After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 236

Chapter 236 forced Match

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By evening, she gatheredahe day’s trash into a single bag and took it downstairs.

The sky had already darkened, the streetlights casting a soft glow over the nearly empty courtyard. It was quiet, almost unnaturally so.

She tossed the bag into the bin and turned to head back, but something made her slow down.

A feeling.

Like someone was behind her.

Her heartbeat picked up instantly, unease creeping up her spine as she turned sharply.

Nothing.

No one there.

I’m overthinking this… right?

She swallowed, nerves tightening as she quickened her pace, one hand instinctively pressing against her lower abdomen as she headed back inside.

By the time she reached the elevator, her breathing was uneven. She jabbed at the button, glancing back again.

The doors slid open.

She stepped inside quickly and hit the close button,/watching the doors begin to shut.

Her chest rose and fell too fast, her breathing uneven as she hurried into the elevator and jabbed at the “close” button, willing the doors to shut.

They were almost there.

Then, just before they met, the doors slid back open.

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In that split second, the fear hit full force, her knees went weak, a sharp chill racing up her spine as she stared toward the doorway.

When the doors opened all the way, the person standing there was Julian.

Two weeks apart hadn’t changed him on the surface. He still looked sharp, composed, dressed in a fitted black shirt and slacks, his presence filling the space the second he stepped in. But his eyes were different heavier, quieter, like something had settled in them that hadn’t been there before.

They looked at each other.

Something unspoken passed between them, distant, restrained.

Iris kept pressing the close button, but it didn’t respond.

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Chapter 236 forced Match

Told you not to come back, she said, her voice flat, stripped of any warmth.

She didn’t get to finish.

Julian moved.

In a single step, he closed the distance, his hands gripping her shoulders as he pushed her gently but firmly back against the wall and kissed her.

There was nothing tentative about it.

It was immediate, overwhelming, like something he had been holding back finally broke loose.

Iris froze for half a second before struggling, her fists hitting his chest as she tried to turn away. Julian- stop-

It didn’t matter.

His hand slid to the back of her neck, holding her in place, the other pinning her wrists as his body pressed closer, leaving her no space to push him away.

The elevator doors closed.

It started moving.

By the time it stopped again, her strength had given out, her body softening against the wall, tears slipping down her face as her resistance faded.

Maybe it was enough.

Or maybe it was the taste of her tears.

Julian finally pulled back, his forehead resting against hers, both of them breathing unevenly, the air thick and tangled.

Her eyes stayed closed, her lower lip caught between her teeth swollen and aching.

Her lips hurt.

But it was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.

The elevator doors opened and closed again, then stayed shut, paused on that floor.

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Julian lifted his hand, cupping her face, his thumb brushing away the tears on her cheek. When he spoke, his voice was low, rough, like it had been dragged out of something deep and buried.

“Iris… I’m sorry, I just… missed you.”

She didn’t respond.

She turned her head away.

Julian leaned into her shoulder, breathing in slowly, like he needed something to steady himself.

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“Let me go, she said quietly, each word distant and controlled.

He didn’t move.

She pushed against him, but his hand caught her wrist again, pressing it lightly against the wall.

“There’s a camera in here,” she said, her voice steady. “I can scream.

A faint smile touched his lips.

Then he let go.

He stepped back, leaning against the wall, giving her space.

The second she was free, Iris stepped forward and hit the open button.

The doors slid open.

She walked out without hesitation.

Julian stayed where he was, his body resting against the wall, his gaze following her until she disappeared completely.

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The elevator doors tid shut again, and the light in Julian’s eyes dimèged with them, something heavy settling in.

Just before they closed fully, they opened again.

Iris stepped back inside.

She stood in front of him, composed on the surface, though something flickered beneath it.

A trace of something passed through Julian’s eyes, gone just as quickly. He leaned back against the wall, his tone easy, almost teasing. “What, came back to hit me and call it even?”

Iris hesitated, her thoughts uneven, before speaking. “Can you help the with something?”

His lips curved slightly. “Depends.”

“Tomorrow morning. Nine. Come with me to the hospital.”

His brows drew together as he straightened and stepped out of the elevator.

She took a step back. “That’s all. You can go.

He didn’t move. “Why the hospital?”

“Just don’t ask.”

His expression shifted, concern breaking through. “If you won’t tell me, I’m not going. What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

Iris’s fingers tightened slightly, her mind racing for something believable, something that would hold.

“I need you to do a blood test,” she said finally, her voice not as steady as she wanted. “I think I might’ve been exposed to something, and I want you to get tested too.”

Julian’s expression darkened instantly. “You’ve been with someone else?”

“No,” she said quickly. “I’m worried about you.”

A quiet, bitter laugh escaped him. “I’ve only ever been with you, Iris. Where would that even come from?”

“There are other ways,” she said, holding her ground. “Blood exposure, not just that. I’ve been anxious about it, and it’s starting to affect me. I just need to rule it out.”

Julian looked at her for a long moment, his gaze deep, unreadable.

The silence stretched, pressing in.

Her confidence wavered.

What if he says no?

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“Please,” she said finally, her voice softer. “It won’t take long”

He exhaled slowly. “Fine. But I want something in return.

She stilled. “What?”

“Take me off your block list.”

She paused for a second, then pulled out her phone without argument, opening WhatsApp and removing him from the blocked list right in front of him.

She typed quickly, sending him the time and location.

“Tomorrow,” she said, already turning away.

As she walked off, Julian pulled out his phone, looking at the message.

A quiet, humorless smile touched his lips as he leaned back against the wall, his gaze drifting toward her door.

“Health anxiety, huh…” he murmured under his breath.

He stayed there for a long time before finally leaving.

The next morning was clear and bright.

When Iris arrived at the hospital, Julian was already there, sitting on a bench in the lobby. Owen stood nearby, a file in hand.

She walked up without greeting him. “Let’s go.”

Julian stood, his voice gentle. “Don’t we need to check in?”

“It’s already arranged,” she said, avoiding his eyes. “We can go straight to the lab.”

She turned and walked off.

Julian followed.

The lab was on the second floor. The elevators were crowded, so Iris headed for the escalator.

The moment she stepped onto it, Julian moved closer instinctively, one hand hovering near her waist, the other near her arm, ready to steady her.

“What are you doing?” she said, pulling away immediately as she stepped up. “Don’t touch me.”

His hand paused, then slowly lowered. “Hold the rail.”

She frowned slightly but did as he said.

Inside the lab waiting area, they sat side by side, waiting for their number.

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The place was crowded, people constantly moving, voices blending into a low hum.

Iris sat still, outwardly can, but inside, her thoughts wouldn’t settle

Julian rarely brought Owen along for something like this. And then there was the other concern.

If he carried the same genetic trait she feared, everything would change. When his number was called. Julian stood, unfastening his cuff as he walked in.

It didn’t take long.

A minute later, he returned, pressing a cotton pad to his arm. “Anything else?”

Iris stood. “No. Thank you.”

She turned to leave.

Julian reached out, catching her arm. “Iris…”

She turned back, silent, waiting.

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