Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 326

The lights in the apartment glowed a soft, golden yellow, and the world outside seemed to hold its breath. Everything was silent.

The man in front of her froze, staring blankly for a long moment, as if he hadn't quite registered what she'd just said. When he finally spoke, his voice was distant, almost dazed.

"What did you say?"

Mila repeated herself. Her cheeks were flushed, burning with a mix of shame and guilt as she laid out the situation at home-every awkward, painful detail. She kept her head down, unable to meet his eyes.

If she'd had a choice, she would have buried those memories forever. But now, if she wanted his help, she had to be honest. She had to explain everything.

"I know," she whispered. "My family's a mess. There's always some drama, always trouble. I honestly don't know what else to do. If we get married, I promise I'll keep you out of it as much as I can. I'll be good to you. I just... I really need this marriage certificate..."

The words tumbled out, rushed and clumsy.

The more she spoke, the more hopeless she felt. The gap between them was painfully clear-when she really thought about it, she realized she brought nothing but trouble. Why would Forrest ever agree to this? Why would he marry her?

A vague promise to be good to him-why should he believe her?

Mila lowered her head even further, her voice dying in her throat. She felt numb, bracing herself for rejection.

Would they even be able to stay friends after this?

Suddenly, she wanted to cry.

But instead of the rejection she expected, she heard his voice-gentle, slightly husky.

"Could you give me some time?"

"What?" she blurted, startled. Her mind went blank. She lifted her head and saw

the haze of steam

repeated himself, quietly: "Christmas is almost here. Can I give you

He hadn't said no.

going to think about

...

waiting was its

brought a new onslaught of calls and texts from her parents, each more insistent than the

campus, Mila felt everyone's eyes on her, as if they all

with harsh accusations, voices echoing above her. Every night, she woke

even posted in forums,

of it stayed with

greedy-she wanted to cling to this slim chance with

arrived faster than she

sudden issue at her family's business, Miranda-who'd

ages-finally returned, flinging her arms around Mila and launching into a string of

made it! Tonight, I'm cutting loose!”

at the cultural center, co-organized with several well-known international schools-a night of

wasn't really in the mood, but the thought of finally getting Forrest's answer gave her a burst

to rally, dressing up more carefully than usual. She and Miranda headed to

time for the dance. Just then, Forrest messaged her: Meet me by the dance

and started towards the

suit, blocking her way. His

"Where are you going?"

She tried to step around, but

glasses tighter.

in her hand. Maybe he guessed whom she was meeting. With a snort, he

stared at him, confused. She tried to pull away, but suddenly both glasses were snatched