After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 389

Chapter 389 The Untaken Gift

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Finished

“Try to cut back on the coffee–it’s not great for you.” Brandon walked past her and stepped inside.

Yvette followed close behind.

The housekeeper stood nearby, watching with a sympathetic ache in her chest.

Once inside, Brandon swapped his shoes for slippers and made his way into the living room. He took off his coat and tossed it over the back of the sofa before sinking heavily into the cushions. Leaning his head back, he draped an arm across his eyes, looking utterly worn out. A wave of solitude seemed to settle around him.

Yvette approached quietly, picked up his coat, and asked softly, “Long day, Brandon?”

He didn’t answer at first. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and he let out a low, tired sound. “Yeah.”

“Are you hungry?” Yvette ventured gently. “I made some soup earlier–it’s supposed to be nourishing. Would you like a bowl?”

Brandon lowered his arm and straightened up. “Sure.”

He hadn’t eaten dinner, so his stomach was practically empty.

A warm smile spread across Yvette’s face. “Let me get it for you.”

“No, it’s fine–I can help myself.” He began to rise, but the housekeeper, snapping out of her thoughts, stepped forward with a kind smile and took the coat from Yvette’s hands.

Yvette was already a step ahead, slipping into the kitchen before Brandon could move.

For a moment, Brandon simply watched her go, feeling a little dazed.

His gaze drifted across the living room–to the elegant fresh floral arrangement on the coffee table and the few small, well–tended potted plants tucked into the corners.

In the month since Yvette had moved in, the house always seemed alive with greenery and blooms.

She really had a gift with plants and flowers.

It made coming home feel… pleasant.

Brandon reached out and lightly touched the peonies on the table. “These look nice.”

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15:27 Thu, Jun 25

Chapter 389 The Untaken Gift

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Finished

The housekeeper beamed. “Ms. Jensen arranged those just today. They really are lovely. Even though it’s winter, she’s already started planting out in the garden. Come spring, it’s going to be absolutely beautiful.”

Brandon gave a faint chuckle and nodded in agreement before heading to the dining table.

Yvette returned with a warm bowl of soup and set it down, along with what looked like a small, delicately made savory pastry.

“Thanks.” Brandon gestured toward the pastry. “What’s this?”

“It’s a kind of hand pie–a Southern thing. I know you don’t like sweets, so I filled it with seasoned ground beef and diced turnips, plus a few other things. Give it a try–it’s really good.”

Brandon took a few spoonfuls of soup, then picked up the pastry with his fork. “You’re really something. Working all day–how do you find the time to make things like this?”

“Work is work, and life is life.” Yvette rested her hands lightly on the table, posture attentive, her smile gentle and earnest. “Life’s short. When you work, work hard. When you live, live well. Give your all to both.”

“Makes sense.” Brandon took a bite. The savory filling, rich with meat and the slight crunch of vegetables, was perfectly balanced. The crust was soft yet had a gentle chew–probably made with potato flour. It was delicious.

He finished the soup and ate every bit of the pastry she’d brought out.

Yvette sat quietly, content just watching him eat.

Just then, the housekeeper emerged from the laundry room holding a small, elegant gift box. “Mr. Whitmore, I found this in the pocket of the clothes you set aside. Here you go.”

Brandon glanced over, reached out, and took it. “Thank you.”

He held the box, leaning back in his chair, his expression turning distant and somber. His fingertips brushed lightly over its surface, and a quiet melancholy seemed to wrap around him.

The smile on Yvette’s face slowly faded. Seeing him so low stirred an ache in her own heart.

He hadn’t been able to give the gift, then.

So that was why he’d skipped dinner, too.

Where had he spent the evening before coming home so late?

A sharp pang shot through Yvette’s chest. Her eyes stung before she could stop it, and she

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15:27 Thu, Jun 25

Chapter 389 The Untaken Gift

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Finished

turned her face away, not wanting Brandon to see the tears threatening to fall.

It hurt, deep down.

Why couldn’t that girl treat someone as good as Brandon just a little better?

Yvette discreetly wiped at her eyes, forced a soft smile, and asked, “Would you like more, Brandon?”

Brandon stirred from his thoughts, set the gift box on the table, and stood to clear his dishes. “I’m all set.”

“Let me wash up,” Yvette offered, reaching for the bowl.

The evening cook had already left, so unless someone handled them, the dishes would just sit.

Brandon smiled lightly. “You cooked. No way I’m letting you clean, too.”

Yvette stood with her hands at her sides, watching as he quickly cleared the table and carried everything into the kitchen to wash.

She remained by the table, her eyes lingering on the jewelry box, a twinge of envy flickering through her.

Something someone else could so easily overlook was what she longed for and couldn’t have.

She looked back toward the kitchen, where Brandon was carefully washing the dishes, and felt a quiet, hollow sadness.

After pushing her chair in, she walked to the kitchen doorway. “Brandon, I’m heading up to bed. Good night.”

“Good night,” he replied.

Yvette’s steps were still heavy. She paused, watching his back for a long moment, before finally turning and making her way upstairs.

Brandon finished in the kitchen, turned off the light, and walked back out. He picked up the jewelry box almost absently and headed upstairs as well.

In his room, he placed the box in a drawer. He didn’t close it right away–just stood there, looking down at it for a while before finally pushing the drawer shut. Then he grabbed his pajamas and went to get ready for bed.

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