His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 236: One Condition

The elevator doors slid shut again, and the light in Julian's eyes dimmed with them, something heavy settling in.

Just before they closed fully, they opened again.

Iris stepped back inside.

She stood in front of him, composed on the surface, though something flickered beneath it.

A trace of something passed through Julian's eyes, gone just as quickly. He leaned back against the wall, his tone easy, almost teasing. "What, came back to hit me and call it even?"

Iris hesitated, her thoughts uneven, before speaking. "Can you help me with something?"

His lips curved slightly. "Depends."

"Tomorrow morning. Nine. Come with me to the hospital."

His brows drew together as he straightened and stepped out of the elevator.

She took a step back. "That's all. You can go."

He didn't move. "Why the hospital?"

"Just don't ask."

His expression shifted, concern breaking through. "If you won't tell me, I'm not going. What's wrong? Are you sick?"

Iris's fingers tightened slightly, her mind racing for something believable, something that would hold.

"I need you to do a blood test," she said finally, her voice not as steady as she wanted. "I think I might've been exposed to something, and I want you to get tested too."

Julian's expression darkened instantly. "You've been with someone else?"

"No," she said quickly. "I'm worried about you."

A quiet, bitter laugh escaped him. "I've only ever been with you, Iris. Where would that even come from?"

"There are other ways," she said, holding her ground. "Blood exposure, not just that. I've been anxious about it, and it's starting to affect me. I just need to rule it out."

Julian looked at her for a long moment, his gaze deep, unreadable.

The silence stretched, pressing in.

Her confidence wavered.

What if he says no?

"Please," she said finally, her voice softer. "It won't take long."

He exhaled slowly. "Fine. But I want something in return."

She stilled. "What?"

"Take me off your block list."

She paused for a second, then pulled out her phone without argument, opening WhatsApp and removing him from the blocked list right in front of him.

She typed quickly, sending him the time and location.

"Tomorrow," she said, already turning away.

As she walked off, Julian pulled out his phone, looking at the message.

A quiet, humorless smile touched his lips as he leaned back against the wall, his gaze drifting toward her door.

"Health anxiety, huh..." he murmured under his breath.

He stayed there for a long time before finally leaving.

The next morning was clear and bright.

When Iris arrived at the hospital, Julian was already there, sitting on a bench in the lobby. Owen stood nearby, a file in hand.

She walked up without greeting him. "Let's go."

Julian stood, his voice gentle. "Don't we need to check in?"

"It's already arranged," she said, avoiding his eyes. "We can go straight to the lab."

She turned and walked off.

Julian followed.

The lab was on the second floor. The elevators were crowded, so Iris headed for the escalator.

The moment she stepped onto it, Julian moved closer instinctively, one hand hovering near her waist, the other near her arm, ready to steady her.

"What are you doing?" she said, pulling away immediately as she stepped up. "Don't touch me."

His hand paused, then slowly lowered. "Hold the rail."

She frowned slightly but did as he said.

Inside the lab waiting area, they sat side by side, waiting for their number.

The place was crowded, people constantly moving, voices blending into a low hum.

Iris sat still, outwardly calm, but inside, her thoughts wouldn't settle.

Julian rarely brought Owen along for something like this. And then there was the other concern.

If he carried the same genetic trait she feared, everything would change. When his number was called, Julian stood, unfastening his cuff as he walked in.

It didn't take long.

A minute later, he returned, pressing a cotton pad to his arm. "Anything else?"

Iris stood. "No. Thank you."

She turned to leave.

Julian reached out, catching her arm. "Iris..."

She turned back, silent, waiting.