After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 121

Chapter 121 Unfinished Rituals

45 Pearis

Julian slid into the driver’s seat, buckled up, and started the car to leave the police station.

The car glided smoothly down the wide road. Iris pulled out her phone, bowed her head, and shot a message in her work group. She wrapped up a few work tasks and told everyone she’d take the next day off.

After sending it, she set her phone down, turned to Julian, and asked, “What’s a gift-giving ceremony?”

Julian drove casually, answering her seriously, “It’s a big tradition before a wedding, like an engagement. Both families pick a day. The Lynch family will bring cash, gold, and all kinds of meaningful gifts. We’re the bride’s family, so we have to prepare lots to give back.”

A twinge of envy pulled at Iris’s heart. She looked at him, curious. “You know a lot about this.”

Julian went quiet, keeping his eyes on the road.

Iris stared out the window. Suddenly, she remembered-before they registered their marriage, Julian had mentioned he’d come to her house for the gift-giving ceremony a week before the wedding.

But then the wedding got canceled, and he never brought it up again.

Iris pressed her lips together, a bitter taste in her mouth. She asked softly, “You prepared one for me back then, didn’t you?”

Julian replied sincerely, “When you have time, I’ll make it up to you. The gift-giving ceremony, and the wedding we called off.”

Once, she would have jumped at that.

Any ritual felt like a sweet wish to her.

But now, she didn’t need it.

A sharp ache hit Iris’s chest. She leaned back in her seat, turning to stare at the city streets outside. “We’re almost divorced. It’s not needed.”

Julian’s face darkened. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, a heavy, quiet tension settling over the car.

They didn’t say another word for the rest of the drive.

The car pulled into Rosehill Estate and stopped in the courtyard.

It was a summer evening. Pink and orange clouds painted the sky. The air was cool and fresh, and the garden glowed like a dream in the sunset. It was beautiful.

Iris got out, drawn to the scene before her. A flower bed bursting with colorful blooms stopped her in her tracks.

Julian waited a little ways off, with no rush and no interruptions.

PPP

Chapter 121 Unfinished Rituals

45 Pearis

She watched the flowers as he stared at her.

The hazy, warm evening light wrapped around them in the quiet front garden.

The garden lights flickered on suddenly. Iris snapped out of her trance, realizing she should go inside. She turned and walked toward the villa.

She thought Julian had already gone in. But when she looked up, her eyes met his gentle gaze.

Their eyes locked, emotions swirling between them.

Maybe it was the beautiful sunset, maybe the soft mood. His eyes were warm, full of affection.

Iris’s heart tightened.

“Want to stay a little longer?” Julian asked.

Iris shook her head. “Let’s go in.”

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.

“Julian, Iris!”

Iris turned toward the sound.

Lily had her arm around Jenny as they walked out of the house. Her face lit up with a smile, not a single hint of depression showing.

Maybe that’s how smiling depression worked.

Jenny waved too. “Julian, Iris. Why aren’t you coming in?”

Julian nodded. “We’re coming.”

Lily and Jenny walked up to him. Lily said, “I’m taking Jenny out for a facial. We’ll be back soon.”

Julian asked gently, “How’s your health lately?”

Lily looked up at him, smiling, and patted his shoulder. “I’ve been taking my medicine. Don’t worry. I’ll get better faster if you take me off blacklist.”

your

Julian gently moved her hand away, warm but polite. “Take your medicine and keep up with your

treatment.

Jenny frowned, scoffing quietly. She looked annoyed, like she was sticking up for Lily. She shot a quick glare at Iris.

“Okay, we’ll head out then.” Lily waved at Julian, linking arms with Jenny to leave.

As they passed Iris, Lily asked, “Iris, want to come with us?”

Iris shook her head softly. “No, thanks.”

o scowled, pulling Lily’s hand to hurry her along. She muttered quietly. “Why’d you ask bere (the

d just being near her

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