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

through the haze of steam rising from their

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

He hadn't said no.

going to think

...

its own kind

were still two weeks until Christmas, and every day brought a new onslaught of calls and texts from

eyes on her, as if they all

voices echoing above her. Every night, she woke in a cold sweat, unable

in forums, asking how to convince a man to marry you. The things she read

some of it

wanted to cling to this

faster

a sudden issue at her family's

and

I'm cutting

evening, the university was hosting a Christmas ball at the cultural center, co-organized with several well-known international

mood, but the thought of finally

rally, dressing up more carefully than usual. She and Miranda headed to the party together, but Forrest was nowhere to be found. Act after

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

started towards the crowd-only

Lysander, dressed in an immaculate suit, blocking her way.

"Where are you going?"

to step around, but he grabbed her arm, making her nearly

clutching the glasses tighter. "What are you

she was meeting.

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