His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 276: Hospital Showdown

Julian emerged from the kitchen carrying two plates of breakfast, his smile as warm as the morning sunlight spilling through the windows. "You should've slept in a little longer," he said gently, his voice soft.

He was wearing a dark blue button-down that day, which seemed to sharpen his features, making him look even more handsome.

Iris felt her heart give a light flutter. She took a seat at the dining table. "I got enough rest."

"After we eat, we're heading to your appointment," Julian said as he pulled out the chair beside her, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Maybe today we'll get to see how much our little one has grown."

A soft warmth spread through Iris' chest.

Julian had been more nervous and excited about every checkup than she was. He'd come prepared with a list of questions for the doctor, taking notes like a dedicated student, and followed every piece of advice to the letter.

Once they finished breakfast, Iris changed into a loose-fitting sundress—comfortable and easy to move in.

As her pregnancy progressed, her belly had grown noticeably rounder, and she wasn't as quick on her feet as she used to be.

Julian knelt down patiently to tie her shoes, then helped her up, his hand resting lightly under her elbow as they walked to the door.

"I can manage, you know," Iris murmured, though she made no move to pull away.

"I know," Julian replied with a quiet smile, opening the car door for her. "But I like looking after you."

During the drive to the hospital, Iris felt more relaxed than she usually did before appointments.

Julian kept glancing over at her, his gaze tender.

When they stopped at a red light, he reached across and gently rested his hand on the curve of her belly. "We might hear a stronger heartbeat today."

Iris looked down at his hand, feeling the warmth of his palm through the fabric. She remembered their last ultrasound, when they'd seen the baby's tiny hands and feet clearly for the first time—the way Julian's eyes had glistened in that moment was something she'd never forget.

He really was sentimental, in his own way.

Sometimes she thought Julian was even more eager for the baby's arrival than she was, and loved this little one even more deeply.

The hospital parking lot was completely full. Julian had to circle for a while before finally finding a spot.

He got out first, came around to her side, and carefully helped her step out.

"I'm perfectly fine walking," Iris said with a soft sigh. "I'm only seven months along."

But Julian kept his arm lightly around her waist. "The floors in there are always slick. Better safe than sorry."

As they entered the hospital lobby, the sharp scent of disinfectant hit the air. Iris wrinkled her nose slightly—since becoming pregnant, her sense of smell had grown intensely sensitive.

Julian noticed right away. He pulled a small bottle of peppermint oil from his pocket. "Here, this might help."

Iris looked at him, surprised. "When did you get this?"

"Last time I noticed the hospital smells bothered you," he said casually. "So I asked the doctor about some pregnancy-safe essential oils."

That kind of quiet thoughtfulness always made her heart swell.

She took the bottle, inhaled the crisp minty fragrance, and felt some of the tension ease almost instantly.

They were halfway across the lobby when a familiar female voice called from behind them, "Julian, Ms. Whitlow—what a coincidence."

Both of them turned.

There was Lily, seated in her wheelchair, dressed in a pale pink sweater dress that looked delicate and carefully put together. Behind her stood her therapist, Arthur, his hands on the handles of her chair.

But Iris didn't miss the cold flicker in Lily's eyes as they dropped to her rounded belly.

Julian's arm tightened around Iris, drawing her closer to his side.

Arthur adjusted his glasses. His gaze lingered on Iris' abdomen for a beat too long. "Iris, it's been a while."

Iris instinctively brought a hand to her stomach. She didn't reply.

She could feel Julian's posture stiffen beside her, like a guard dog poised to defend.

Lily's voice came out louder than necessary, tinged with bitterness and a clear desire to provoke. "Ms. Whitlow, congratulations on the pregnancy. This baby... it wouldn't happen to be my fiancé's, would it?"

The hospital lobby was bustling, and their corner was drawing looks.

A few people nearby had already turned, wearing those curious, slightly intrusive expressions of bystanders catching a piece of unexpected drama.

Julian's eyes turned icy. He shifted fully in front of Iris, shielding her completely. His voice was low and carried a warning. "Lily, mind your words."

But Lily's eyes reddened. She glanced up at Arthur, her voice cracking as though she were the most wounded person in the room. "Arthur, you see? Even though we're engaged, he's still wrapped up with his ex-wife. She's about to have his baby. How am I supposed to get better like this?"

Arthur pushed his glasses up again. There was something knowing in the look behind the lenses. "Iris, you told me you wouldn't be with Julian." His eyes dropped once more to her swollen belly, and his tone took on a faint, cynical edge. "Looks like your word isn't worth much, is it? Even after accepting a significant settlement from the Everhart family, you still went back on your promise."

Julian's expression darkened further. "The only woman I've ever been married to is her," he said, his voice tight with anger. "It's only natural she's having my child. There's no engagement between you and me. Who exactly are you two trying to perform for?"

Whispers rippled through the small crowd that had gathered.

Gossip like this could stick, and it could stain a reputation.

Iris felt a dull pressure build in her chest. Suddenly, her head spun, and a sharp, cramping pain shot through her lower abdomen.

She clutched her stomach, her face going pale.

"Iris!" Julian reacted instantly, sweeping her carefully into his arms. "Hold on, we're getting you to the doctor now."

But Lily wheeled her chair forward abruptly, blocking their path. "Julian! Like it or not, our families have already agreed to our engagement. They're setting a wedding date as we speak."