His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex Wife novel Chapter 364

Chapter 364 A New Guest

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“I’m coming,” Cayden called back, playing along as he made his way toward the curtain. He wandered near Harper’s hiding spot, murmuring to himself, “Now where could she be? Maybe in here? No… how about here? Hmm, not here either…”

A soft giggle escaped from behind the heavy drapes.

Watching them, Iris felt a swell of warmth in her chest–a deep, comforting happiness she hadn’t known in years.

She slipped out of the villa and walked through the expansive garden, all the way to the tall wrought–iron gate at the edge of the property to wait for Zoe.

The night was quiet and deep, the moon bright overhead, stars sprinkled loosely across the sky.

A rideshare pulled up in front of her. Zoe stepped out, greeted Iris with a quick wave, then moved to the trunk to retrieve her suitcase.

Iris approached. “Need a hand?”

“I’ve got it,” Zoe said, heaving the suitcase out with a slight grunt. After shutting the trunk, she glanced up at the grand Whitmore estate and her eyes widened. “Wow. This is really where you live?”

“Yeah,” Iris replied softly. She’d grown up in impressive homes before, but even she had been taken aback by the sheer scale and elegance of the Whitmore property when she first arrived.

The car drove off, leaving a faint rumble in its wake. Zoe shifted on her feet, looking suddenly unsure. “I kind of feel like I shouldn’t even be standing at this gate. Maybe I should just—”

Before she could finish, Iris took the suitcase handle with one hand and linked her other arm through Zoe’s, gently steering her toward the house. “Don’t be silly. You’re staying with me.”

The garden path was illuminated by soft golden lights along the way. Under the night sky, the carefully landscaped grounds took on a serene, almost magical quality.

“Is your home part of a national park or something? How is it this huge?” Zoe marveled, turning her head like an excited child taking in a theme park.

Iris only smiled in response.

They entered the villa through the large front door. Walter greeted them warmly and took Zoe’s luggage upstairs.

In the living room, Iris introduced Zoe to her father.

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Chapter 364 A New Guest

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“Hello, Mr. Whitmore,” Zoe said politely.

Cayden’s face brightened when he saw his daughter’s friend. “Zoe, it’s lovely to meet you. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

He signaled to one of the staff to prepare coffee, a fresh fruit platter, and some light snacks.

He’d just finished playing with Harper and had asked the nanny to take her up for a bath.

Now the three of them sat in the spacious living room, making easy conversation.

Cayden observed Zoe with an appreciative eye. No wonder she got along so well with Iris—she had a fresh, lively look about her, an outgoing energy, and a smile that was both sweet and genuine. Her demeanor provided a perfect contrast to Iris‘ calm and thoughtful presence.

One serene, the other spirited.

The more they talked, the more he liked her.

As the conversation flowed, he learned that Zoe was highly educated–a graduate of the same prestigious university as Iris, and now leading a research team at a pharmaceutical institute. For someone so young, she had already made impressive strides in her field.

After a while, Cayden smiled warmly and asked, “So, Zoe… are you married?”

Iris pressed her lips together to hide a smile.

Zoe felt a familiar dread rise in her chest. She offered a slightly strained smile. “No, not yet.”

“Seeing anyone special?”

“No.”

“And how old are you, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Zoe and Iris exchanged a brief, knowing glance.

“I’m about two months younger than Iris,” Zoe answered politely.

“Ah,” Cayden said, nodding thoughtfully. Then he chuckled softly. “You’re not too young anymore–no boyfriend. Doesn’t that worry your parents?”

Under the coffee table, Zoe subtly tugged at the edge of Iris‘ sweater, silently pleading for

rescue.

Iris reached down and gently stilled her friend’s hand. There was no saving her from this line

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Chapter 364 A New Guest

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of questioning–not when she was pushing thirty and every family gathering came with the same well–meaning prodding.

Zoe kept her smile in place and simply nodded, choosing not to elaborate.

Cayden glanced toward Iris and gave her a meaningful look. “Sweetheart, why don’t you go let your brother know we have a guest?”

Zoe’s discomfort seemed to deepen.

“He’s had a long day,” Iris said smoothly. “Let’s let him rest. No need to disturb him.” She understood what her father was hinting at, but he didn’t know that Brandon had known Zoe for years–and still hadn’t managed to secure a dinner with her. Another casual meeting wouldn’t change that.

Cayden didn’t press further. Instead, he turned back to Zoe with a kind expression. “Zoe, I want you to think of this as your home from now on. Stay as long as you like, and please don’t stand on ceremony.”

“Thank you, Mr. Whitmore. That’s very kind,” Zoe replied with genuine appreciation.

Iris felt a rush of contentment. Soon after, she showed Zoe to her room.

That night, Zoe didn’t end up sleeping in the guest room.

She stayed in Iris‘ room, sharing the large bed with her and Harper.

Harper fell asleep quickly, her breathing soft and even.

With the little girl between them, Iris and Zoe lay facing each other, speaking in hushed tones.

Even after more than a decade of friendship, they never seemed to run out of things to talk

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