After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 382

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When Brandon heard that, the weight on his shoulders seemed to vanish, and his spirits lifted instantly.

“Since we’re both in the same boat–being pressured about marriage,” he suggested, leaning in slightly, “why don’t we help each other out? We could tell our parents we’re giving this a shot.”

Yvette looked puzzled. “How would that work?”

Brandon lowered his voice. “You’ve got someone you like, right? And I’ve been dealing with this for years–it’s exhausting. We each need a way out. So, what if we say we’re dating casually, to see where things go?”

Yvette stared at him, her lips parting in surprise.

He went on, “That way, we both get some breathing room. If down the road you’re ready to marry the person you really care about, we can just say it didn’t work out between us and end things amicably.”

Yvette pressed her lips together, offering a faint smile before lowering her gaze.

Her heart ached softly.

To Brandon, this was just a convenient arrangement—a mutual favor to get their families off their backs.

But for her?

The one she really wanted was him.

Noticing her hesitation, Brandon started to backtrack. “If you’re uncomfortable with this, we don’t have to-”

“I’ll do it,” Yvette cut in softly.

Brandon studied her face, a hint of concern in his eyes. “You seem upset.”

She looked up, forcing a gentle, almost sweet smile. “I’m fine. If this helps you get Cayden to stop hounding you about settling down, then I’m happy to help. After all, I still owe you for what you did for me.”

Brandon chuckled lightly. “Let’s not bring that up again–you don’t owe me anything. Really.”

Yvette nodded quietly.

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Chapter 382 A Convenient Arrangement

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Once their food arrived, Brandon glanced over at her. “Feel like heading straight home after this, or do you want to go somewhere else?”

“Would you come with me?” Yvette asked, almost shyly.

“Sure,” Brandon replied warmly.

“Then let’s go out… maybe just walk around.”

Brandon sliced into his steak neatly. “Anywhere in mind?”

“Anywhere’s fine. The pier, a downtown stroll, the park, the beach…” She trailed off, her cheeks coloring slightly. Her voice grew softer. “Really, anywhere. As long as you’re there, Brandon… that’s enough for me.”

“Alright,” he said, setting down his cutlery and lifting his glass. “To a good partnership, then.”

Yvette cradled her water glass with both hands and clinked it gently against his. “Mhm.”

The soft ring of glasses touching hung briefly in the air. Yvette took a sip, then stole a glance at Brandon.

She watched as he tilted his head back to drink, his Adam’s apple moving subtly. There was a clean, sunlit handsomeness to his features, an easy grace that spoke of old–money upbringing- the kind that made her pulse quicken.

Night had fallen deeply by the time Brandon returned to Whitmore Manor.

As he stepped inside, he found Iris and Cayden still chatting in the living room.

“Iris?” Brandon’s mood brightened visibly. He dropped his keys on the entry table and strode

over.

“Hey, Brandon.” Iris turned, her eyes curving into a smile.

Brandon settled beside her, draping an arm over her shoulders. “Coming home so late–did you miss Dad, or did you miss me?”

Iris laughed. “Both. I just wanted more time with you all, so I’m staying here for a while.”

Brandon raised a brow. “And your husband’s okay with that?”

“Not entirely,” Iris admitted, nodding toward the hallway. “So he came along too. He’s upstairs reading Harper a bedtime story.”

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Chapter 382 A Convenient Arrangement

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“This is your home as much as his,” Brandon said, pleased. “You should just move back for good.”

Iris smiled in agreement.

Cayden cleared his throat, his tone turning serious. “I never worry much about Iris. But you— how did it go with Yvette tonight? Any potential there?”

Brandon withdrew his arm and sank back into the chair. “You can’t really tell after one dinner,

Dad.”

Cayden straightened up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Let’s just say we’re going to see each other a few more times and take it from there.”

At that, Iris‘ smile faded, and she gave Brandon a worried look.

Cayden, however, was thrilled. He rose excitedly, rubbing his hands together. “Now that’s more like it! Yvette’s a wonderful girl–don’t let her slip away.”

Brandon met his gaze evenly. “Let us figure this out at our own pace, okay? No pushing.”

“No pushing, no pushing. Take your time, get to know each other…” Cayden tried to temper his enthusiasm, adopting a more measured tone. “I’ll just wait quietly for good news.”

Brandon gave a slight nod.

“And Yvette feels the same way?” Cayden pressed.

“Seems like it.”

“Excellent.” Cayden couldn’t help clapping his hands once more. He was already pulling out his phone as he walked away. “I’ll give Ralph a call. You two talk.”

He disappeared into the study, his voice already animated over the line.

Once they were alone, Iris leaned closer and said quietly, “Brandon… this isn’t fair to her, you know.”

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