After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 145

Chapter 145 His Lust Returns

ARDEN

Finished

The sensation was strange-like déjà vu laced with dread. Both familiarity and unfamiliarity crashed over me, rooting me in place. His old, empty promises echoed in my head, and my body refused to move.

“You’re the prettiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” Jaxon said gently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I laughed, not out of flattery, but disbelief. It was easier to laugh than to accept.

He caught my tone. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulled me into his chest, his toned biceps forming a wall around me.

“I’m serious,” he murmured into the crook of my neck, his breath ghosting across my skin. I felt his gaze dip to my scent gland, lingering on the mark. Then, he kissed it. A shiver ran down my spine, and before I realized it, I leaned into him, surrendering to his warmth.

“Happy one-year anniversary,” he whispered, slipping out a ring that looked like it could buy all three of my brothers”

cars.

I turned to him, stunned. “Jax, I can’t accept this.’

“Why not?” he asked, brow furrowed.

“Your family,” I said quietly. “Do they know about this?”

“Do they have to?” he replied just as softly. “I bought it with my own money. Just take it, Arden. It would look beautiful on you.”

My heart slammed against my chest. Was this love? I wasn’t sure-I’d never really known it. But if love felt like this… I wanted to hold on.

My arms found their way around his neck, his locked around my waist once more. We held each other like that, clinging to the illusion.

“I love you,” I whispered.

He tightened his hold before stepping back, carefully sliding the ring onto my index finger.

“Next time, I’m putting one here,” he said, lightly tapping my ring finger. Our eyes met. We laughed, nervous and giddy.

“Arden? You okay?” Tessa’s voice sliced through my memory. I blinked, and the illusion vanished. But Jaxon was still standing there.

I turned to her. “Can you give me a second… please?”

She must’ve heard the edge in my voice because she nodded immediately. “I’ll be in the garden. Call if you need me.”

I watched her retreat, worry still seen on her face. And then, I turned around to face the ghost of my past.

9:41 am P ppp.

Chapter 145 His Lust Returns

Finished

Jaxon stood there, a familiar smug smirk curling his lips as he drank me in from head to toe, a glint of appreciation flickering in his eyes.

“So… you’re really here,” he said, his eyes not once leaving the outline of my figure. Under his gaze. I suddenly felt exposed. I folded my arms across my waist, and something in his expression faltered.

“Why didn’t you tell me you got in?” he asked, stepping closer.

I scoffed. “Maybe I would’ve, if I hadn’t caught you screwing Sienna behind my back.”

“Then again, thank goodness I did. Otherwise, I might’ve stayed blind for another few years.”

A bitter laugh escaped me.

“I forgot how feisty you can get,” he said, twirling a strand of my hair between his fingers.

I slapped his hand away. He didn’t flinch-if anything, it only amused him more.

“I kind of miss it.”

“I don’t,” I said flatly. I could lie and say my heart didn’t still race in his presence. But the love I had for Jaxon? That was long gone-burned to ash the day he threw me away.

“Now that we know we’ll be seeing each other here,” I continued, “let’s agree to stay out of each other’s paths. You’re obviously doing well with Sienna. I’m here to graduate. Nothing else matters.”

“But how are you planning to do that without me?” he asked, voice dipped in something sickeningly sweet and seductive.

My brow twitched. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Sooner or later, you’ll need my help,” he said, flashing a grin. “I don’t see your name anywhere near the top students list. And with the Silver Quill? That circle is ruthless. You won’t survive without backup.”

He leaned in. “With me by your side, you won’t just survive-you’ll thrive. You’ll graduate with honors. I can even get you a room here in the Elite Mansions, make things easy.”

He tilted his head, studying me. “I heard what happened. Kieran told me everything. Why’d you run away like that? Face it, you probably don’t even have anything left to go back to. No money. No place to stay. No safety.”

He smirked. “I could fix all that for you.”

I looked him straight in the eyes, and whatever remnants of warmth I once felt for him dissolved.

There was only one thing he wanted.

My virginity.

He reached up and cupped my cheek, thumb stroking the skin. “You’re still so soft,” he murmured, eyes darkening with lust.

Before he could do more, I shoved my palm against his chest. He didn’t move much–but it was enough to

end

po dn

9:41 am P ppp.

Chapter 145 His Lust Returns

make my point.

“Arden,” he warned.

“I don’t need your help,” I said coldly. “You made it clear. You rejected me. Let’s leave it at that.”

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