His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 266: A New Housekeeper

Iris had a restless night. She tossed and turned for hours, only drifting off in the early morning.

The next day, warm sunlight poured through the balcony glass doors, filling the room with a soft golden glow.

Slowly, she woke from a deep sleep, rubbing her eyes before noticing the bright daylight peeking through the curtains.

By then, she felt calmer. The frustration and anger from the night before seemed to have faded with the darkness. She sat up, running her fingers through her tousled hair, then pushed off the covers and padded barefoot across the cool hardwood floor.

Walking to the window, she drew back the curtains, slid open the glass door, and stepped onto the balcony. Outside, the sun was brilliant in a clear, deep-blue sky—like a vast sapphire, without a single cloud. A gentle breeze carried the fresh, clean scent of morning.

The villa's backyard was filled with flowering dogwood trees, their pale pink and white blossoms creating a breathtaking sea of color.

After a moment taking in the view, Iris turned back inside to wash up, put on her shoes, and leave the bedroom.

Just then, a middle-aged woman with a kindly, rounded face came through the front door, carrying Iris' suitcases. Spotting Iris, she broke into a warm smile. "You must be Ms. Whitlow. I'm Freya Flores—Mr. Everhart hired me to help out around the house. You can just call me Freya."

Iris glanced past her but didn't see Julian. "Where is he?"

"Mr. Everhart? He drove into town to pick up some groceries."

Iris approached her. "Do you have a phone?"

"Oh, no," Freya replied apologetically. "Mr. Everhart's rule is no personal phones during work hours."

"Could you take me out of here?" Iris asked quietly.

Freya's eyes widened slightly. "I'm afraid not. There's a security guard at the gate—even I need Mr. Everhart's permission to leave." She lowered her voice, concern creeping into her expression. "Are you... being kept here against your will?"

Iris felt her chest tighten. She stayed silent.

Freya set down the suitcases and moved closer, her tone hushed but earnest. "Goodness, I never would've guessed—Mr. Everhart always seemed so polite and put together. Listen, I can pretend to feel ill later, ask for the rest of the day off, and call the police once I'm out."

Iris gave a faint, weary smile. "Aren't you worried about losing your job?"

"Well, the pay is good," Freya admitted, "but that's no excuse to look the other way if something's wrong. Don't you worry—I'll make sure someone comes to help you."

Iris was touched. Even the housekeeper Julian hired had a strong sense of right and wrong.

But the truth was, she didn't actually want to see him arrested.

The problem was, without outside help, she was stuck. Her passport had been torn up, and Julian had her ID.

She couldn't travel, couldn't leave the country—and if she did manage to get away, he'd only find her and bring her back. Going in circles like that wouldn't change his mind one bit.

For her to truly be free, Julian would have to let her go willingly.

"Please don't call the police," Iris said with a strained smile. "I'm carrying his child. I don't want... complications later on, for the baby's sake."

"Oh," Freya said, understanding dawning. "So you two are married."

"We're divorced."

Freya nodded slowly, putting the pieces together. "You had a falling-out, and that's why he brought you here, isn't it?"

Iris simply smiled bitterly in reply.

Leaning in confidentially, Freya said, "Let me give you a little advice, dear—from someone who's been around. Men aren't all that hard to handle. If you soften up just a bit, show a little appreciation, make them feel looked up to now and then... trust me, it goes a long way."

Iris couldn't help a soft, almost imperceptible laugh. "I'll... keep that in mind."

What was the use, anyway? Even if she left this house, she could never truly escape Julian's reach.

"So you're sure you don't want me to contact the police?" Freya checked again.

"No," Iris said quietly. She glanced toward the front door, changing the subject. "Are there many dogwoods planted out in the garden?"

Freya brightened. "Oh, yes! The backyard is full of them—all in bloom right now. It's gorgeous. I was stunned when I first arrived. The whole place is just lovely."

"I think I'll go out and have a look."

"Breakfast is ready, Ms. Whitlow—wouldn't you like to eat first?"

"I'll eat in a little while," Iris replied.

She had just stepped past the threshold when she saw Julian coming up the walkway, several grocery bags in hand. His gaze was warm and intent as he greeted her softly. "Iris, you're up. Were you heading out to—"

The moment she saw him, her expression cooled. Without a word, she turned right around in front of him and walked back inside, making straight for the dining table.

Freya watched from the doorway as Iris strode away, clearly upset. Then she saw Julian follow Iris inside, bags still in hand, and it all made sense.

Hurrying over, Freya took the groceries from him. "Let me get those, Mr. Everhart."

"Thank you," he said courteously.

Lowering her voice, Freya added, "Just so you know, pregnancy hormones can really stir up a person's emotions. She might need some time to settle. Best not to push—just be gentle, go along with her rhythm. In a few days, things will likely calm down on their own."