His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 273: Waiting

Freya shook her head. "Not yet."

Iris felt a deeper gloom settle over her. Without another word, she headed downstairs to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of ice water.

She had just taken a sip when Julian's image surfaced in her mind again—those gentle eyes of his, the way he'd look at her and say, half-bossy, half-tender, "No ice water. It's rough on your stomach. Let me heat some milk for you."

Iris stared at the glass in her hand, then turned and emptied it into the sink. She pulled the milk carton from the refrigerator, poured a fresh cup, and warmed it up herself.

Dinner was a solitary affair, too.

That hollow, lonely feeling left her unsettled.

For the past three months, Julian had been around almost constantly. Even when work called him away, he'd leave in the morning and make sure to be back by midday—rarely ever gone the whole day.

After eating, Iris slumped listlessly on the sofa. She had no interest in turning on the TV, and trying to focus on a book was hopeless. Her thoughts kept drifting, weighed down by a dull, heavy feeling.

Her eyes kept drifting toward the front door, waiting.

Why wasn't he back yet?

The word home had been echoing in her chest all day. Somehow, without even realizing it, she'd begun to think of this place as home—and she'd started leaning on Julian, expecting his presence, missing it when it was gone.

Night deepened.

Freya switched off the kitchen light and stepped into the living room. She paused when she saw Iris still there on the couch.

"Ms. Whitlow, are you still waiting for Mr. Everhart?"

Iris shook her head and offered a thin, dismissive smile. "No, not really. Just relaxing here awhile."

Freya had been working in the house for several months now, long enough to read her employers' habits and moods.

Iris wasn't one to sit idle. She made use of every moment—even reading through meals. Sitting alone in the dim living room, doing nothing, looking downcast... that wasn't like her at all.

And Julian? He was completely devoted to Iris, attentive in every little way. He wouldn't stay out this late and leave her worrying.

Freya ventured gently, "I could get a phone from the gatehouse and call him for you..."

Iris stood, a stubborn edge in her posture. "Really, don't trouble yourself."

She wasn't going to wait around any longer. Turning away, she started up the stairs.

Maybe she was overthinking, but she could guess where Julian probably was—with Lily.

Freya let out a soft sigh. Despite Iris' refusal, she slipped out of the villa, walked down to the security booth by the gate, and borrowed a phone.

*****

At Rosehill Estate, the staff were clearing away the dinner table.

Julian helped his grandmother Beatrice settle onto the living room sofa. She leaned toward him, voice lowered. "It was just a little cold, sweetheart. Your father used me as an excuse to get you here so Lily could see you. You could've just called. You didn't have to drive all this way."

Julian smiled. "I haven't visited in three months. I missed you, Grandma."

Once seated, Beatrice leaned in even closer, whispering, "I haven't heard from Iris in so long. Is she with you?"

At the mention of Iris, Julian's smile softened, warmth lighting his eyes. "Yes, she is. In another couple of months, I'll have some good news for you."

"Good news? Are you two tying the knot again?" Beatrice asked, unable to hide her excitement, though she kept her voice down.

Julian shook his head slightly. He bent nearer to her ear. "Remarrying might take a bit more time, but I'm not giving up. This is different good news."

"Well, I'll be waiting," Beatrice beamed.

From across the room, Caleb's cool voice cut in. "What's all the whispering about?"

Julian and Beatrice fell silent, their attention shifting to Caleb.

He was slouched in his usual way on the opposite sofa, flanked by Frederick and Vivian.

On the adjacent sectional sat Lily and her parents.

Frederick cleared his throat, launching into a stern tone. "Three months without a single visit. You don't answer anyone's calls. Do you even consider this your family anymore?"

Julian leaned back against the cushions, silent, his gaze cool and detached as it rested on Frederick.

"If it weren't for your grandmother's health," Frederick went on, irritation rising, "I doubt you'd ever step foot in this house again."

"I've seen Grandma, dinner is over. If there's nothing else, I should head out." Julian made to rise.

"Sit down," Frederick commanded.

Julian straightened slightly. "Say what you need to say. My time is limited."

Frederick gestured toward Lily. "For three months, Lily has been trying to reach you. Why are you avoiding her? Do you even care that she's struggling with severe depression, that she can't walk anymore? Have you no conscience?"

Julian's eyes moved to Lily.

She sat slumped in her wheelchair, expression despondent, lips trembling as if holding back tears. The picture of fragility and pity.

Calmly, Julian replied, "She's in good hands here. Keep looking after her. If she makes another attempt, consider proper treatment at a psychiatric facility."

"You—" Frederick's finger jabbed the air, anger flushing his face, a vein prominent on his temple.

Vivian forced a polite smile and interjected gently, "Julian, I've heard... from a few people... that they've seen you taking Iris to her prenatal appointments. Is that true?"

The moment the words left her mouth, Beatrice lit up. She clasped Julian's hand, eyes bright. "Good heavens, is it true? Is the good news in two months that I'm going to be a great-grandmother?"

Julian's expression tightened. He gave his grandmother's hand a gentle, calming squeeze.

This wasn't good. Them finding out about Iris' pregnancy was the last thing he wanted.