Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 568

As the engagement party guests drifted in, they gathered in small clusters on the flower-strewn lawn, chatting and waiting for the event to begin. But inside the dressing room, tension hung thick in the air-a stark contrast to the easy laughter outside.

The door clicked shut and locked.

"Well, aren't you surprised to see me?"

Leaning lazily against the door, Sophia Pembroke cut a striking figure in her crimson suit. She snapped open a silver case, slid out a slender cigarette, and lit it with a practiced flick. Smoke curled from her lips as she regarded the woman in the shimmering tulle gown with an almost mocking smile.

A soft, amused chuckle.

"Women are always at their most beautiful at times like this."

"What do you want?"

Mila's voice was tight as she took a startled step back, pressing herself against the vanity. One hand, hidden by the trailing pink tulle at her wrist, fumbled across the table until her fingers found her phone.

She was just about to press the emergency contact when a rush of sharp, minty smoke filled the room. Sophia's hand shot out, pinning Mila's to the table and sending the phone skidding out of reach. Sophia's low laugh, tinged with the scent of menthol, brushed Mila's ear.

"What's the hurry?"

focus when you're talking to

smoke. "I don't recall inviting you. And keep your distance. That awful smell-don't get ash on

where would she find a replacement on such short notice? Custom pieces like this

chosen her wedding

the cigarette smoke

and I. Julian's still in the hospital, hasn't woken up, and here you are, playing the blushing bride? How dare you?

with

stumbled against the vanity as the forceful grip dragged her, sending glass

didn't try to pull away. Instead, she quickly gathered her gown and darted behind Sophia,

bottles echoed, powders and liquids splattering

But when she glanced at Sophia, she saw splashes of

grip on

her expression thunderous, each word

something you and Lysander brought on yourselves. Don't blame me for everything. I feel for Julian, I want to help, but that doesn't mean my whole life has to stop or that I have to

Sophia's brow furrowed.

but not to stay by his side? Shouldn't you be at the hospital? And your neck-you're

landed pointedly on the white

scanning Mila's calm face. After a tense pause,

why you