His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 267: The Lab

Julian's lips curved into a faint smile as he gave a nod.

"Ms. Whitlow seems very fond of the wisteria in the back garden. I believe the rooms on the second floor would offer her the best view."

"Alright," Julian replied. "Take her luggage upstairs—the room next to mine."

"Understood," Freya said, heading into the kitchen with the groceries.

Iris was seated at the dining table, finishing her breakfast.

As Julian approached and reached to pull out a chair, Iris kept her eyes fixed on her plate and muttered irritably, "Do you mind? You're killing my appetite."

Julian's hand stilled on the chairback for a few seconds. Pressing his lips together, he gently pushed the chair back in. "Okay. Take your time."

His voice softened. "I'll be in the study if you need me. Just call."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Iris glanced up, watching his retreating figure. An uneasy tightness settled in her chest.

She couldn't stand Julian like this—acting all gentle and considerate, yet doing things that left her feeling resentful and trapped.

Here was a man known for his decisiveness in business, but around her he'd started acting like a guilty child who didn't know how to make things right.

After breakfast, Iris wandered out into the garden. She eyed the eight-foot-high walls and the securely locked iron gate, then let go of any thought of trying to leave.

Back inside, she took a slow walk through the villa.

There was a home theater, a game room, an indoor pool, a fully equipped gym—pretty much everything you could want.

None of it really caught her interest, though she did wonder what kind of books might be in the study.

The door to the study was slightly ajar.

After a brief hesitation, Iris pushed it open.

Julian was behind the desk, frowning at his laptop screen. At the sound of the door, he looked up immediately. The weariness on his face vanished, replaced by a hopeful, attentive expression.

"Did you need something?" He closed the laptop and stood.

Iris stepped inside, her gaze drifting over the neatly organized bookshelves.

One section in particular stood out—it was filled with books on prenatal care and parenting. Some were still sealed in plastic.

"Those are..."

"I picked them up recently," Julian explained, a hint of nerves in his tone. "I wanted to learn more... you know, be prepared."

Something warm and soft brushed against Iris' heart—a fleeting pang of emotion. "I'll just take something to read."

"Sure." Julian came around the desk and moved closer. "Anything in mind?"

Iris didn't answer. She scanned the shelves, pulled out a book at random, and turned to leave.

Julian watched her walk away, her posture cool and distant. A shadow of disappointment passed through his eyes.

At noon, Julian prepared lunch himself.

Iris was surprised to find how much his cooking had improved since she'd last tasted it.

The honey-glazed pork ribs were perfectly caramelized, the pan-seared sea bass flaky and tender, and even her favorite—slow-braised pork belly with roasted asparagus—was rich and full-bodied. Even the simple sautéed seasonal greens were vibrant and well-seasoned.

It was as if he'd been practicing with a professional chef.

Still, Iris didn't so much as glance his way throughout the meal.

Over the next few days, Iris made a point of avoiding Julian.

She stayed in her room reading.

Julian left each morning, returned at lunch to eat with her, and worked late into the night in the study.

It felt like those early days of their marriage—two people sharing a house but barely connecting.

On the morning of the fifth day, Iris came downstairs for breakfast.

Freya greeted her politely. "Good morning, Ms. Whitlow. Mr. Everhart mentioned he'll take you for your prenatal checkup when he gets back."

Iris took her seat at the table, wrapping her hands around the warm mug of milk. "I'm not going."

Freya looked uneasy. "Mr. Everhart said if you'd rather not go out, he can arrange for a doctor to come here. But the hospital does have better equipment for the ultrasound..."

Iris let out a quiet sigh. "Tell him I'll go on my own."

"I understand you're upset with him," Freya said gently, "but these checkups are important for the baby's health. It's not something to put off."

Iris knew that. Still, every time she remembered she was being kept here against her will, the anger bubbled back up.

About half an hour later, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway drifted inside.

Iris had already changed and was waiting in the living room. She stood up when she heard the engine and walked outside.

Julian stepped out from the driver's side.

He wore a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing toned forearms. When he saw Iris, he took a couple of steps toward her before catching himself. Instead, he circled the car and opened the passenger door.

"Have you eaten?" he asked.

"Yes," Iris replied flatly.

She slid into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt.

The car carried a subtle scent of magnolia—her favorite. Light and fresh.

The seat had been adjusted to a comfortable recline, and a small cushion rested against the lower back support.

Julian got in, started the engine, and pulled onto the road.

"Have you been... sleeping alright?" he asked, driving carefully, his tone soft.

Iris stared out the window. "If you actually cared, you wouldn't keep me locked up."

Julian's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. "If you weren't always looking for a way to leave, I wouldn't have to."

"We're divorced. You don't have any right to treat me like this."

"Regardless, I need to make sure you and the baby are safe."

"At the expense of my freedom?" Iris said with a cold laugh.

Julian didn't argue. He drove on in silence.

Sunlight slanted through the window, falling across his sharp profile and highlighting the tense line of his jaw. A quiet, somber atmosphere lingered around him.