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 abouttoo 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.

She knew Forrest had becbolder lately, but every time, he managed to surprise her even more. Her mind went blank-her heart seemed to skip a beat.

Forrest just chuckled, gently lifting her slender, fair hand and pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. "Don't worry," he said. "I'll do my best." The warmth of his lips vanished in an instant, but it sent a shiver racing up her arm, leaving her ears burning.

Oh, God.

She tried to retreat, but just as her fingers slipped away, he caught her, laughter in his voice. "So, Mimi, will you honorwith a dance at the ball?" "The ball hasn't even started yet!" Mila finally pulled free, fleeing in flustered embarrassment.

Neither of them noticed the figure hidden by the staircase behind the parlor's folding screen.

Jade stood halfway up the stairs, half-shrouded in darkness, lips unable to suppress a growing grin.

She stood there for a while, quiet laughter shaking her shoulders.

With a shake of her head, 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 nerves.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Her butler was always composed-never like this.

"Ma'am," he said, bowing respectfully, hesitating, "...the Montgomery family patriarch sent an invitation." Jade stopped, frowning.

Lysander's grandfather.

Of course, she'd heard of him—an old lion of the military, retired for years but still a force to be reckoned with.

They had never met.

Only stories had reached her ears.

What did that old fox want with her now? It couldn't be anything good.

Expressionless, Jade continued toward the garden, the butler hurrying after her. "Ma'am, you won't see him?" "Why should I?" Jade snorted.

"What's the worst that could happen if I refuse? Is he going to fly all the way to England? I'd like to see the authorities approve that." Who was Lysander's 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 country.

If he said 'invitation,' he clearly didn't mean to meet in person.

So what was there to see?

Did he really expect her to hop on a plane and visit the Montgomery m estate just for a chat? The nerve! She was more likely to show up and kick his door down.

How dare he even ask?

"Don't bother with it," Jade said Kinto breezily, hefting her trowel and m strolling into the garden. "The only thing that matters now is the masquerade ball." Kingsford.

Marshall pushed open the door to the study. The old lord was hunched over his desk, brush in hand, working on his calligraphy.

"Sir, Lady Jade declined," Marshall reported.

The old man didn't even look up. He had expected as much.

"Keep sending them," he said.

Then, as if struck by a thought, he paused, setting his pen aside. "By the way, where's Adrian School should be out by now-why hasn't he cover? With Mila gone, that boy's probably slacking off again." "Young master isn't hyet. I just spoke to Leonard-he said Adrian might be late tonight," Marshall replied.

The old man frowned, slowly placing his brush down.

"What's happened?"