After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 46

A few minutes later, he carried a warm glass of milk and knocked on Iris’s door.

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Iris opened the door. Her clear eyes looked dull and her face haggard; sadness hung over her like a cloud.

Julian held out the milk. “Drink this. Stop overthinking. Go to bed early.”

Iris took it, wrapping both hands around the warm glass “Thanks.”

Julian didn’t leave. He just stared at her quietly.

Iris felt flustered. She didn’t know if she should close the door or drink the milk first.

She hesitated for a second, then chugged the whole glass right in front of him.

Julian held out his hand.

She handed the glass back to him.

Julian stared at the milk stain on her lips. “Wash your face before you sleep.”

With that, he took the glass and turned toward the kitchen.

Iris watched his back. The deepest part of her heart felt soft, yet a strange ache tugged at it.

He was such a gentle, careful man–elegant and chivalrous.

Tonight, he’d given her all the respect she deserved. He’d been respectful to her family too.

He just didn’t love her. That wasn’t his fault.

Iris closed the door, feeling empty. She didn’t want to cave Julian’s care anymore. It was just pity, not love.

The next morning, Iris slept in until she woke up naturally.

When she got up to wash up, she noticed her eyes were a little puffy. She splashed cold water on them for a while.

After washing up, she changed out of her pajamas.

It was a bit hot today. She put on a thin white cotton T–shirt and a knee–length apricot–and–white floral dress, pulled her hair up into a top knot, grabbed her bag, and headed out.

There was some noise coming from the kitchen.

Iris set her bag on the sofa and checked the clock.

It was only 8 o’clock. Did Julian get up this early?

Iris walked toward the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Julian was wearing casual pajamas and a too–small apron. His tall, broad back was busy at the

stove.

14:39 Wed, May 6

Chapter 46 Morning Warmth

He stayed up late too. Why is he up so early?

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Iris didn’t greet him. She slowly left the kitchen and went to the laundry room on the balcony–only to find the clothes already in the dryer.

The night–blooming cereus plant in the corner had been watered too.

Iris finally realized that Julian had seen the night–blooming cereus she’d kept for two years, and guessed it was her favorite flower.

Iris let out a soft breath and turned back to the living room.

Julian carried two plates of pasta out. When he saw Iris, he froze for a second, his eyes lingering on her for a few moments. He cleared his throat. “Why not sleep a little longer?”

Iris usually got up at 6 o’clock. Sleeping until 8 o’clock was already sleeping in. “I got enough sleep.”

Julian set the plates down, took off the apron, and put it back in the kitchen. He washed his hands, came back out, pulled out a chair, and said softly, “Come eat breakfast.”

Iris walked over and sat across from him.

She was always the one to get up early to make breakfast, and they’d eat one after the other, separately.

Today was different. Julian had gotten up early to make breakfast, and he was sitting with her to eat it.

Julian picked up his fork, gently twirled a strand of pasta and blew on it to cool it down. “My cooking isn’t as good as yours. Make do with it.”

Iris spoke politely. “It looks and smells great. It must taste good.”

Julian smiled, but didn’t say anything.

Iris hung her head, twirled a strand of pasta on her fork, and ate it slowly.

“It’s really good,” Iris said after swallowing. She looked at him, smiling brightly. Her voice was soft and light, like the gentle morning breeze. “It feels like there’s nothing you can’t do. If you set your mind to it, you can do anything well.”

Julian curled his lips and looked up at her. “You’re talking about yourself, aren’t you?”

His eyes were beautiful–deep and warm. She couldn’t look at him this close; it made her lose her focus. Iris blushed and looked down, pretending to eat pasta calmly, but her heart fluttered.

Hiding her shyness, she replied quietly, “It’s really good. I mean it.”

Julian asked, “Trying to sweet–talk me into making you breakfast every morning?”

“No,” Iris said, looking up nervously. She met his warm gaze again, and in his deep eyes, she saw a hint of teasing.

“It wouldn’t be the worst thing.” Julian said, setting down his fork slowly. “You…”

Iris didn’t know what he was going to say. She cut him off quickly. “Really, it’s not necessary.”

14:39 Wed, May 6

Chapter 46 Morning Warmth

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