His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 326: Lily's Rumor

Once she arrived in Edulet City, she was completely alone—a stranger in a strange land—and on the brink of giving birth. At her most vulnerable, when she had nowhere else to turn, Brandon requested a transfer to a women's hospital right there in Edulet.

They moved in together. Brandon stepped up, taking care of her and Harper with the protective devotion of a big brother. They were roommates for a solid year. It wasn't until her life stabilized and she established her own career in the city that Brandon transferred back to his original hospital for work.

She owed Brandon a debt of gratitude she could never hope to repay.

And the facts remained the same: they had shared a roof for over a year.

Iris didn't offer an explanation. Instead, she countered coolly, "Ms. Prescott, you're repeating hearsay. Do you have any actual proof?"

Lily feigned wide-eyed innocence. "What proof would I need? I heard it straight from Celeste. That's why I brought it up. Besides, Julian and I grew up together for over thirty years. My concern is that he's being played for a fool."

Iris remained unfazed. "Come back and gossip when you have evidence to back up your claims."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked toward Julian's car.

Julian opened the passenger door for her. Iris slid in, fastened her seatbelt, and glanced back to ensure Harper was securely buckled in before relaxing.

Julian shut the door. As he walked around the front of the vehicle, Lily darted forward, blocking his path.

"Julian, don't let her make a fool of you," Lily urged, her voice dripping with desperation. "She was with Brandon for three years. They lived together in Edulet City. If you look into it, you'll see. Even after Brandon came back, they stayed in touch the whole time. They were carrying on a long-distance affair."

The Everhart elders looked on in disbelief, their expressions darkening as uncertainty took hold. The younger generation stood back, watching the drama unfold like spectators at a tennis match. Beatrice anxiously wrung her hands, her eyes betraying her deep concern.

Julian's gaze turned glacial. "Who are you?"

"Huh?" Lily was caught flat-footed, unable to process the question.

"What does Iris' past have to do with you?" Julian's face contorted with rage. He used the back of his hand to shove her shoulder, pushing her aside with force. "Get out of my way. Don't block me."

Lily stumbled back, barely managing to keep her balance.

Julian got into the car, buckled up, and drove off without a backward glance.

Lily's chest heaved with indignation. She clenched her jaw, glaring at the retreating car with a twisted look of pure hatred.

"Worry about yourself," Jenny shot back with disdain, turning to help her grandmother into the house.

The drive back to the city was heavy with tension. Julian remained sullen, focusing intently on the road, maintaining a stony silence for the entire journey.

Iris was fighting a battle within her own mind.

Was Julian waiting for her to come clean on her own?

If she were to explain, she would have to start from the beginning—the kidnapping, the forced abortion, the terrifying ordeal.

And if the mastermind behind it all turned out to be his own father.

Would that turn father and son into enemies?

If Julian chose to forgive his father, where would that leave her?

Iris let out a long, weary sigh. Her thoughts were a tangled knot, her head throbbing with a dull ache. She rested her head against the cool glass of the window, lost in the maze of her own mind.

The four-hour drive included a brief half-hour stop at a service plaza to stretch their legs.

They pulled into the driveway around dusk.

After dinner, Iris busied herself putting away clothes in the closet. Julian took charge of Harper, giving her a bath, scrubbing her hair, and blow-drying it until it was soft and fluffy.

Night settled over the villa. The living room was bathed in warm light. Julian sat on the sofa, reading a picture book aloud to Harper.

Iris finished her shower and walked into the living room in her pajamas.

She had just taken a seat when she heard Julian ask, "Want to sleep in Dad's room tonight?"

Harper shook her head vigorously. "No. I want to sleep with Mommy tonight."

Julian pressed his lips together, a wry, bitter smile touching his features. He gently rubbed Harper's head, sounding a little defeated. "Alright, then. You sleep with Dad tomorrow."

Harper beamed. "Okay. One day for Mom, one day for Dad."

Julian looked up. His gaze was deep and complicated as it locked onto Iris.

Their eyes met. A jolt of inexplicable nervousness shot through Iris. She quickly lowered her eyes to avoid his scrutiny, her heart a mess of conflicting emotions.

All day, Julian hadn't brought up what Lily had said. She couldn't tell if he simply didn't want to ask, or if he was waiting for her to broach the subject herself. Either way, her mind was in turmoil. She wanted to explain, but she couldn't find the right opening.

Iris took Harper to her room to sleep. Late into the night, once Harper was fast asleep, Iris quietly slipped out of bed.

She left the room and stood in the hallway outside Julian's door.

With just a wooden panel separating them, she stood there, torn and unable to knock. She had played out every possible scenario and outcome in her head, overthinking every detail, paralyzed by fear. A sense of unease settled heavy in her chest.

Julian had offered to let Harper sleep with him, likely because he wanted to come find Iris later that night. Now, the ball was in her court.

Iris took a deep, steadying breath, summoned her courage, walked up to the door, and knocked.

No answer.

She raised her hand to knock a second time, but the door suddenly swung open.

Julian stood there wearing grey loungewear. His short hair was slightly damp, looking fresh and clean. He looked handsome, carrying the light, crisp scent of soap.

A flicker of surprise passed through Julian's deep eyes. A faint smile played on his lips as he opened the door wider, leaning back against the wall to give her space to enter.

Iris twisted the hem of her pajama top nervously and stepped inside.

Julian closed the door slowly, then turned to lean against it, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he watched Iris in silence.

Iris took a few steps into the room before turning around to face him.

Their eyes met once more. A faint sorrow hung in the air between them. There was no heat, no romantic spark—just a heavy, suffocating atmosphere.