His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 15: A Seat That Was Never Hers

Iris straightened in her seat, caught off guard. She quickly reached for a salad and spooned some onto her plate. "It's okay, Grandma, really. I'm good."

Julian didn't say anything. He picked up the serving spoon, reached across the table, and set a piece of roast chicken on Iris's plate.

Something about it made her stomach tighten. She gave a quiet, awkward smile. "Thanks."

Beatrice wasn't done. She tapped the casserole dish in front of her. "Now this—this lamb came out perfect. You should try some, sweetie. I don't think you've had a bite."

Iris opened her mouth to explain, but Julian spoke up first, "She's not a lamb person. Can't stand the taste."

Beatrice raised her eyebrows, then laughed. "Well, that's fair! More for the rest of us."

Across the table, Lily's smile had faded. She eyed Iris without a word, her expression cool and unreadable.

Iris dropped her gaze and quietly cut into the chicken Julian had given her.

It was just a small gesture, a performance for his grandmother. Remembering what she liked didn't mean he cared. Maybe he was just good at remembering useless details.

Still, it was pathetic how her heart stirred. Julian never touched the fish or the rice beneath it again.

After lunch, everyone gathered in the living room, sipping coffee and nibbling on fruit. Conversations broke off into small clusters.

Lily and Jenny whispered over celebrity gossip. Vivian, Gloria, and Irene gushed about luxury bags and European vacations.

Frederick, Martin, and Harold were deep in talk about market trends.

Beatrice held Julian close on the couch, reminiscing about her late husband—how kind he'd been, how he'd adored her, how a good marriage was built on patience and affection.

Iris quietly peeled a clementine, tucked in the corner like a guest. Then her phone buzzed. She glanced at the caller ID. "Mom." Her stomach dropped.

She set the fruit aside, stood, and quietly stepped out onto the balcony. Julian noticed. His gaze followed her out.

Beatrice caught it too. Her smile curved slightly. "Iris is quiet, but she's got grit," Beatrice said softly. "Built her own pharmaceutical company from the ground up, has patents to her name. She's respected in her field. Honestly, we don't deserve her. Don't blow this, Julian. You'll regret it."

Julian said nothing.

A few minutes later, Iris stepped back inside. Her face was tight.

She approached Beatrice. "Something came up at home. I need to leave for a bit. I'll come see you again soon."

Beatrice waved her hand. "Go. Family stuff comes first. Let me know if you need help."

"Thank you." Iris nodded toward the other elders. "Dad. Mom. I'll see you later."

She walked out quickly. Everyone watched her go. Julian stood. "I'm heading out too."

Beatrice gave his arm a soft pat. "Drive safe, okay?"

Julian followed Iris out with his phone in hand. Irene shot Lily a knowing glance. Lily got up immediately.

"I'm heading out too. Work stuff," she said cheerfully.

Beatrice frowned. "You work?"

Irene jumped in. "She's a beauty influencer. She teaches makeup. Has over a hundred thousand followers."

Beatrice gave a vague smile. "So... like a teacher? Does it come with benefits?"

The room fell silent. Lily had already caught up to Julian.

"Can you drop me off?" she said casually.

Julian walked to his car, unlocked it, and didn't slow down. "Get a ride, Lily."

"This time of day? Rideshare apps suck. Just drop me at the station if you're busy."

She opened the passenger door and got in anyway. Julian climbed in and glanced over. "You're awfully clingy lately."

Lily grinned. "Come on. We're basically family."

"I don't see Mason or Daniel glued to me like this."

"They're college friends. I'm your childhood bestie. Big difference."

Julian didn't bother replying. He started the car.

Out by the road, Iris jogged out of the Rosehill Estate, pulling out her phone to check rideshare prices. A familiar car pulled up.

The window rolled down, and Lily's face appeared. "Hey, Iris."

Julian leaned over, eyes locked on Iris. "Get in. I'll take you."

Iris clenched her hand around her bag strap. That tight feeling in her chest came rushing back.

They're always together. Even work trips weren't an exception. Lily had practically claimed that passenger seat.

And Iris? She was the one who felt like the outsider.

She wanted to be cool about it. Mature and detached. But unless she stopped loving him altogether, she couldn't pretend this didn't hurt.