Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 441

In a refined tearoom, the two of them sat across a polished table, the air fragrant with the scent of tea leaves.

Forrest handled the teaware with practiced ease, pouring Mila a cup of delicate green tea. He flashed her an easy smile. "These days, it's really hard to get a moment with you, Mimi."

"Come on, don't say it like that." Mila gave a light laugh. "You're the busy one here. When I was back in town, I tried to meet up with you a few times, but you never showed."

Forrest set the teapot down, his voice gentle. "Then I was in the wrong."

"Wait, what?" Mila took a sip and almost choked. If anyone knew his schedule, it was her. For the past six months he'd been tied up wrapping things up for the Federal Security Bureau, barely finding a moment to breathe, let alone socialize.

She'd only meant to tease him-she hadn't expected him to suddenly get all serious.

"That's not― I didn't mean—” She put her cup down, stumbling over her words. But when she looked up and caught Forrest's eyes crinkling with laughter behind his silver-framed glasses, she realized he was just messing with her. Flustered, she huffed, "You're impossible..."

"So, how long are you staying this time?" Forrest topped up her tea, smoothly shifting the subject.

"A bit longer than usual, I think." Mila considered for a moment, holding up an index finger in mock seriousness. "But it can't be more than a week, or my aunt will be upset."

"Jetting back and forth must be exhausting."

Mila's smile was content. "Not really." As long as her aunt was still around to keep her company, she couldn't complain. If it weren't for the people and

responsibilities tying her to her home country, she might never have come back- she'd want to stay glued to her aunt's side, calling or video chatting every couple of days whenever she was away.

understood without needing her to

Federal Security Bureau is almost wrapped up, and things at my company have settled down. I haven't decided on the next project yet, and that's actually why I asked you here today I was

slid a tablet across the

Mila shook her head, hesitating. "Isn't this classified

tablet in front of her.

develop the core algorithm Forrest's company, Forest Team, provided for the Bureau's project. He'd never kept her

a moment's pause, and a little

wasn't just government projects. There were international

called her just for advice.

up, at a

smiled easily, as if he hadn't just laid all his cards on the table. "Don't feel pressured. I just want your input. The

was what he

speaking. "Forrest, if I'm mistaken just ignore me-but... don't wait for me anymore. You're incredible, you'll meet someone even better. Don't waste your time on

so direct, Forrest decided to be honest as well. "I know I have no right to ask. After all, I was the one who sent you. abroad all those years ago, and you suffered because of it. Back then, I was stuck here, unable to help you... I've never dared to ask, but now, with nothing holding us back, new

was caught

The day she'd left for her flight, she'd made a promise to Forrest.

not like that." After a long silence, Mila lowered her head. "I insisted on leaving. You only

As for that promise... you know

her a tender smile, his warm eyes shadowed with sadness. "It's

knew there were wounds in

taking a bullet that was

His death had become an unspoken barrier between