His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 228: Crossing Paths

Iris chose a restaurant near the hospital, a refined place with warm lighting and a quiet, upscale atmosphere that made it easy to talk.

She had only been seated for a moment when she saw Brandon walking in. She stood and waved him over, her smile polite but relaxed.

"Over here."

Brandon walked toward her, returning the smile, his presence calm and self-assured as he glanced around the room. "Where's Zoe?"

"She gets off at six. She should be here in about ten minutes." Iris gestured toward the chair across from her. "Do you want to order first, or wait?"

"Let's wait," he said, taking his seat.

As they settled in, Iris noticed the subtle differences in his appearance compared to the last time they met. His hair was neatly styled this time, and there was a faint, clean cologne that gave him a more polished, intentional look.

She almost laughed at the contrast but held it back, lowering her gaze with a small smile.

Zoe's going to be thrilled.

Brandon caught the expression and tilted his head slightly. "That look just now... it reminded me of my grandmother."

Iris blinked. "Do I really come across that old?"

He immediately looked flustered. "No, that's not what I meant. I didn't mean old, I just meant—"

She laughed softly, easing the tension. "Relax. You mean approachable, right?"

He nodded quickly, clearly relieved. "Yeah. That's exactly it."

He took a sip of water, then added, "My grandmother was a forensic pathologist. My mom used to be a surgeon."

"So medicine runs in your family."

"My dad's in business, but it's still in pharmaceuticals."

Iris couldn't help thinking back to what Zoe had said earlier.

A grown man choosing OB-GYN? That's... kind of weird, isn't it?

Iris hesitated for a moment before asking, "Then why OB-GYN?"

Brandon fell quiet for a second, his expression shifting as something heavier surfaced. He let out a slow breath before answering.

"When my mom gave birth to my sister, there was a medical error. She hemorrhaged and didn't make it. My sister disappeared not long after she was born."

His voice remained steady, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.

"I chose this field because I don't want something like that to happen again."

A chill ran through Iris, and she felt a sudden wave of guilt for asking.

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright," he said quietly. "That was a long time ago."

At that moment, a familiar voice drifted over from the entrance. "Julian, I want the lamb chops here."

Iris turned instinctively. Julian was walking in, pushing a wheelchair.

Lily sat in it, still wearing a hospital gown. Their eyes met instantly.

Everything around them seemed to fall away as the noise of the restaurant faded into the background, leaving only the weight of that moment, heavy and suffocating.

Lily followed his gaze, and Brandon turned as well.

Iris's grip tightened slightly around her glass.

She knew the restaurant was close to the hospital.

She just hadn't expected this.

Julian slowed, his hands still on the wheelchair, his expression shifting as he looked at her.

Lily, on the other hand, smiled faintly, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes as she tugged lightly at his sleeve. "Julian, let's sit over there. It's nicer."

But Julian didn't move.

His attention stayed on Iris, as if waiting to see what she would do.

Iris took a quiet breath and turned back to Brandon, her tone composed. "Let's switch tables."

He picked up on the shift immediately and stood without question.

As they passed by, Lily spoke again, her voice light but pointed. "Iris, long time no see. Why leave as soon as you see us? Are we interrupting something?"

Iris stopped and turned back, her expression calm.

"Not at all. This just isn't the best spot for us."

Lily's gaze moved between her and Brandon. "Is he a friend? Why not introduce him?"

Julian's eyes had already settled on Brandon, his expression tightening.

Iris met Lily's gaze directly, her tone cool. "There's nothing to introduce. You two should enjoy your dinner."

She turned to leave, but before she could take another step, Julian reached out and caught her arm.

"Iris," he said, his voice low, strained. "We need to talk."

She looked at him, something flickering in her eyes before she pushed it down. "There's nothing to talk about. Take care of her."

He didn't let go.

"Then why aren't you answering my messages?"

The question landed harder than she expected, but her voice stayed even. "You're busy taking care of Ms. Prescott. You don't need to text me."

Her gaze dropped briefly to his hand.

"Let go."

Lily reached out and took his other hand, her tone soft but deliberate. "Julian, let's not interrupt Iris and her date."

A date.

The word echoed in Iris's mind, almost ironic.

But to Julian, it clearly wasn't.

His expression darkened as he slowly released her, his gaze shifting to Brandon, sharp and edged with something unmistakably bitter.

"So," Julian said, his voice cool, "you must be a colleague if you managed to get her to come out for dinner."