crazy?"

Iris felt bad for disappearing for a whole week. She spoke with full regret. "I'm sorry, Julian. I really know I messed up. I won't disappear like that again. I'll finish my stuff outside and come home."

Julian took the key back from her. His warm, deep eyes stared at her calmly. He asked softly, "Is there something you can't tell me?"

Iris looked into Julian's disappointed eyes, a sharp pain in her chest.

After thinking for a second, she knew she needed another way to get away from him. "After lunch, come with me to the hospital."

Julian tensed up, looking her over, panic in his voice. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Iris looked embarrassed, speaking quietly. "I need to book a gynecology appointment. Get checked out."

Julian's eyes darkened, a faint gloom crossing them.

He didn't ask any more questions. He let out a soft breath and let go of her hand. "Okay."

Iris watched him pretend to be calm, her heart hurting. "Why aren't you asking what the checkup's for?"

Julian acted like he didn't hear her. "Wait outside. It'll be ready soon."

Iris could tell he was faking it.

The more he acted like nothing was wrong, the more her heart hurt.

They were almost divorced. Iris never planned on telling him about this anyway.

But he just kept running away, pretending nothing had ever happened.

Why was he doing this?

Iris kept pushing, not letting up. "I'm going to see a gynecologist. Do you really not care what's wrong with me?"

Julian slammed the knife down, propping his hands on the cutting board. His voice was low and sharp. "Iris, I don't want to know. After lunch, I'll take you to the hospital."

"Julian, can running away really fix anything?" Iris gathered her courage, squeezing her fists. "Pretending not to know—does that make it go away?"

Julian hung his head, his broad shoulders slumping like they carried a mountain. A cold, scary aura surrounded him. He gritted his teeth and ordered, "Get out."

Iris's nose stung, her eyes watering. Her throat felt tight and dry. "Are you scared I have some sickness? Or are you scared I'm pregnant?"

Julian's back looked so lonely. His voice was hoarse, cracking a little. "Iris, are you trying to drive me crazy?"

Iris's heart ached a little. She risked making him angry and asked, "If I were pregnant... would you still act like you don't know? Refuse to divorce me no matter what?"

Julian's fists clenched tight, the veins in his hands popping out. A dark, dangerous aura filled the room.

The air felt frozen, hot and suffocating.

After a minute, he stood up straight, turned around, and grabbed Iris's arm. His grip was so tight; it felt like he might crush her bones.

Iris frowned in pain, looking up at him.

When she looked into his red, teary eyes, she froze. It felt like a rock was sitting on her chest, making it hard to breathe. A dull pain washed over her again and again.

Julian's face was full of grief and anger. His red-rimmed eyes held intense hatred, and he was barely holding back his rage. His voice was rough. "He just got back, and you're already sleeping with him again?"

Iris didn't answer him directly. She asked instead, "You knew what happened two years ago. Why did you pretend you didn't? Why did you marry me?"

Julian's eyes turned bloodshot with anger. He stepped back, his fists shaking. Forgotten memories came flooding back. It hurt just to think about it.

Seeing how much pain he was in, Iris's heart felt like it was tearing apart, bleeding. It hurt so bad she could barely breathe.

Seconds of silence passed. The air was icy, thick with a cold, dead tension.

Julian took a deep breath, closing his eyes and letting it out slowly.

He seemed to use all his strength to hold back his pain. His voice was hoarse. "You don't even want to pretend anymore?"

Tears blurred Iris's vision. She smiled bitterly, her voice sarcastic. "A guy like you, Julian—so rich and handsome. So many women want to marry you. But you went and married the one who cheated on you. It's nuts. I have to wonder what you really want. You knew I went to a hotel with Arthur the night before our marriage registration. And you still married me. Why? Tell me why?"