Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 444

Mila eased herself into the armchair, rubbing her lower back as she sat down. She couldn't help but notice how much taller her son had grown again. Honestly, his hugs were getting stronger every time-a testament to being raised by a retired military man, she thought. There was no shortage of discipline or exercise in this household.

But that was a good thing.

Plenty of physical activity meant he'd stay healthy, and she wouldn't have to worry about him being pushed around later in life.

"Mom, you haven't been here in ages!"

Adrian wrenched his hand free from Carrol and latched onto Mila's instead, his voice edged with reproach.

"I've been busy lately," Mila replied quietly, gently withdrawing her hand from his tight grip.

She knew all too well that Adrian had only her now; his father was gone. She was supposed to be there for him, to care for him. But the truth was, she still felt a splinter lodged deep inside, and the past year had been swallowed up by work. She hadn't spent nearly as much time with Adrian as she should have.

Maybe it was also that Adrian looked more and more like his father each day, and Mila instinctively shied away, unable to face certain memories.

People always say time heals.

But some pain is carved into your very bones; letting go takes more than a year. For her, twelve months was hardly anything.

From behind his desk, her grandfather watched it all without a word. He could see the struggle Mila was having, but simply shook his head. "You two haven't seen each other in a while," he said at last. "No need to fuss in here-go on and play."

He returned to his calligraphy as soon as he finished speaking.

Mila blinked. “Grandpa, didn't you call me in here for something?"

But even as she asked, it dawned on her. Adrian stayed here with his great- grandfather, and Mila had never been close to the old man or his strict household rules. Every time she returned to the country, she'd try to avoid visiting. That's probably why he'd used some excuse to have her come by today.

but years of experience had given her grandfather

than a little

what you promised-today's my day off!" Adrian, blissfully unaware of any tension, piped up and tugged at Mila's hand, eager to lead her out. "Come

doorframe. She leaned back into the study, her mind still turning over something she'd overheard when she arrived. She

something about the border... and

misheard," her grandfather

over and gently pried Mila's fingers off the doorframe, shutting the door with a sharp thud. Only his words lingered in the now-empty air: "Best

What?

military matters-but did she really mishear the name 'Lysander'? Was it not about him at

"Mom, let's go."

off guard and dragging her

own room.

...

"Mom, look!"

as they stepped into Adrian's old-fashioned bedroom, he

on the doorframe.

Four foot eleven.

an

softening. "Looks like someone's been eating well and keeping up with

Adrian

off, glancing nervously

grades?"

was bright. Even when he wasn't interested in studying, his grades never slipped far. Over the last year, he seemed to have

to worry about. She smiled and praised him, and he