His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 39: The Reunion Awkwardness

"He's your husband, and you had no idea where he went to college?" Zoe whispered.

Iris was just as confused.

She and Julian had dated for three months before marriage. They'd only gone out on weekends—dinner, movies, museums, parks, or hiking.

Both were busy back then. They'd texted or called occasionally.

They barely talked about their past. When Julian mentioned his education, he'd gloss over it. "I went to grad school in the US right after college, finished my master's in a year and a half at Westmoor University, then came back to take over the family business."

Julian never brought up his college. Even when he found out they were in the same graduating class, he'd hidden it on purpose.

Just then, Mason held out his hand to Zoe. "Hi, I'm Mason Carver."

Zoe forced a small smile and shook it. "Zoe Ellison."

Daniel held out his hand too. "Daniel Cross."

Zoe touched his hand for a second, then pulled back like it was on fire.

Mason called out to Julian in the distance. "Julian! Look who's here!"

Julian turned around. His eyes landed on Iris, darkening a little.

Julian clearly hadn't expected Iris to be there either.

She was quiet, hated socializing, and loathed parties even more. But today, she'd shown up—for the first time ever.

Iris stared at him. When their eyes met, their already distant relationship felt even more strange.

Julian looked away, said goodbye to the classmates next to him, and walked over.

Mason teased, "Never thought Iris and her friend are our alumni—same class too. Julian, you've been hiding this well."

Daniel nudged Mason with his elbow. "When has he ever talked about Iris?"

Julian looked at Iris's somber face, speaking calmly. "If I'd known you'd be here, I would've given you a ride."

Iris forced a weak smile. "What a coincidence. Didn't know we were alumni."

Julian smiled but said nothing. His eyes were deep, mysterious—hard to read.

They acted distant, yet it felt natural somehow.

Zoe couldn't help asking, "Julian, Iris and I were inseparable all four years of college. How come we never saw you? Did we really not know each other back then?"

"No, we didn't," Julian answered gently.

"You two are really meant to be." Zoe muttered to herself, "Too bad it's a toxic fate."

Mason chimed in. "Stanford's huge, so many people. It's not easy to know everyone."

Just then, a couple holding hands walked over—Julian's old classmate Leo Renner and his girlfriend Nina Dallas.

They exchanged small talk.

Iris and Zoe stood aside, feeling out of place.

Suddenly, Julian held out his hand and introduced them smoothly. "This is my wife, Iris. This is her friend, Zoe. They're both in the Pharmacology department."

Leo greeted Iris politely. Her cheeks heated up, and she replied awkwardly.

They'd been married for two years, and Julian had never formally introduced her to his friends. His gesture caught her off guard.

Mason sighed. "Four years after graduation, you all have great careers and love lives. Makes everyone jealous."

Just then, someone called from behind, "Zoe! Iris!"

They turned around. An old department friend was waving at them.

"We'll be right over," Iris said quickly, pulling Zoe away to escape the awkwardness.

Once they were away from Julian and the others, Iris and Zoe sighed in relief and chatted with their old classmates.

Then they walked to a corner. Zoe's eyes were on Daniel in the distance, and she whispered, "Iris, you and Julian have slept in separate rooms for two years. Could he be gay? Did you get tricked into a lavender marriage?"

Iris laughed bitterly. "I've wondered that too. But I have no proof."

"Isn't that proof?" Zoe stared at Daniel. "Look at his friend Daniel—his face is prettier than a girl's."

Iris shook her head. "Intuition isn't proof."

Just then, the event up front got lively. Everyone was playing a three-legged race. Mason and Daniel were paired together, stumbling as they ran, making everyone laugh.

Iris and Zoe stood in the corner, like they were in a different world, quietly watching the fun.

Zoe kept staring at Daniel, whispering, "He looks like a bottom to me."

Suddenly, Daniel walked over, holding a small first-place medal, out of breath. "Iris, it's your turn next."

Iris froze, nervous. "I didn't sign up for any activities!"

"It's the telepathy game. Couples and spouses are all joining."

Iris's face changed. She shook her head in a panic. "I'm not joining!"

Daniel handed the medal to Zoe, smirking. "This is for you."

Zoe looked confused. "Why me?"

"You've been staring at me this whole time. If you want my phone number, just ask. No need to be shy."

Zoe's face turned bright red, so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into a hole. She quickly pulled Iris in front of her. "Iris! It's your turn for the race! Hurry over!"

Iris resisted, whispering angrily, "Zoe! I'm not joining! I don't want to!"

Under the shade of the trees, there were rows of chairs, paired up. Lots of couples were already sitting down.