Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 354

Beneath the snow-capped mountains,

Two figures in thick winter coats stood on the endless stone steps, their shapes blurred by swirling flurries.

Mila wore a striking crimson coat, while Archie was dressed in bright yellow. Both had swapped out their old clothes for new, heavier coats and pulled wool hats over their ears before renting a car and making the long drive out here.

After a restful journey, they were full of energy.

"Let's go," Archie said, bounding up the first step with a confident, infectious grin.

Mila smiled back. "Alright, let's do it."

Though it was April, snow still fell on these highlands where winter never truly ended. Bathed in flying snow, their shoulders dusted with white, they climbed the steps together.

At the summit, beyond the long staircase, stood a church.

Mila hadn't chosen one of the many chapels scattered throughout Solaris City. Instead, she'd set her heart on this secluded church, hidden deep within the mountains.

She'd wanted to come here from the very first moment she saw it.

At the start, the two laughed and chatted about funny stories from their journey. As they climbed higher, their words grew fewer, the wind biting at any exposed skin and draining their warmth. Thankfully, the car ride up the mountain had spared them altitude sickness, but the cold was another matter.

They soon fell into silence, saving their breath and strength for the climb.

while, Archie glanced up. Far above, the church's

roof shining through the storm. He

too, looking at him in confusion. "What is

you remember why I insisted on coming with you?” He

Of course she remembered.

she was the artist-Daphne. He wanted to see the story end well, for Red Hat the robot to

started to respond, but Archie cut her off gently.

gone from his face.

said, "promise me you'll be happy. You have to live well-a hundred times better

Then, without warning, Archie plopped down on the snowy step, facing back down the

tired. I'm done. Not going

eyes stinging with tears she wouldn't let fall. Words

His journey was over.

it was her path alone-the rest of the climb, the destination ahead, all belonged to her. Archie would not be

howled around them. Mila stepped down to where Archie sat, crouched in front

her hand and, with her finger, gently traced

deliberate lines. It was simple-just two curved strokes,

"What did you draw?"

"A symbol."

"What kind of symbol?"