Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 340

Night had settled over the small-town inn.

"Doctor, are you sure she's alright? Her headaches are getting worse, sometimes she even hears things that aren't there-and when it's bad, she passes out. Is altitude sickness really this severe?" Archie's voice was tight with worry as he hovered at Mila's bedside, watching the doctor check her pulse.

The doctor rose, shaking his head. He rummaged in his battered medical kit, then pulled out a slender stick of incense. Setting it in a small dish beside the bed, he lit it. Wisps of fragrant smoke curled through the air, wrapping the room in a hazy calm.

Only after he'd tended the incense did the doctor turn to Archie. "It's nothing to worry about," he said gently. "This isn't just altitude sickness. She has an old condition, something that's been there for a long time. The altitude only brought it to the surface. But believe it or not, this might be a turning point for her a good one. Once she wakes, she'll be alright."

Archie blinked, confused. “She... has another illness?" His cousin-in-law had seemed perfectly normal-well, at least until the altitude started wreaking havoc.

The doctor just sighed and muttered, "Poor soul," before gathering his things and slipping out the door.

Archie didn't understand, but all he could do was sit at Mila's side and wait.

Even in sleep, her brow would furrow, as if she were wrestling something deep inside. Only when the scent of incense drifted close did her features finally relax, ever so slightly. The corners of her lips even lifted, just a little.

***

"Do you love me?"

The room was cloaked in darkness, just a sliver of light sneaking in. Mila clung to Lysander, heart pounding as the question-his question-echoed for what felt like the hundredth time. Terror prickled inside her.

This time, she didn't dare hesitate. Her answer was rushed and desperate: "I love you. I love you—I do!"

She held him tighter, chanting "I love you" again and again as if the words could keep her safe. She knew if she faltered, even for a moment, the fragile warmth

be snuffed out by darkness all over

planted a voice deep in her

Love him.

Love Lysander.

one who can save you

Savior?

words of devotion as silent tears

She loved this man.

She

did it

instinctively tightened her hold, showering his face

voice was a hushed plea. "Don't go.

down at her, his expression gentling. For the

his own accord and brushed his

promised quietly. "I'll take

up, one strong arm supporting her, and carried her from the

eyes, but she still squinted, wary

wrapped her arms around Lysander's neck, clinging to him as his low, raspy laugh warmed her ear. He soothed

afraid. I'm right

a dazed reply: "I'm not...

house was empty. Under the golden lights, Lysander carried her into the music room, where a

It looked familiar.

mind couldn't quite place it. She just knew that one glance at the piano made her heart race

to Lysander, refusing