Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 494

"Mila, I know your last marriage was rough. You're scared, I get that. But you can't let those shadows haunt you forever. Guys like that are rare, you've already gotten rid of him-what's left to be afraid of?"

Jade sighed. "You always run from this stuff. You shut down every bit of hope I have for you, and it worries me."

"Jade..." Mila's voice wavered, eyes growing red.

"I'm not trying to force you." Jade's tone softened. "I know these things take time. I'm not saying you should rush into marriage the moment you meet someone. That would be crazy. But you keep dodging this, and if I don't push you a little, you'll just keep running away from it.”

"...I understand."

"Do you really?" Jade's voice shot up. "You just turned down another one for me today. If this keeps up, when will it ever end? Here's what: you come home for a visit, and this time, I'll supervise your date myself!"

She was convinced Mila hadn't taken any of these setups seriously.

She was going to make sure, for once.

Mila could only sigh helplessly.

She did want to go home-it'd been a while since she'd seen Jade, and she missed her. But going home for a blind date?

Suddenly, an image of someone flashed through her mind. She shook her head quickly, trying to banish it.

"What's this? The moment I mention a date, you don't even want to come home anymore?" Jade picked up immediately on her silence, her voice rising with dramatic flair.

that's not it..."

date... let's talk about it when I get there. Jade, it's late now-you should

some effort, but she finally convinced her indignant aunt to go to bed. Mila wasted

really didn't want

wanted Jade to stop

The next evening.

of a restaurant, its windows aglow. Mila stepped out, dressed in a crisp white Chanel dress that flared just below her knees, a ring of pink-and-white silk roses cinching her waist. On her wrist, she wore a matching jeweled bracelet, and a

She looked radiant.

the restaurant, Forrest—also dressed in white-caught sight of her from his table by

but let her hand rest in his as he offered

handing her

is fine," Mila

the last thing on her

bothering you?" Forrest asked as he poured her a glass of

at him, hesitated,

a gentle smile lingered, but his voice grew serious. "Do

tomorrow to visit my aunt. She's

at her with sudden intensity. Still, his tone was gentle. "Mimi, you know

no matter what

you agreed to give us a chance,

what was

of frustration-he'd thought they'd made progress yesterday. Wasn't it enough? What more