After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 38

ld house finally felt a little lively, like a real home.

ร.ม

30

Finished

After lunch, Iris reached for the plates to clean up. Julian took them from her hands. “Aren’t you heading out?”

Iris froze for a few seconds, then nodded.

“Work? Or fun?” Julian asked, bending down to gather the dishes.

“Back to the lab.”

“Got it.” Julian carried the plates into the kitchen.

Iris stared at his back, then at her bag on the sofa. She didn’t want to leave anymore.

She shouldn’t have taken her bag out and said she was leaving.

Julian was still cold, like always. But at least they talked a little. They even sat together for lunch. No awkward silence.

But she’d said it. She had to go.

Iris walked to the sofa, picked up her bag, and slowly headed to the entrance. She put on her shoes.

She opened the door, then glanced back at the kitchen.

They’d eaten lunch together, and she hadn’t helped clean up. Leaving without a word would be rude.

She hesitated for a second, then called toward the kitchen. “I’m leaving!”

No answer.

Iris sighed softly, pressed her lips together, stepped outside, and pulled the door to close it.

“Iris.”

Julian’s voice came from inside.

Iris quickly pushed the door back open, her clear eyes looking at him. “Yeah?”

Julian handed her a small bag of trash. “Take this down.”

1/4

12:38 Tue, May 5

…

Chapter 38 The Alumni Reunion Surprise

“Okay.” Iris took it quietly.

Julian stood there, staring at her.

:

30

Finished

Iris looked at the trash, then back at him. She smiled brightly and slowly closed the door.

As soon as the door shut, her heart felt empty–like half of it was still inside the house.

It felt unreal. But it had really happened.

She suddenly realized that if she took the first step, Julian wasn’t that cold. He wasn’t hard to get along with.

The next day, the alumni reunion was on schedule.

Iris had finally agreed to go after Zoe kept bugging her.

The campus was quiet. Most students were on break, so there was hardly anyone around.

A banner hung on the big lawn, “Class of 2000, 4th Anniversary Reunion.”

A few long tables had simple snacks and water bottles. Next to them was a check–in desk, with balloons and signs around. The whole event was simple.

Most people there were young, dressed up nicely in formal clothes.

Iris and Zoe were casual, though. They stood out a lot.

They walked to the check–in desk. The male host’s eyes lit up when he saw them, and he smiled big. “You two from the Class of 2000?”

Iris and Zoe nodded.

“Which department?”

“Pharmacology,” Zoe answered.

The host handed them two pens, pointing to a curtain for them to sign. “Lots of pharmacology alumni here today.”

Zoe looked around, muttering quietly, “Out of all these single guys with the same degree as me, I wonder if there are any good ones?”

Iris laughed. “Anyone who graduated from Stanford is pretty capable. Just pick one with good looks and a good personality.”

Zoe nodded, pressing her lips together. She linked arms with Iris, adding softly, “And loyal.”

2/4

12:39 Tue, May 5

Chapter 38 The Alumni Reunion Surprise

:

30

Finished

“You can’t tell if someone’s loyal at first glance,” Iris said calmly. “It takes time.”

Just then, a man in a striped shirt walked over. He held out his hand, his voice excited. “Iris? I can’t believe you’re here too!”

Iris shook his hand politely, but her mind went blank. She asked awkwardly, “You are?”

The man looked a little embarrassed. “I’m from the Business Administration department. I chased you for three years in college. Got rejected so many times.”

Iris smiled faintly and slowly pulled her hand back. She’d had so many suitors–she couldn’t remember them all.

“Iris, long time no see!” Another man crowded over, staring straight at her. “We were in the same department. Remember me? We used to go to lectures together, did animal dissection experiments too…”

Iris’s smile got stiff. More and more men gathered around, introducing themselves one by one. She could only smile politely and shake each hand.

Zoe was used to this. She stood aside, thinking to herself. There are definitely some good guys in this crowd.

Suddenly, a voice broke the awkwardness. “Iris?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify