After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 422

Chapter 422 Jealousy

“Okay.”

“Did you miss me?”

“Yeah. I missed you so bad.”

“I missed you too, Zoe. I’m dying to kiss you.”

:

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Zoe smiled to herself, sending him a shy emoji. She set her phone down and took a bite of her

pastry.

The treats were sweet, but nothing compared to the warm flutter in her chest.

Her life felt almost too perfect lately, and she couldn’t shake the quiet fear that this happiness might vanish out of nowhere.

Sunday rolled around.

Iris had the day off and asked Zoe to go hiking. It had been ages since they’d hung out, so Zoe agreed right away.

She showed up to their meeting spot bright and early that morning.

Besides Iris, Julian and Iris’s brother Brandon were there as well.

Iris had told them months ago that Zoe and Daniel were dating.

Zoe could see nothing but acceptance and quiet relief in Brandon’s eyes.

There was no awkward tension between them. She’d never had romantic feelings for him to begin with.

The mountain view was breathtaking. The two men trailed behind while Zoe and Iris walked

ahead.

“Does Daniel treat you well?” Iris asked.

“He treats me really well.” Zoe’s smile was soft and sweet, pure joy shining in her eyes.

“I’m so glad to see you this happy.” Iris smiled sincerely.

“He’s been out of town for work. He wasn’t supposed to be back till tomorrow.” There was clear

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Chapter 422 Jealousy

longing laced in Zoe’s voice.

:

Iris let out a light chuckle. “It’s only been a few days. You miss him that much?”

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“I really do.” Zoe made no effort to hide her feelings. She glanced out at the scenery. “I’m bringing Daniel here sometime. The view is incredible.”

“Have you ever thought about marrying him?”

The question caught Zoe off guard.

Marriage had once felt terrifying to her, almost like a curse.

She used to dread the very thought of tying herself to someone.

But now she hesitated. Her old stubborn resolve was long gone.

Could one person really make you throw away all your boundaries?

She chose not to answer.

After hiking to the peak and back down again, Zoe’s legs burned. She wasn’t used to that level of physical exertion.

They’d only brought one car, so Brandon drove them back. He dropped Julian and Iris off first, then headed toward Zoe’s place.

The car ride was dead quiet.

Zoe sat in the backseat, staring out the window and getting lost in her own thoughts.

Once the car pulled up outside the apartment complex, she thanked Brandon politely and stepped out, shutting the car door behind her.

Brandon climbed out after her.

“Zoe.” His tone was calm and politely distant.

Zoe turned to him with a gentle smile. “Yes, Mr. Whitmore?”

Brandon took a few steps toward her, his expression steady. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”

“What is it?”

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“Are you happy?”

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“I’m truly happy. Thank you for caring.” She held his gaze, open and honest.

Brandon forced a faint smile, visibly relieved. “As long as you’re doing well. If Daniel ever messes up or hurts you, come find me. Come find Iris. We’ve always got your back.”

Warmth flooded Zoe’s chest as she looked at him.

Just like Iris, he genuinely cared about her well–being.

She could tell their kindness was never fake.

Life had handed her a broken family growing up, but it had also given her the best friend, loyal companions, and a loving boyfriend.

She felt nothing but grateful and content.

“Thank you, Mr. Whitmore.” Her eyes glistened with faint tears.

She turned and walked toward her building after their exchange.

Brandon got back into his car and drove off.

The second she rounded the corner to her apartment entrance, a figure standing there startled

her.

When she realized it was Daniel, excitement surged through her and her heart skipped a beat. “You weren’t supposed to be back till tomorrow. Why-”

She cut herself off mid–sentence, instantly noticing his dark mood.

Normally, he’d pull her into his arms and smother her in kisses the second he saw her.

But after days apart, he just stood there, silent. His eyes were sharp and clouded with raw jealousy.

Daniel lifted a paper bag and held it out to her.

“What’s this?” An uneasy nervousness crept over her. His vibe was cold and tense. “Is this for me?”

“Yeah.” His voice was flat, lacking any warmth.

“Thank you.” She took the bag and peeked inside. The packaging looked fancy, but before she

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Chapter 422 Jealousy

could make out what it was, Daniel moved to walk past her.

គ

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Panic flared up inside her. She spun around and grabbed his wrist. “Daniel, what’s wrong?”

Daniel let out a heavy breath, still not facing her. He slowly turned around, his tone thick with sour jealousy. “While I was away, you hung out with Brandon, didn’t you?”

He’d seen everything.

A tight, painful twinge squeezed Zoe’s heart. “Don’t take it the wrong way. He only gave me a ride home.”

“Where did you go that required him to drive you?”

“We went hiking. Iris and Julian were with us the whole time.”

Daniel tilted his head back and took a deep breath. After a brief pause, his deep eyes locked firmly on hers. “You know Brandon has feelings for you. Yet you still went hiking with him. No matter who else tagged along, did you ever stop to think how I’d feel?”

“I…” Zoe froze on the spot. She’d never imagined he’d take this so seriously.