His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 334: A Promise to Remarry

Iris was completely taken aback. Seeing Julian lose control like that again tore at her heart. He was always so composed, so in command of himself—but now his eyes were rimmed red, like a wounded animal backed into a corner.

"Julian..." She lifted her hand, her fingers gently brushing his cheek. "Dr. Whitmore and I truly are just—"

Before she could finish, Julian leaned down and captured her lips in a searing kiss. It felt almost punitive—demanding, urgent, leaving no room for hesitation.

At first Iris stiffened, but gradually she softened, melting into his embrace until she could barely catch her breath.

When they finally broke apart, both gasping lightly, Julian rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and rough. "Stay away from him. I can't handle it."

Iris let out a soft sigh. "Dr. Whitmore is probably just trying to get under your skin. The one he really cares about is Zoe. And you know there's only you for me."

"Then prove it," Julian murmured, his gaze intense and unyielding. "Once all this is over, we're getting married again."

Iris' eyes widened. "But—"

"No 'buts'," he cut in firmly. "I want you back by my side—officially. I want everyone to know you're my wife. Julian's wife."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Scott's voice. "Iris, we'll be landing soon. You should get ready."

Julian placed one last soft kiss on her lips before pulling away, his expression shifting seamlessly back to its usual calm composure.

Yet Iris knew all too well—beneath that collected surface, storms were still gathering.

When they returned to their seats, Brandon's eyes drifted between them before settling on Iris' slightly swollen lips. A flicker of displeasure crossed his features.

It bothered him, seeing his little sister look so flustered—it felt like she'd been taken advantage of.

Noticing Brandon's gaze, Julian deliberately slid his arm around Iris' waist, pulling her closer as he whispered something into her ear that made the tips of them blush pink.

That unmistakably possessive gesture only deepened Brandon's irritation.

He couldn't help but remember Iris strapped to that operating table, terrified and in pain—all because Julian hadn't been able to protect her when it mattered most. The thought still stirred a quiet anger inside him.

By the time the plane touched down at the airport, it was already late into the night.

Looking out the window at the runway lights growing clearer, Iris unconsciously tightened her grip on the seatbelt.

Then Julian's hand covered hers—warm, steady, his fingers curling around her colder ones.

"Don't worry," he said quietly, his thumb stroking the back of her hand.

The heated tension from earlier might as well have never happened. His eyes were calm now, like still water, though only Iris could sense the currents moving beneath.

They headed back to Iris' place in Edulet City—a three-bedroom condo she owned outright.

Brandon's old room remained just as he'd left it. Scott settled into the guest room, while Julian and Iris took the master suite.

*****

Early morning, sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, spilling across the bedroom. Iris woke in her own bed to find herself wrapped securely in Julian's arms.

His arm rested heavily over her waist, his warm, even breath brushing the nape of her neck. When she stirred slightly, trying to slip out of bed, his low, sleep-roughened voice murmured close behind her.

"Stay a little longer," Julian said, tightening his hold and nuzzling the top of her head.

Iris glanced at the bedside clock—7:30 already. "I should get up. There's a lot to take care of today."

Reluctantly, Julian released her, watching as she dressed.

Iris chose a simple white blouse paired with tailored black trousers, sweeping her long hair into a loose, casual ponytail.

Just as she was about to leave the room, Julian wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing a soft kiss just below her ear.

"Sleep okay last night?" His voice was still thick with sleep.

A warm flush crept up Iris' neck. She gently eased out of his hold. "Not really. I've been too worried about the R&D team."

Stepping into the hallway, the rich aroma of breakfast drifted from the kitchen.

To her surprise, Brandon stood by the stove wearing an apron, already busy cooking.

"Dr. Whitmore? You're up so early?" She made her way into the kitchen.

Brandon turned and offered her a warm smile. "Did you forget? I've always been an early riser—six a.m., like clockwork." He slid a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg onto a plate. "I remember you used to love eggs over easy with buttered toast. Made some just for you."

A familiar warmth spread through Iris' chest. "You still remember that."

"Of course I do," Brandon replied, handing her the plate. "When you were pregnant, you'd ask for these almost every morning. I made them for you regularly."

Just as Iris reached for the plate, a lean, toned arm intercepted it.

"Thanks for looking after my wife, Brandon." Julian appeared in the kitchen doorway. He glanced down at the plate, taking in the aroma. "Looks good, but she usually prefers something a bit heartier for breakfast."

The way he said "my wife" was firm, laced with a quiet possessiveness that left no room for doubt.

Brandon's smile wavered for a split second before returning, polite and steady. "Is that so? Well, you must know Iris' current tastes pretty well, then."

"Naturally," Julian replied, setting the plate aside and moving toward the refrigerator. "She tends to go for something warm and filling in the morning—like a skillet with scrambled eggs, sausage, and roasted potatoes, or maybe some avocado toast with a side of bacon."

He pulled out eggs, sausage links, and a couple of avocados, then began prepping the meal with practiced ease.

Watching the subtle tension simmer between them, Iris lifted a hand to her forehead, sighing inwardly. "Honestly, I'm really not that picky..."

Scott wandered out of the guest room just then, stifling a yawn. One look at the scene in the kitchen and he arched a brow, amused. "Morning, all. What's this—some kind of breakfast showdown?"