Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 426

"Smack!"

Early the next morning.

Lysander woke to the sting of a slap, his sleepy, fox-like eyes blinking in confusion at the woman before him.

"What was that for?" he grumbled, still half in a daze. "What did I do this time?"

Another slap, and it wasn't even dawn yet-what on earth had he done wrong now?

Suppressing the fury that simmered inside her after what she'd overheard the night before, Mila forced a smile onto her face, her expression composed, her voice calm and detached. She pretended nothing was amiss.

"I'm in a bad mood, that's all."

Lysander propped himself up on one elbow, considering her answer for a moment. Then, to her surprise, he gave a lopsided grin and leaned closer.

"Well, if slapping me helps, you can go ahead and do it again. Knock yourself out."

Mila fell silent, unwilling to play along.

How ridiculous, she thought. The lengths this man would go to for his own ends- he'd even let her strike him and act as if it meant nothing. Then again, what was a few slaps to him? If his plan succeeded, she might lose everything her very life would hang in the balance.

A few slaps were a small price for him to pay.

The more she thought about it, the more her resentment burned. Turning away so he wouldn't see the hatred flashing in her eyes, Mila said nothing and disappeared into the bathroom.

She splashed cold water onto her face, finally able to steady her nerves.

Staring at her pale reflection, water trickling down her cheeks, Mila's lips twitched as she forced an unconvincing smile. Her eyes, sharp and amber, remained empty numb, even. The sight chilled her to the bone.

But it didn't matter.

now she

a dead end, but she would never forgive Lysander-the man who had toyed with

sounded at the bathroom door, his tall silhouette blurred through the frosted

Are you alright? You've been in there

"...I'm fine."

arranged into

are we going today?" she asked

plans, and she'd never shown any interest-so why the sudden curiosity? Still, it was a good sign. He smiled back. "It's all taken care of. Unless you have somewhere in mind?" "I'll go along with whatever you

fixed on her face, meeting his bright, expectant gaze, but inside she felt nothing but

stopped near the

the curb, then took Mila's hand and led her away from the bustling crowds and into a lively little pastry shop

he

frame dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. Even from behind, he exuded a certain effortless

was an odd

kept her expression neutral, but couldn't help thinking how rare it was to see him

returned, holding something familiar-a sweet roll filled with

the simple pastries she'd had

Plain and unremarkable.

eyed him, puzzled. "What's this

replied with a grin. "They

but she took a small bite anyway, smiling politely as Lysander watched

"It's... fine."

faded slightly,

"I didn't say that."

through. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't

it tasted just like the old-fashioned cream buns from her

didn't understand why he'd brought

down her swirling emotions, Mila forced another gentle smile. "So, what's next? Anywhere