His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 317: Thanksgiving Visitors

Ryder dropped by with his family, including Lily and her husband Arthur.

They came bearing thoughtful gifts, and the Everhart family welcomed them warmly—after all, their families had been close since their grandparents' time, and no one was about to sever ties just because things hadn't worked out between Lily and Julian.

Ryder gestured toward Arthur. "This is my grandson-in-law, Arthur. He used to practice medicine, and now he's learning the ropes in business from Lily's father."

Beatrice offered a polite, if somewhat strained, smile. Even though she knew the full story, she kept up appearances. "He's very handsome and accomplished. How nice."

Lily glanced around the room. "Did Julian come back too?"

Beatrice replied, "He came yesterday with his wife and their little one. They're still upstairs resting."

Lily's expression dimmed. A complicated mix of emotions settled over her.

Even though she'd reached her limit with Julian's behavior and chosen to marry Arthur, a part of her still held feelings for him.

Some attachments just refused to fade, no matter how hard you tried to move on.

Jealousy began to sour her mood. Even if she couldn't have Julian's affection, she couldn't stand the thought of Iris being happier than she was—especially if that happiness came from him.

Just then, Caleb chimed in, almost teasingly, "You know, it's funny—my brother's been like a different person lately. For three years he made everyone's life difficult. But the moment Iris came back, all those issues just... vanished. No more loathing everything in sight, no more obsessing over cleanliness, no more angry outbursts where he'd throw things. It's like he's finally acting normal again."

Lily's hands tightened into fists at her sides. She bit her lower lip, drew a slow breath, and a shadow crossed her eyes.

Noticing her reaction, Arthur gently took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze before turning to Caleb. "I heard you used to have feelings for Iris too. How'd you manage to move past that?"

Caleb's face soured instantly. He shot Lily a sharp look.

Gossip lady.

Forcing a light tone, he joked, "I was afraid my brother would toss me into the ocean for the sharks. Even if I did like her, I knew better than to go there. When Julian loses it, things get... dangerous."

Harold chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, everything's turned out fine, hasn't it? My daughter found someone she cares for and settled down. Julian and his ex-wife worked things out. It's a win-win! Let's just leave the past where it belongs."

Frederick nodded along with a smile. "Young people's emotions shift like the weather. It's all part of life."

Vivian, curious, asked, "Now that Julian's taken over the company, what are your plans?"

Harold gave an honest, slightly sheepish laugh. "We're not as young as we used to be. We took the payout and moved back to the suburbs to be closer to family and enjoy a quieter life. It's peaceful—gardening, relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning. Simple and comfortable."

"What about you, Lily?" Vivian turned to her.

Lily smiled faintly. "Dad helped Arthur and me with some startup capital. We opened a few boutique skincare studios and a chain of smoothie and coffee bars. We've already expanded to several locations. It's growing steadily."

Vivian gave a knowing smile and glanced briefly at Arthur. "That's quite impressive."

Her tone carried a subtle implication—she hadn't expected much from a man who'd married into a well-off family.

Lily pulled out her phone, checked the time, and said in a lightly needling voice, "It's almost noon. Iris still isn't up? She's not going to keep all the elders waiting for lunch, is she?"

A brief silence fell over the room.

Beatrice maintained her calm smile. "No need to wait for them. We'll eat when everything's ready. Young couples have their own rhythm—late nights, slow mornings. It's perfectly normal."

Lily couldn't help but think back to the three years she'd spent at Rosehill Estate. Julian had insisted the housekeeper wake her at six every morning to prepare breakfast—and it had to be different each day.

He'd claimed he didn't want the staff's cooking, only hers.

In hindsight, it felt like she'd been treated as a live-in helper all that time.

A soft, sarcastic laugh escaped her. "He certainly has double standards."

Caleb overheard and couldn't hold back a grin. "Oh, he's always had double standards. Didn't you figure that out from the start? You just wanted to believe that if he could be good to Iris, he'd be good to you too."

Lily flushed. "Who are you calling pathetic?"

Vivian stepped in, trying to smooth things over while chiding Caleb for being too blunt.

Just then, footsteps sounded on the staircase.

Everyone in the living room turned to look.

Julian came downstairs dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored black trousers, fastening his watch as he walked.

His handsome features were cool and composed, his gaze detached, his demeanor polished and self-contained. He carried a presence that still commanded attention.

Lily's heart tugged unwillingly—her eyes lingered on him, held by a habit she couldn't quite break.

Julian's eyes swept casually across the room. He didn't offer greetings to anyone and made his way straight to the kitchen.

The chef was busy preparing lunch.

"Could you bring lunch for Iris and me upstairs later?" Julian asked.

"Of course, sir," came the reply.

As Julian walked back out, Lily rose from her seat. "Julian... happy Thanksgiving."

Arthur's expression darkened. He stared at Lily, disbelief clear in his eyes.

The other adults exchanged glances, equally puzzled.

Julian paused, his back to the room. After a moment of silence, he turned slowly and walked toward Lily.

She gave a soft smile, her eyes conflicted and faintly taut. Holding his gaze, she spoke in a slightly strained voice. "The neighborhood's hosting a big Thanksgiving potluck tonight. The community manager said there'll be fireworks afterward as well. The whole block is gathering at the clubhouse—you ought to come."