His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 310: Lily Married Arthur

Julian's voice was steady, his tone deep. "Good morning, Harper."

Iris kept her head down, her eyes fixed on the picture book open in front of Harper. A nervous, restless feeling had settled in her chest—like there was a rabbit trapped inside, leaping wildly without any rhythm.

She wasn't some shy young girl anymore, yet she couldn't even bring herself to look up and greet Julian. Maybe it was just her reserved nature.

Julian's gaze lingered on her face. He watched her quietly for a long moment, but she still didn't raise her eyes. Slowly, he tucked his restless hands into his pockets and spoke gently, "Let Harper read on her own. Come join me for breakfast."

That word sent a faint tremor through Iris.

"Alright," she replied softly, nodding without looking up. Her attention stayed glued to Harper.

Julian turned and took his seat at the dining table.

The housekeeper brought out two breakfast plates.

Iris joined him a moment later, sitting across from him. She stole a quick glance in his direction before lowering her eyes to the generous spread in front of her. Her emotions were tangled, complicated.

To Julian, last night might have been nothing more than a moment of impulse—a way to blow off steam, no big deal, hardly worth mentioning.

But for someone like her, traditional and cautious by nature, that kind of intimacy carried weight. It hung over her heart like a low, stubborn fog.

Iris glanced at him again.

He was eating with his usual quiet elegance—calm, composed, coolly detached. As if nothing at all had changed between them.

Iris let out a soft breath. Maybe she was overthinking it.

"For Thanksgiving," Julian said, breaking the silence, "I'm taking Harper to the countryside to see my grandmother. Grandma wants to spend time with her."

Iris stilled, looking up at him with a touch of nervousness. "You're leaving the day after tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."

She set her fork down slowly and nodded. "Okay. Please... take good care of her. Don't let her out of your sight."

"You could come with us." Julian put down his own utensils and reached for a napkin, dabbing his mouth.

Iris offered a faint, bittersweet smile and shook her head. "It's a family gathering. I'd feel out of place."

Julian met her eyes. "You're Harper's mother. Why would you be out of place?"

Iris looked down, her mood dimming. "Your parents don't want to see me. Besides, Lily's grandfather lives in the same town. If they visit at the same time and we run into each other... it would be awkward for everyone."

"Lily is married to Arthur now," Julian stated, his voice even.

Iris stared at him, stunned, as if someone had pressed a pause button on her world.

How was that possible?

Lily had loved Julian desperately, wholeheartedly. How could she have married Arthur?

The last time Iris had seen Lily was back in Edulet City—traveling with Julian on business, staying in the same suite, ironing his shirts.

She had assumed they were together.

She had even told herself that the only reason she was safe under Julian's protection was because of their daughter... that it was just a temporary shelter.

"Do you..." Iris hesitated, her voice quiet. "Does that bother you?"

At that, Julian let out a cold, quiet laugh.

There was an icy edge to his smile, tinged with something like mockery.

He held Iris' gaze without speaking, a flicker of anger in his eyes. His hands slowly tightened into fists. The words he wanted to say stuck in his throat.

Iris, the only one who could ever break my heart is you.

But even if he said it, she wouldn't care.

His pride wouldn't let him humble himself like that again—not after giving everything and receiving nothing in return. So all he said was, flatly, "Pack your things too. You're coming with us. We'll be gone about a week."

Before Iris could refuse, he pushed back from the table and walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, she felt a dull, heavy ache spread through her chest.

It seemed that even after last night, nothing between them had really changed.

*****

The next morning, Iris packed a bag, took her daughter's hand, and climbed into Julian's car. They pulled out of the villa driveway.

Just as the car passed through the wrought-iron gates and turned onto the main road, a figure suddenly darted out from behind a cluster of bushes and planted herself right in their path.

Julian slammed on the brakes.

Iris and Harper jolted forward in their seats, startled.

The security car behind them screeched to a halt. Several bodyguards rushed up and grabbed the woman blocking the road.

It was Iris' mother.

Grace hadn't changed much in three years—a little more worn, a little wearier—but her eyes still held that same sharp intensity.

"My girl!" Grace cried out, her voice breaking. "I've been searching for you for three years! Why won't you see me? Why haven't you called?"

It was a performance, pure and simple.

Iris felt completely thrown by this woman she wasn't even related to by blood.

Julian, unaware that Grace wasn't Iris' biological mother, said quietly, "It's your mom. Let her in the car so you can talk."

"No," Iris refused immediately.

She pushed the car door open and stepped out, walking toward Grace.

Several bodyguards closed in subtly, keeping a protective distance. Not far off, undercover police officers grew alert, stepping out of their own vehicle to watch closely.

Grace suddenly seemed to notice the extra men around—all of them sturdy, with watchful, intense eyes.

She swallowed hard, forced a few tears, and hurried toward Iris. Clutching her daughter's hands pathetically, she sobbed, "My girl... I was wrong. I was so wrong! I've been looking everywhere for you."

Grace held on tightly, her shoulders hunched, her face a mask of sorrow.

Iris remained perfectly still, perfectly calm. She just watched the performance unfold, saying nothing at all.