His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 235: Forced Match

"You're going," Grace said, her voice sharp and absolute, fingers clamped around Iris's arm like she could drag her there by force if needed. "It's been over six months since your divorce. You need to move on and find someone new. He's a major player, and trust me, the kind of prenup and financial arrangement he's offering isn't small."

Iris ripped her arm free, the motion quick and fueled by something that had been building for too long. Her chest tightened, anger and hurt colliding as her voice came out low but heavy. "Last time you pushed me into marriage for money, I listened. I rushed into it because you said it was the right move. And what did I get? A broken marriage and everything that came with it."

Grace looked her over from head to toe, unimpressed, almost dismissive. "You look perfectly fine to me. Julian never hit you, did he?"

So unless it leaves a bruise, it doesn't count?

The thought hit hard, sharp and suffocating.

Iris drew in a breath, but it did nothing to ease the tightness in her chest.

Grace crossed her arms, her tone turning almost practical, like she was talking about an investment instead of her daughter's life. "Honestly, the divorce worked out for you. You're still young, you look good, you've got options. If anything, you can do better this time. The financial side might even be stronger. That's not a loss."

Something in Iris went completely cold.

She looked at her mother, and whatever warmth had been there before was gone.

Grace immediately bristled, hands going to her hips. "What is that look? I'm your mother. Do you really think I'd do something to hurt you?"

Iris didn't answer.

There was nothing left to say that hadn't already been ignored.

She turned and walked away without another word, her pace quickening as she pushed through the gate, putting distance between them as fast as she could.

Grace's voice followed her, loud and relentless, cutting through the air.

"Tomorrow, before noon, you'd better be at Greencrest Grand Hotel. If you don't show up, I'll come get you myself.

"Iris, you hear me? Noon. And dress properly."

The words stuck to her, lingering long after she had left.

That night, Iris blocked her mother on WhatsApp.

The next morning, she didn't go to work. She called in and stayed home, needing space more than anything else.

By evening, she gathered the day's trash into a single bag and took it downstairs.

The sky had already darkened, the streetlights casting a soft glow over the nearly empty courtyard. It was quiet, almost unnaturally so.

She tossed the bag into the bin and turned to head back, but something made her slow down.

A feeling.

Like someone was behind her.

Her heartbeat picked up instantly, unease creeping up her spine as she turned sharply.

Nothing.

No one there.

I'm overthinking this... right?

She swallowed, nerves tightening as she quickened her pace, one hand instinctively pressing against her lower abdomen as she headed back inside.

By the time she reached the elevator, her breathing was uneven. She jabbed at the button, glancing back again.

The doors slid open.

She stepped inside quickly and hit the close button, watching the doors begin to shut.

Her chest rose and fell too fast, her breathing uneven as she hurried into the elevator and jabbed at the "close" button, willing the doors to shut.

They were almost there.

Then, just before they met, the doors slid back open.

In that split second, the fear hit full force, her knees went weak, a sharp chill racing up her spine as she stared toward the doorway.

When the doors opened all the way, the person standing there was Julian.

Two weeks apart hadn't changed him on the surface. He still looked sharp, composed, dressed in a fitted black shirt and slacks, his presence filling the space the second he stepped in. But his eyes were different, heavier, quieter, like something had settled in them that hadn't been there before.

They looked at each other.

Something unspoken passed between them, distant, restrained.

Iris kept pressing the close button, but it didn't respond.

"I told you not to come back," she said, her voice flat, stripped of any warmth.

She didn't get to finish.

Julian moved.

In a single step, he closed the distance, his hands gripping her shoulders as he pushed her gently but firmly back against the wall and kissed her.

There was nothing tentative about it.

It was immediate, overwhelming, like something he had been holding back finally broke loose.

Iris froze for half a second before struggling, her fists hitting his chest as she tried to turn away. "Julian—stop—"

It didn't matter.

His hand slid to the back of her neck, holding her in place, the other pinning her wrists as his body pressed closer, leaving her no space to push him away.

The elevator doors closed.

It started moving.

By the time it stopped again, her strength had given out, her body softening against the wall, tears slipping down her face as her resistance faded.

Maybe it was enough.

Or maybe it was the taste of her tears.

Julian finally pulled back, his forehead resting against hers, both of them breathing unevenly, the air thick and tangled.

Her eyes stayed closed, her lower lip caught between her teeth, swollen and aching.

Her lips hurt.

But it was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.

The elevator doors opened and closed again, then stayed shut, paused on that floor.

Julian lifted his hand, cupping her face, his thumb brushing away the tears on her cheek. When he spoke, his voice was low, rough, like it had been dragged out of something deep and buried.

"Iris... I'm sorry. I just... missed you."

She didn't respond.

She turned her head away.

Julian leaned into her shoulder, breathing in slowly, like he needed something to steady himself.

"Let me go," she said quietly, each word distant and controlled.

He didn't move.

She pushed against him, but his hand caught her wrist again, pressing it lightly against the wall.

"There's a camera in here," she said, her voice steady. "I can scream."

A faint smile touched his lips.

Then he let go.

He stepped back, leaning against the wall, giving her space.

The second she was free, Iris stepped forward and hit the open button.

The doors slid open.

She walked out without hesitation.

Julian stayed where he was, his body resting against the wall, his gaze following her until she disappeared completely.