His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 252: The Drive to the Hospital

Iris stared at the piece of fruit in front of her, pausing briefly before finally reaching for it.

As she did, her fingers brushed lightly against Julian's hand—just for a split second—and her heart gave a small, involuntary jump. She withdrew her hand quickly and took a bite, keeping her gaze down.

Julian's eyes lingered on her face, as if waiting for her to speak.

Feeling uneasy under his attention, Iris finally murmured, "It's sweet."

Julian smiled softly. "Glad you like it."

Watching their exchange, Beatrice's eyes warmed. She patted Julian's shoulder and said meaningfully, "Julian, sometimes you have to take action. Don't wait until it's too late to have regrets."

Julian nodded, his gaze still resting on Iris. "I know, Grandma."

A small pang hit Iris at those words.

She understood what Beatrice was hinting at—and she knew what Julian was thinking, too.

But she didn't dare respond. She couldn't. If she let her guard down now, she was afraid there'd be no turning back.

Sensing the shift in mood, Jenny smoothly changed the subject. "Iris, besides pharmaceuticals, does your lab also develop skincare products?"

Iris nodded. "Yes, some cosmeceuticals—though that's not my department. Other colleagues handle those."

Jenny brightened. "If you come across anything good, would you let me try it?"

"Of course."

Luke chimed in with a grin. "Ms. Whitlow, no playing favorites—I want in, too."

Iris kept her tone mild and polite. "Sure."

Julian glanced at Jenny, curiosity in his tone. "You used to give Iris such a hard time. What changed?"

Jenny put on an exaggerated pout. "I was being shortsighted. Back then, I couldn't tell right from wrong—I held a grudge against Iris and acted out. Now I know better, so I'm trying to make up for it."

Beatrice added warmly, "It's a good thing Iris is so understanding and didn't hold it against you."

Jenny nodded earnestly. "Yeah, Iris really is amazing."

Just then, Iris' phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and her expression shifted almost imperceptibly. Standing up, she said, "Excuse me, I need to take this."

She stepped away from the patio, spoke quietly into the phone for a moment, then returned looking rushed. "Grandma, Jenny, Luke—I'm so sorry, but something urgent has come up. I have to go."

Jenny stood up right away. "Iris, is everything okay? Do you need a ride?"

Iris shook her head. "It's fine—I'll grab a cab."

Julian rose as well, his voice firm. "I'll drive you."

Iris met his eyes and shook her head again. "You just got here. Stay with your family."

But Julian didn't back down. "It's late. I'm not letting you go alone."

Iris opened her mouth to protest, but Beatrice spoke up gently. "Iris, let him take you. We'll all feel better knowing you're safe."

Reluctantly, Iris gave a small nod.

They walked out one after the other into the cool evening breeze, which swept lightly through Iris' hair. She kept her head down, walking briskly as if trying to outpace something—or someone.

Julian followed just behind, his eyes fixed on her retreating figure.

Inside the car, silence settled heavily around them.

Iris stared out the passenger window, her fingers tight around the strap of her bag, her thoughts tangled and uneasy.

Julian started the engine and asked quietly, "Where to?"

Iris gave him the address of the oncology center, then added, "If it's out of your way, just drop me at the subway station up ahead. I can take the train."

He didn't reply, simply turned the car smoothly in the direction of the hospital.

After several minutes of quiet driving, Julian finally spoke. "How have you been lately?"

Iris hesitated. "I've been fine."

His grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, and his voice lowered, edged with something restrained. "You don't look fine."

Iris pressed her lips together and said nothing.

Julian drew a slow breath, then asked the question that had clearly been weighing on him. "Why have you been avoiding me?"

Iris' fingers trembled faintly. "I haven't been avoiding you."

A bitter smile touched his lips. "Then why haven't you returned my texts? Or answered my calls?"

She turned to look out into the passing night. "We shouldn't be in contact anymore."

Julian's hands tensed on the wheel. He glanced toward her, his eyes shadowed. "Why? Because of Lily? Or because you've decided we don't belong together?"

A swell of emotion rose in Iris' chest—heavy, suffocating. She forced her tone to stay cool. "There's no future for us."

Julian kept his eyes on the road, his voice quiet but resolved. "How do you know if you won't even try?"

"I don't want to try again," Iris said, each word deliberate.

That word—again—landed like a blow.

She had tried before. And now she was done.

Julian didn't say anything more. The air in the car grew thick and still.

Half an hour later, they pulled into the hospital parking lot.

Iris unbuckled her seatbelt and glanced at Julian. "Thanks for the ride. But since we're divorced, it's better if you don't come up."

He didn't yield. "Ethan is my friend. If something's happened with his family, it's only right that I check in."

There was no time to argue. Iris turned without another word and walked quickly toward the entrance, Julian following a few steps behind.