His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex Wife novel Chapter 296

er 296 Staying Apart

Evening fell with a sudden downpour. A heavy storm swept in without warning, turning the sky pitch black

in an instant.

Iris hurried to slide shut the balcony’s glass doors.

Lights flickered on throughout the villa. Harper looked up at her mother curiously and asked, “Mommy. it’s raining. Will Daddy get all wet? Should we bring him an umbrella?”

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Iris glanced out the window, a hint of worry in her eyes.

The rain grew heavier, wind whipping through the trees and rustling the leaves loudly.

‘He probably keeps an umbrella in his car. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Iris said, lifting Harper into her arms. ‘How about we get you bathed first?”

‘Okay!” Harper dropped her toys and followed Iris down the hall.

Half an hour later, Julian pushed open the front door, swapped his shoes for slippers in the entryway, and stepped inside while shrugging off his suit jacket.

He came to an abrupt stop, frowning at the ‘sight of the living room.

Toys, picture books, and crayons were scattered everywhere.

Just then, Iris came down the staircase holding Harper’s hand.

‘Daddy… you’re home!” Harper chirped, darting toward him happily.

A soft smile touched Julian’s lips. He stepped forward and scooped her

1. up.

Harper patted his damp hair and shoulder. “Did the rain get you, Daddy?”

“Daddy had an umbrella. I’m all dry,” Julian murmured in a warm, gentle tone, leaning close to her shoulder for a moment. “You smell so good, sweetie. Did you just have a bath?”

Harper nodded eagerly and pointed toward Iris. “Mommy helped me.”

Julian’s gaze lifted to meet Iris‘.

The moment their eyes locked, Iris quickly looked away. She bent down to begin gathering the tow’s fists the floor

With Harper still in his arms, Julian walked over and said evenly. Leave then Don’t worry abour cana up right now.”

Iris hesitated, paused for a few seconds, then set the toys back down and straightened up

Julian brushed past her, carrying Harper toward the stats

No greeting passed between them, no exchange nothing but a cold distant silence as if they were

Chapter 296 Staying Apart

strangers.

Iris felt a heavy weight settle in her chest. A wave of acting, suffocating sorrow washed over her.

“Did

you have an umbrella with you?” she asked, breaking the quiet.

Julian continued walking, his back to her, and replied coolly. “It’s by the door.”

Iris stood still as he carried Harper up to the second floor and into the bedroom.

From the room, Harper’s voice piped up. “Daddy, can I sleep in Mommy’s room tonight?”

Julian settled her onto the large bed and smoothed her hair. “Be a good girl tonight, Harper. You’re staying with me.”

‘But it’s storming… Won’t Mommy be scared sleeping alone?”

Julian fell silent.

He didn’t answer. His expression was shadowed. He moved to the edge of the balcony, drew the curtain aside slightly, and looked down toward the driveway.

The villa’s courtyard lights glowed dim and, amber under the pouring rain, illuminating a black umbrella noving slowly toward the gate.

Iris walked from the villa out toward the heavy iron gate. Her pants and shoes were already soaked hrough. A sharp, cold wind cut through her, biting into her skin.

The rain was coming down too hard–even with an umbrella, it offered little protection.

She trembled all over. Pushing open the iron gate, she hesitated, then glanced back over her shoulder up toward the second floor.

The room upstairs was brightly lit, the balcony clearly visible.

From a hundred yards away, her eyes found the figure behind the glass window.

Through the clear pane and the blur of falling rain, their gazes met.

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She couldn’t make out Julian’s expression or the look in his eyes. She only sensed a darkness in hun deeper than the storm outside, a chill colder than the rain.

Maybe he didn’t just not love her–maybe he actually hated her now

The thought sat bitterly in Iris‘ heart. She stepped out through the gate and closed it softly behind her

The following morning, after the storm had passed, the sky was clear and bright washed’s has and bite

Iris had arranged to meet Ethan

Inside a quiet, spacious cafe, Ethan arrived in a rush. The moment he sported Iris his face lit up His eyes sparkled with excitement and joy.

Chapter 296 Staying Apart

Iris…” he said as he approached. When she rose, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. “Iris… three years… where have you been all this time? I’ve missed you so much.”

Iris stiffened slightly, caught off guard.

When they were younger, she and Ethan had been close. But somewhere along the way, those warm feelings had faded.

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