After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Unwelcome

Finished

Iris’s chest tightened. She hadn’t seen Julian in six days. After getting Beatrice’s call, she had come straight from the lab.

Beatrice led her to sit down. Just as she settled, Lily forced a smile and said with mock apology, “Oops… totally forgot to bring you a gift, Iris.”

Beatrice’s hand tightened gently around Iris’s. She glanced at Lily, her tone now cold and sharp. “With all the online shopping these days, people can get what they want anytime. Even overseas exclusives. No need to go out of your way.”

Message received: no one here was begging for your gifts.

Lily’s smile stiffened. She slinked back to her parents, mumbling, “I just wanted Julian to relax. I thought a vacation would help, but the guy can’t stop working. The moment we landed, he headed straight to the local office. Turns out the overseas branch has all kinds of problems.”

Lily’s mother, Irene Prescott, frowned. “Even on a trip, he still acts that way? That doesn’t give me much confidence in handing my daughter off to him someday.”

To this family, Iris had always been the placeholder. The one Julian “happened” to marry. Lily? She was the real deal–their perfect match, the one they were rooting for.

Lily jumped in fast, playing the loyal girl. “Mom, don’t say that about Julian. He’s just ambitious, that’s all. Even when he’s working, he brings me along.”

Irene’s lips curled into a smug smile. “At least he hasn’t forgotten his responsibilities.”

Iris said nothing. She sat quietly, her shoulders stiff, the weight in her chest pressing harder. It was like trying to breathe through sand.

Beatrice had finally had enough. Her face darkened as she cut in. “My grandson has a wife. He has a family. One day he’ll have his own children to care for. Lily is not his responsibility.”

Irene laughed awkwardly, trying to smooth things over. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. I just meant it in a brother–sister way. That’s all.”

Beatrice raised an eyebrow. “Funny. Jenny’s never once asked Julian to take care of her. But you two act like he owes your daughter something.”

The tension snapped like a rubber band. Irene shut up instantly.

Lily clenched her jaw. Her manicured nails curled into tight fists against her lap. She forced a smile, but the frustration under her skin was burning.

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12:27 Tue, May 5 ·

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Chapter 12 Unwelcome

132)

Finished

She had everything. Looks, money, connections. Everyone liked her. Everyone but Beatrice.

And it drove her crazy. The silence stretched.

Then May’s voice broke through from the hallway. “Julian’s back, ma’am!”

Beatrice lit up for half a second, then quickly reined it in. She sat upright, face blank, acting unimpressed.

Julian walked in, dressed in a tailored black shirt and matching slacks. His presence instantly pulled the room tighter. His eyes paused briefly on Iris, then moved to Beatrice. “Grandma,” he said politely.

Beatrice gave him a sideways look. “Back already? What’s the matter, missed your wife so much you rushed over from the airport? Too bad she came alone.”

Julian didn’t answer. He just turned and nodded to the others.

“Julian! Come sit,” Lily chirped, patting the empty spot beside her on the couch.

Normally, he might have. But not today. Not with all the elders watching.

Instead, he walked over and sat next to Iris. There was still a bit of space between them, but they were clearly side by side.

It threw Iris off. She wasn’t used to this. Her whole body tensed.

Lily’s smile dropped like a dead weight. Her polished nails dug into her palm, breath caught in her throat.

Fine. If Iris wanted to sit there and pretend she belonged, she’d show her just how wrong she

was.

She leaned forward and flipped the script. “So, on this trip, I got invited to the LV Spring Preview in Paris. The new line is absolutely stunning. So chic, so refined.”

Jenny gasped. “Wait–Louis Vuitton? They only send invites to brand ambassadors and, like, actual celebrities! You were there for real?”

Irene beamed with pride. “Well, during her time studying abroad, Lily became close friends with the VP’s daughter. Very close.”

Vivian jumped in eagerly. “Lily, could you help me get one of their new limited pieces?”

Lily smiled sweetly. “Of course. Just tell me which one you like. I’ll send it to you.”

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