After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194 Drawing Lines

Time had shifted everything, and whatever they once had no longer existed in the same way.

All Iris felt now was a dull mix of sadness and resignation.

She lowered her gaze and said nothing, and the silence between them stretched tight again.

Edmund’s words echoed in her mind, the truth that Julian had loved her for twelve years without ever saying it out loud.

‘t he told her sooner?

until she had already walked away, until everything had reached a point where nothing could be

was she supposed to do with that now?

he quiet grew heavy until Julian b

Are you avoiding me so much

“That’s not your business.”

“On that night, Ethan said his voice steady but ed

She shook her head

“Then answer th

Iris looked

Julian with

I talking to your family too?”

h, her fingers tightening slightly in the fabric of her sleeve.

with your parents and disappeared after that,” Julian continued, What happened?”

to go there.

firming. “Where do you stand with them now?”

flickering in her expression. “Why does that matter to you?”

calm but unwavering. “Because how you deal with them decides how I deal

her off guard, and despite everything, something in her chest softened.

ide.

she answered quietly, “I keep my distance. I don’t depend on them for anything still support them financially..

erstanding passed through Julian’s eyes, followed by something closer to concern.

aid gently. “I understand.”

ment, her phone rang

d and went to her room to 2

Ton & F

It was Zoe, the only friend she still kept in contact with.

By the time the call ended, her expression had changed completely. She shut the door, quickly changed her clothes, and came back out within minutes, already grabbing her bag.

“I need to go out. You should head back.

Julian stood immediately. “Where?”

She hesitated, then met his gaze. “The hospital. My dad’s been admitted.”

I’m coming with you.”

“I said you don’t need to,” she replied, already heading for the door

“I’m not asking.” His ton

Im, but final, as he followed her out.

She didn’t argue.

She didn’t have

What she had

Half an ho

that his car was already parked outside.

ved at Riverfront Hospital.

or to the room and stepped inside.

Iris pus

Ke

yes closed, while Grace, Ethan and Selena stood nearby.

saw her walk in with Julian, her expression turned sharp. “Well, look who finally p. I was starting to think you wouldn’t even come back if your father died.”

ugh,” Ethan snapped, already moving toward Iris. “Where have you been these past two worried about you.”

wer. Her attention was already on the bed. “What happened to Dad?”

Γ

Ethan said, guiding her closer. “He wasn’t doing great to begin with, and he passed out last

ly pulled her hand free before stepping closer. “Dad, how are you feeling?”

alive,” Keith said coldly, not opening his eyes.

ace let out a quiet scoff. “Good thing Selena stepped up. Otherwise we wouldn’t even be able to afford he hospital bills.”

Iris went still, something sinking deep in her chest.

Selena stepped in smoothly.

Grace took her hand,

would be doing this

one so much, running around for us and

Drewing Lines

paying for everything. I really appreciate it.”

Selena smiled. “You’re my parents. Of course I’ll take care of you.”

“My good daughter,” Grace said warmly.

Iris’s hands clenched at her sides, her nas pressing into her palms.

All these years, everything she had done, the responsibilities she carried, the money she gave, even selling her company to cover medical bills and help Ethan out of debt, none of it had ever earned her a moment like this.

And yet, this was all it took for Selena.

Her chest tightened painfully, her breathing unsteady as the weight of it pressed down on her.

Then suddenly, a warm hand covered hers.

She turned slightly.

Julian.

His gaze was steady, grounding, the quiet reassurance in his eyes easing the sharp edge of her emotions just enough.

His thumb moved lightly against her hand before he looked up at Grace, his tone calm and measured.

“Selena really is a great daughter,” he said. “Since she’s doing so well, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind having you move into her place, right?”

The room fell silent.

Even Keith opened his eyes, unease flickering across his face. “Julian… what are you saying?”

“Nothing complicated,” Julian replied evenly. “The company hasn’t been doing great lately, so I’m planning to sell the house and free up some cash.”

His gaze shifted to Selena, calm but pointed. “You’ve got several properties sitting empty, don’t you? There’s that place downtown you barely use. Seems like the perfect opportunity to bring them in and show just how devoted you are.”

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