Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 324

"Mila, honey, your father and I have already picked out a few good matches for you. These men are successful, come from wealthy families-marrying any of them, you'd be set for life."

Gaye slid a handful of photographs across the table.

Mila barely glanced at them. The youngest of the bunch looked well past thirty, his hair slicked back, a chunky gold chain gleaming against his neck-every inch the stereotype of a nouveau riche braggart.

"Set for life?” she echoed, voice dry.

"More like you're the ones cashing in," Mila shot back, her gaze cool and detached. "How much did these men offer you? What favors did you get? Is that why you're so eager to sell me off?"

She didn't even bother with anger anymore. It was almost funny-her parents' willingness to sell their daughter out couldn't have been more obvious.

"Insolent girl! Is that any way to speak to your parents?" her uncle barked, his tone sharp and angry.

Mila shot him a cold, steely look. The blood-streaked porcelain shard twisting between her fingers said enough. He fell silent.

Gaye, face flushed with rage, jabbed a finger at her. "You're quitting school and coming home with us today! Big city life has made you wild, heartless!"

"I'm not going back. And I'm not getting married," Mila said flatly.

"You don't get to decide!" Gaye fumed.

Simon, who'd been quietly watching the entire exchange, finally spoke up, his face set in stern lines. "If you refuse to come home, your mother will be outside your school tomorrow-on her knees, holding a sign, letting the whole world see what an ungrateful daughter you are. Abandoning your parents, driving them to such extremes-is this what a daughter does?"

"That's right!" Gaye chimed in, voice shrill. "If you don't listen, we'll put you on the news-let everyone see how you treat your own family! Since when do children get to live comfortably while their parents suffer?"

word was a dagger, sharp

felt like she was watching some kind of grotesque play-one she'd seen

once felt had faded, replaced by a cold detachment. She felt as if she were hovering outside herself, watching the absurdity

had she

Calm.

it down on the table-once, twice, three times. The harsh sound echoed through the room, like a war drum announcing battle, each blow

sliced open her palm. Blood smeared across the wood,

A stunned hush fell.

Gaye shrieked, staring at her like she

bleeding hand firmly against

"One month."

you on campus in the next month, all bets are off. I'll burn every bridge,

another word, Mila stood and walked

dared move to stop

pooled at the edge of the table, a crimson

...

private dining room and found the restaurant owner. She quietly paid for the broken glass

quickly handed her a clean towel, urging her to get to a hospital and insisting she didn't owe a cent. Mila pressed the cash into his hand anyway before wrapping her numb hand in

She needed time.

find a way to end this, once

University. Her future was bright, full of promise. She wouldn't let

permanent. Something that would sever these toxic ties for good, so her family could