His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 265: Confined

Iris bit down on her lower lip, unable to hold back any longer. Two clear tears welled up and traced their way down her cheeks.

"Even if I made every mistake in the world, that doesn't mean you get to take away my chance to be a father."

Her body trembled slightly with the ache of it all. She watched as Julian's tears fell onto her skin, mingling with her own.

In that moment, her heart broke.

Overwhelmed, her whole body went weak and unsteady. She slowly shut her eyes and fell silent.

Then Julian kissed her—hard.

It was a forceful, almost punishing kiss, full of raw intensity.

"Mmph—" Iris came back to herself and pressed her hands against his chest, trying to push him away.

But the more she resisted, the more desperately he kissed her, as though trying to draw everything out of her. He didn't stop until her lips were swollen and tender.

Her breathing grew ragged. The taste of salt lingered—she couldn't tell anymore whose tears they were.

He was all sorrow and stubborn defiance.

To Iris, Julian's strength felt unmovable, like a mountain. There was no fighting it. She could only let him pour it all out.

After what felt like forever, he finally eased his grip and pulled back, reluctance lingering in the space between them.

Iris' lips throbbed. She took shaky breaths, her heart still pounding.

Julian seemed calmer now, the anger faded from his expression, but his voice remained low and cool. "So you've already quit your job and given up the lease. Tying up all your loose ends, I see."

Iris wasn't sure what he meant by that. With her passport and plane tickets torn up, all she wanted now was her ID back. She softened her tone. "Julian, can I have my driver's license back?"

"You're really set on leaving?" he asked, voice eerily steady.

"Yes."

"You don't want me?"

"No."

A bitter smile touched his lips, his eyes clouded with defeat. He drew a slow breath, and his tone turned icy. "Fine. I'll respect your choice. But have the baby first—then give it to me."

Iris paled. She stared back at him, shaking her head in disbelief. "No. This baby is mine."

"It's mine, too." Julian seized her wrist and pulled her toward the door. "Since you won't agree, you're not going anywhere. I'm keeping you both."

"What are you doing? Let go of me—" Iris planted her feet, lowering her center of gravity, refusing to move. "Let go—"

Worried she might hurt herself or the baby, Julian turned, swept her into his arms, and strode out.

She struggled against his hold, but it was useless.

He carried her down from the apartment building, took her phone, locked it in the car, and drove off.

Through the late-night streets they went, driving until the city faded behind them.

Darkness had fully settled when Julian's car turned into a gated villa community on the outskirts.

Solar garden lights illuminated the path outside. The villa itself stood dark and still.

Iris couldn't make out much in the shadows, only that it was spacious.

Julian opened the passenger door and looked down at her. "Do you want me to carry you, or will you walk?"

Iris clenched her fists, exhaled, and stepped out.

He slammed the door and met her gaze.

She looked up at the large villa looming in the darkness. "Where is this? Why did you bring me here?"

"It's a property I own outside the city. No one's been here in a while. You'll stay here and rest through the pregnancy."

Iris stared at him, frowning. "Julian, are you holding me hostage?"

"It's not like that. You can go anywhere—as long as I'm with you."

She held out her hand. "Give me back my phone and my ID."

"You'll get them back after the baby is born."

Iris let out a scornful laugh. "And you don't call this kidnapping?"

With that, she turned toward the driveway.

But Julian caught up, took her arm, and lifted her again, turning back toward the villa.

Iris kicked and pushed against his chest. "Have you lost your mind? Let me go. This isn't legal—you can't do this."

He didn't answer, just carried her inside.

The entryway lights flicked on automatically.

The interior was sleek and modern, though decorated in cool, muted tones—grays and deep blues.

He set her down on the sofa.

Iris bit her lip again, eyes glistening with hurt.

She couldn't believe this was happening.

The man who claimed to love her, who said he respected her—was now taking her freedom, trapping her in some isolated villa in the middle of nowhere.

He really had lost it.

But no matter how furious she felt, yelling and thrashing wasn't Iris' way.

She'd always been stubborn, never one to just accept what was handed to her.

The more he pushed, the more she resisted.

Julian sat beside her, leaning back into the cushions. Studying her angry, pretty face, he softened his tone. "I'll have Owen bring your things tomorrow. If you need anything, just tell me."

"I need my phone."

"You can have anything except your phone or a computer."

Iris balled her hands into small fists. Without another word, she stood, picked a room at random, walked in, and slammed the door shut behind her.

The room she'd chosen was a guest bedroom, stocked with brand-new toiletries and fresh bedding.