His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex Wife novel Chapter 294

Yes! Harper giggled, delighted.

Julian carried her into the study, found a simple frame that fit the paper, and carefully mounted the drawing before hanging it on the wall.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Harper looked up at him, eyes bright with curiosity. “Is Mommy here?”

Julian nodded. “Yes.”

Harper dashed out of the room, and Julian followed at a slower pace.

He opened the front door.

ris stood there, her hair falling like a waterfall over her shoulders. She was dressed simply in a crisp white louse and tailored trousers, elegant and understated–beautiful in a way that still caught Julian off guard.

ven now.

The moment Harper saw her, she sprinted forward. “Mommy!”

ris immediately knelt and pulled Harper into a tight hug. “Oh, sweetie, I missed you so much.”

I missed you too, Mommy. So, so much,” Harper murmured, planting a kiss on Iris‘ cheek before pulling ›ack and taking her hand. “Come inside!”

Still holding Harper’s hand, Iris rose to her feet–and her eyes met Julian’s.

He was leaning against the doorframe in casual sweatpants and a sweatshirt, looking handsome but omehow distant, his expression unreadable as he watched them.

ris hadn’t planned to stay–just to pick up Harper and go. But before she could say a word, Julian spoke

irst.

Come in,” he said, his voice low. Then he turned and walked back inside.

Harper tugged Iris forward, and she had little choice but to follow.

stepping into the villa after three years felt strangely familiar–as if time had stood sull. The decor was

xactly as she remembered.

Everything was clean and neatly kept. Iris slipped into a pair of disposable guest slippers by the entry

Julian had already disappeared upstairs.

Iris had barely taken a seat on the sofa when Harper pulled her up again, leading het by the hand into the study.

Harper pointed proudly at the drawing now hanging on the wall Look Mommy–made this today. Do

you like it?”

Iris was nothing but supportive. She showered Harper with genuine, cui pr

back.

Afterward, Harper led her back to the living room and eagerly pulled out every single toy Julian had bought for her, presenting them one by one with visible pride

The space was practically taken over by toys–plush animals, building sets, dolls–and Harper meticulously explained each one.

Once the tour was done, Iris gently suggested, “Sweetie, let’s start cleaning up, okay? Your dad prefers the house tidy.”

Harper shook her head confidently. “He won’t mind. Daddy doesn’t get upset about this.”

Iris knelt on the rug anyway, reaching for the storage bin to begin putting things away. Just then, the sound of footsteps descended the stairs.

She glanced up, her hands still full of toys.

Julian had changed into a tailored black suit and fastened his watch. He came down with long, purposeful strides, looking sharp and composed–almost strikingly handsome in the well–cut attire.

He walked into the study briefly before returning with a pen and a sheet of paper. By then. Iris had just finished clearing the toys.

Julian set the paper and pen down on the coffee table/“Sign this,” he said evenly.

Iris settled back onto the couch and picked up the document. It was the agreement she’d mentioned over the phone–outlining their temporary shared custody arrangement.

The terms were straightforward: Harper would stay with him four days each week. If that didn’t happen, full custody would automatically revert to him.

“A weekly schedule might be tough to keep up with,” Iris began carefully. “What if we adjusted a so you have her during school breaks and summers, and I take the rest of the time? That would be more manageable-”

“Not up for discussion,” Julian cut in, his tone leaving no room for negocation.

Iris pressed her lips together, holding back her frustration. She didn’t reach for the pent

Julian knelt in front of Harper, his voice softening noticeably Ive got to heat to the office sweetle Til be back tonight to spend time with you, okay?”

Harper beamed. “Okay, Daddy!”

Iris spoke up nervously Harper stays with me today

Julian rose to his feet, his expression cooling “Take her wherever you like Just have her back by tonight

Finished

He turned to leave but paused after a couple of steps, adding without looking back, “Leave the signed agreement in my study.”

Then he was gone, striding out of the villa before fris could respond. She watched him go, then let out a quiet, resigned sigh as she looked at her daughter, still happily lost in her own little world of toys.

Around noon, the living room at Rosehill Estate was filled with a tense, uncomfortable silence.

Seated across from each other were Harold and Irene, Lily, and Arthur–and on the other side, Julian, Frederick, and Vivian.

All eyes were cautiously fixed on Julian.

The marriage license lying on the coffee table had visibly soured the mood among the older generation. Harold and Irene had already offered their apologies–first to Julian, then to Frederick and Vivian. But Lily stood her ground. “Arthur and I are legally married. It’s done.”

Harold looked genuinely troubled. “Julian,” he said apologetically, “our daughter has treated you unfairly.”

ulian remained calm, almost detached. “I don’t accept the apology.”

Harold faltered. “Then… what can we do? They’re already married.”

They can get a divorce,” Julian replied coolly, a slight curl to his lip as he stared at Lily and Arthur. “I don’t mind if she’s been married before.”

Lily immediately panicked, clutching her father’s arm. “Dad, I won’t get a divorce. I don’t want to marry Julian anymore.”

Harold sighed in frustration. “You were engaged to him, Lily. Running off with a therapist–how does that compare?”

Frederick, maintaining a stern demeanor, finally spoke. “What’s done is done. Let’s just put the engagement behind us.”

୮

Julian’s expression darkened instantly, his gaze turning icy. “Back then,” he said slowly, each word deliberate, “you forced Iris to divorce me so I’d marry Lily. Use those same methods now Don’t play favorites just because it’s convenient”

Frederick fell silent, clearly at a loss

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