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

her through the haze of steam rising

almost here. Can I give

He hadn't said no.

going to think about

...

waiting was its own kind

new onslaught of calls and texts from her parents, each more insistent

felt everyone's eyes on her, as if they

dreams were filled with harsh accusations, voices echoing above her. Every night, she woke in a cold sweat,

for anything she could find about families, marriage-she even posted in forums, asking how to convince

of it

in her life, she was greedy-she wanted to cling

arrived faster than

at

and

it! Tonight, I'm cutting loose!” Miranda

center,

the thought of finally getting Forrest's answer gave her a burst

and Miranda headed to the party together, but Forrest was nowhere to be found. Act after act went

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

then grabbed two drinks and started towards the crowd-only to

immaculate suit, blocking her way. His sharp, fox-like eyes were fixed

"Where are you going?"

to step around, but he grabbed her

glasses

she was

pull away, but suddenly both glasses were snatched from