After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Crossed the Line

At dawn, Caleb returned.
Tall and lean, dressed head to toe in black, black boots striking against the ground. His shoulder-length wavy hair was tied back. His features resembled Julian’s, handsome but edged with mischief.
He tossed his black duffel aside and dropped to his knees in front of Leonard’s coffin.
Once Caleb finally showed up, everything moved fast. It was as if the family had been holding their breath until that moment.
The Everharts wore black—simple, respectful. No frills. Just quiet grief written across everyone’s face.
Lily, though clearly not family, insisted on being treated the same as Iris. She said she wanted to honor Julian’s grandfather just like everyone else and asked to wear a white ribbon like Iris had.
No one wanted to argue. They let her. During the funeral procession, she stayed close beside Julian, step for step.
Iris, meanwhile, walked near the back with Linda and a few of the older women from the neighborhood. No one told her where to stand. But everyone’s silence made it clear where she did—and didn’t—belong.
The cremation took place that afternoon. The urn was buried on a quiet hill, under a gray sky.
The next day, a storm rolled in. Rain pounded the roof, steady and merciless.
Beatrice had just been brought home from the hospital. She wouldn’t eat. Wouldn’t talk. Just lay in her room, curled toward the wall.
The whole house felt like it had gone mute. At the dining table, the Everharts sat together, Lily included.
In their eyes, Iris barely existed. Only Beatrice cared. They chatted about business and investments, projecting superiority with every word.
Iris did not try to please anyone.
Jenny noticed Julian’s silence and spoke up. “Julian, can I ride back to the city with you?”
Julian looked at her, his gaze darkening slightly.
Lily cut in immediately. “Julian, I want to ride with you too.”
Julian gave a low response. “Okay.”
Across the table, Caleb raised his brow and stared straight at Iris, his gaze undisguised. He licked his lip and smiled lazily. “Iris, why don’t you ride with me? I’ll take you home.”
Iris paused mid-bite and looked at him.
When their eyes met, his smile deepened, his gaze turning heated. “My bike’s fast. Way more exciting than a car.”
Julian set his bowl down, wiped his hands, and leaned back. His cold stare cut toward Caleb, the air turning sharp.
Caleb was openly flirting with his brother’s wife. Everyone knew what he was like. They brushed it off as a joke.
Iris did not want to ride with Julian, but she had even less desire to get on Caleb’s motorcycle.
“Thanks, Caleb, but no,” she said softly.
Caleb smiled, his eyes lingering on her face far too long. After dinner, Gloria stayed in the kitchen cleaning up. Iris followed to help.
Though Gloria appeared gentle, her powerful background made her look down on Iris just like the others.
“Finish the rest yourself,” she said coldly, then left.
Iris did not mind. She only wanted space. She finished cleaning, washed her hands, and turned around.
A tall figure blocked her path. She stepped back in shock, her back hitting the counter, her heart racing.
Caleb braced one hand on the counter, trapping her in front of him. His voice dropped. “Iris, work like this will ruin those pretty hands. Don’t do it again.”
Her anger flared. “Caleb, show some respect. Step away.”
He smirked. “I can tell Julian doesn’t treat you well. You’re beautiful, kind. You don’t have to settle.”
Her fists clenched. “Move.”
He leaned closer, his breath hot against her cheek. “I don’t care that you were married to him. Be with me. I’ll treat you better than he ever did.”
Disgust rose in her chest. Every man in the world could disappear, and she still would not choose her husband’s brother.
“Get away from me.” She shoved him hard.
He stumbled back. She rushed past him, trying to escape. After two steps, she froze.
Julian stood at the doorway, hands in his pockets, watching calmly.
Humiliation burned through her. What hurt more was that her husband did nothing. Her heart shattered. She lowered her head, eyes wet, and walked past him without stopping.
She left the house and walked deep into the empty fields.
Back in the kitchen, Caleb showed no fear when he saw Julian. He even looked smug.
Julian stepped inside, closed the door, and locked it.
Caleb stiffened. Julian calmly unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves.
Caleb’s confidence cracked. “Julian, let’s talk. No fighting. Grandpa hasn’t even—”
Julian’s fist flew. A dull thud. Caleb slammed into the fridge. Before he could react, Julian dragged him back and punched him again. Caleb collapsed, blood at the corner of his mouth.
He gasped and glared up. “If you don’t kill me now, I’m not giving her up.”
Julian grabbed his collar, eyes cold. “You went after my wife. You have a death wish.”
Caleb laughed bitterly. “You’re the hypocrite. You marry her and don’t sleep with her, but won’t let anyone else either.”
Julian’s fist shook with restrained fury. “Stay away from her. Or I will end you.”
He released him and walked out. Caleb shouted after him, “If you don’t love her, why keep her?”