Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 503

He wanted to know more about Mimi's past.

Stories told in her own words.

"And then," Mila glanced sideways at the grand, elegant living room, her voice softening, "my grandmother passed away. My great aunt left home, disappeared without a word."

Forrest froze.

Mila suddenly turned back, a smile breaking across her face. "Forrest, did you know? My grandma was an amazing cook. She used to make the best peanut and wild greens salad-my great aunt and I would fight over it! On summer nights, we'd drag out old cots into the garden, cover them with gauzy sheets, and fall asleep under the stars. Grandma would always tell me, 'Your great aunt is so capable, such a strong woman. You must always listen to her...""

"See? My grandma was incredible too. She was right, of course-my great aunt is the most amazing person I've ever met! Ever since I was little, I wanted to be just like her..."

Forrest noticed the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke about those days.

It was as if childhood hunger and hardship barely mattered. All that remained was a little girl in a country cottage, cared for by two old women, drifting off beneath a canopy of stars, the taste of simple home-cooked meals lingering on her tongue, and the soft, loving words whispered in her ear...

It was these ordinary, fleeting moments of warmth that made up the resilient, sunny soul at Mimi's core.

Forrest's heart clenched painfully.

He admired her her energy, her resilience, her optimism. But he couldn't help aching for the rough, thorny road she'd traveled.

A past he could never change.

"Forrest," Mila suddenly gripped his hand, hesitating, "but my great aunt... she can be a little stubborn. She's strong-willed and, well... mostly, she just worries about me too much. If she's offended you in any way, could you..."

"Mimi."

Forrest cut her off, smiling helplessly. "Honestly, I'm starting to worry-how am I ever supposed to love you more than your great aunt does?"

Mila stood there, stunned.

to surprise her even more. Her mind went blank-her heart

chuckled, gently lifting her slender, fair hand and pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. "Don't

it sent a shiver racing up her arm, leaving

Oh, God.

her fingers slipped

will you honor me with a dance at

ball hasn't even started

finally pulled free, fleeing in flustered

...

the figure hidden by

stairs, half-shrouded in darkness, lips unable to suppress a growing

for a while, quiet

she descended, taking the narrow passage toward the rose garden to tend her flowers. But she nearly collided with the butler, whose face was taut with

"What's wrong?" she asked.

butler was always composed-never

bowing respectfully, hesitating, "...the Montgomery family patriarch

Jade stopped, frowning.

Lysander's grandfather.

of him—an old lion of the military, retired for years but

to be

They had never met.

stories had reached

old fox

be

garden, the butler

should I?" Jade

that could happen if I refuse? Is he going to fly all the way to England? I'd like

grandfather? After so many years in power, who knew how many military secrets he held? Even retired, a man like him would be under constant protection, his movements tightly controlled. There was no way he was allowed to leave the