His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 344: Playing Hard to Get

Brandon gave a slow nod and murmured, "Go ahead—say it."

Iris released a long, shaky breath. She was mortified—absolutely dying inside—but she followed his instructions anyway, pouring on the drama as thickly as she could manage.

"It feels like you don't love me at all. Like I'm not even on your mind. You never tell me where you're going, you don't check in... It hurts. I don't even want to talk to you anymore."

Julian let out a soft chuckle, though he sounded more confused than amused. "Of course I love you. But since when do you care about my daily schedule? Were you really thinking about me?"

Iris cringed. She'd never acted like this in her life.

Goosebumps prickled up her arms.

Was Brandon messing with her on purpose?

Why was he feeding her these cheesy, over-the-top lines? She could barely stand hearing herself say them.

Would Julian actually buy this?

The next lines Brandon typed out were even more cringe-worthy.

But she'd already started—might as well see it through.

Iris drew another breath and leaned into the performance. "After the way you've been acting, I'm seriously disappointed. Starting right now, I've decided I'm done talking to you."

Julian's tone shifted to concern, urgency coloring his voice. "Iris, come on—what's going on with you?"

She didn't even know herself. She felt like she'd turned into some soap opera character.

Brandon's final instruction flashed on the screen. "Hang up. Now."

She obeyed, setting the phone down and ending the call.

Then she buried her face in her hands. Her cheeks were burning.

This wasn't her. A weird, flustered embarrassment washed over her.

Brandon smirked. "Remember—when he gets back, keep the act up. You're upset because he didn't come home sooner, because he didn't let you know where he was, and that made you feel like he doesn't care."

Iris wrinkled her nose, feeling both awkward and a little disgusted. "I thought guys liked women who were understanding... sweet and easygoing."

Brandon shook his head. "Nope. Actually, it's the opposite. A guy only wants 'sweet and easygoing' when he's not that into her—it's less work, no drama."

Iris still wasn't convinced.

Brandon stood up and sighed. "If you'd acted like this with Julian from the start, forget one Lily—a hundred Lilys wouldn't have stood a chance."

Iris offered a weak, helpless smile. The whole thing still felt ridiculous.

"Trust me. A little drama now and then will make him want you more." Brandon headed back toward his room as he spoke. "Finish your milk and get some rest. And keep the attitude going—don't let him smooth things over tonight. Make him wait till tomorrow at least."

Iris' scalp tingled.

She had the distinct feeling Brandon was setting her up, but she couldn't prove it.

Do men really like women who act like this?

Are they actually into it?

Iris finished her milk, went back to her room, washed up, and climbed into bed with a book.

About thirty minutes later, she heard the front door open.

Her nerves sparked to life.

She had to keep playing the part—stay mad—and it left her feeling completely out of her element.

Soon, the bedroom door pushed open.

Iris immediately dropped her eyes to her book, puffing her cheeks out in a show of distant annoyance. She wasn't absorbing a single word. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Julian.

He closed the door behind him, shrugged off his suit jacket, and moved toward the bed.

Tossing the jacket over a chair, he sat on the edge of the mattress, braced one hand beside her, and leaned into her sulky field of vision. A smile tugged at his lips. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden? Are you really that mad?"

Iris turned her face away, refusing to meet his eyes, and stayed silent.

Julian cupped her cheek and gently turned her back toward him. "Look at me. Tell me what's wrong."

Inside, Iris was fighting a laugh, but she stuck to Brandon's script and kept up the annoyed act. "I don't want to talk to you. Just leave me alone."

Instead of getting upset, Julian's smile grew. "Just because I came home late? Did you miss me?"

"And you didn't tell me where you were all day."

"You never used to ask..." Julian replied, sounding genuinely surprised.

Iris cut him off, pushing his hand away. "Well, that was before. Things are different now."

A pleased gleam lit Julian's eyes. His voice softened teasingly. "I was at the branch office this morning handling some paperwork. This afternoon, I took care of something important—wrapped up a few lingering issues. Tonight, I went down by the river to clear my head. I was alone all day. That's the full rundown."

Iris kept her cheeks puffed, pretending to ignore him.

Julian placed both hands on the bed, leaning in so close his lips almost brushed hers, and whispered, "If it makes you happy, I'll start giving you my daily schedule from now on, okay? Don't be mad."

By now, Iris felt she'd done enough.

But why did Brandon insist she keep this up until tomorrow?

It didn't make sense to her, but she decided to commit.

Might as well see how it plays out.

She pushed Julian back, slid down under the covers, and turned onto her side so her back was to him. "You'd rather wander by the river than come home. You kept me waiting forever. I'm not talking to you anymore."

In that moment, Julian's heart beat faster. He wasn't annoyed or upset—if anything, he felt a thrill of excitement.

He lay down beside her, propped up on one elbow, and slipped his arm around her from behind. Drawing close until his lips nearly touched her earlobe, he closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.