Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 342

After New Year's Eve,

A strange, gentle equilibrium settled between them.

Mila stopped going near the darkened room; Lysander no longer swept her into his arms to tease or torment. They began to resemble any ordinary couple- perhaps even a married pair-sharing a bed, murmuring good morning and good night, eating together, reading side by side, and drifting through endless conversations.

It was a rare, fragile peace.

But one thing hadn't changed: Mila still wasn't allowed to leave the villa.

Whenever she brought it up, Lysander always had a fresh excuse he couldn't bear to let her out of his sight, he worried for her safety, someone out there meant her harm. His reasons grew stranger the more she pressed. And if she insisted, a look would flicker across his face—one that frightened her into silence every time.

Eventually, Mila's days blurred together. She grew sluggish, always tired, appetite fading, energy draining away. She leaned on Lysander more and more, until even the desire to go outside slipped away.

She wilted, day by day.

One afternoon, not long after lunch, drowsiness dragged her into sleep. Lysander quietly called in the family doctor.

"Mr. Montgomery, the young lady is pregnant. Judging from her condition, nearly two months along now."

"Mr. Montgomery?"

Lysander jolted, as if waking from a trance.

He looked lost for a moment, then drew a slow, shaky breath, questioning the doctor over and over until the man nearly lost patience. Only when assured that everything was progressing smoothly did Lysander finally relax.

Before the doctor left, Lysander sent Leonard to quietly remind him to keep this visit discreet.

was known for his skill, but bringing

the doctor was gone, Lysander lay down beside Mila, gathering her gently into his arms.

was carrying his

Their child.

all wrong, but it was also perfect—an unexpected turning

He needed this child.

about the pregnancy. About a week later, early one morning,

went, he

don't

many steps toward her. Now, it had to be Mila who came to him. When

bolt upright, her heart pounding. Thinking he might be in another room, she slipped on her slippers and padded through the house, searching each familiar corner. But the

He was gone.

from her face. She

and hurried toward the

It opened without resistance.

Mila froze.

The winter landscape was bleak, sleet and rain swirling in the air, the cold wind carrying the scent of damp earth.

reached the threshold, she hesitated and

angry. And if he

pain stabbed behind

long moment did she stagger back inside. Desperate, she searched the house from top to bottom until she finally found her

She called Lysander.

No answer.

about the whole scene felt eerily familiar. She didn't dare dwell on

Again?

cut through the silence. She answered without thinking, only to be assaulted by a woman's