Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 516 Hearing Mila's answer, Forrest finally couldn't hold back-he let out a low, quiet laugh against her neck, the vibration making her ears tingle and burn.

"What's so funny?" Mila shifted uncomfortably, trying to turn her head.

"I'm just happy," Forrest murmured, his tone gentle and teasing. "It's the first tyou've made a promise like that to me. I can't help but feel thrilled." Did this mean he was getting closer to her heart? How could he not be overjoyed? Mila's face was burning, the heat of his breath on her skin sending her temperature soaring. She hurriedly pushed him away and scooted to the side- only to hear him let out a soft groan.

"What happened? Did I hit your wound?" she asked anxiously, immediately moving closer again. She reached for his injured left hand to check, but before she could, Forrest caught her hand in his, resting his chin lightly on her raised knuckles. He looked up at her, his gaze warm and a little bit yearning.

"Mimi, at tonight's ball, I found you at last. But I never got the chance to invite you to share a dance with me." But the ball was already over.

Mila blinked in surprise.

Because tonight was a masquerade, Forrest hadn't worn his usual silver-rimmed glasses; without the barrier of the lenses, his gaze was bolder than ever. She could see it clearly now-those striking eyes, filled with a gentle, unguarded affection.

It was so intense, yet so tender.

He looked at her so directly, as if he were shining, the look in his eyes almost making hers ache. She wanted to look away, and for sreason, she felt a little sad.

A discreet cough broke the spell. Startled, both of them glanced toward the sound.

Miranda stood in the doorway of the guest room, looking thoroughly embarrassed. "Sorry, sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt. Mila, I, um, need to talk to you about something." "Oh okay." Mila quickly stood up and followed Miranda out. Just before closing the door, she paused, then called back into the room, "I'll cby later. You should get srest." "I will," Forrest replied with a gentle smile.

"Miranda, what is it?" Mila asked once they reached the bedroom at the far end of the hallway. After a couple of seconds, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Oh, right! Back in the garden, you said you needed to talk to me, too?" But at the time, she'd been too shaken up to ask, and only now remembered.

"Uh, that?" Miranda's heart skipped a beat. She didn't actually have anything urgent to discuss; back in the garden, she'd just used it as an excuse to get Mila away, just like now.

She'd kept quiet the whole walk over, watching the strange atmosphere between Mila and Forrest in the room. Remembering Lysander's threat, she'd had no choice but to interrupt them.

"It's not urgent," Miranda said, quickly changing the subject. "The important thing is what I mentioned before- have you thought about it? If you've made up your mind, we need to act soon." "Thought about what?" Mila stared blankly for a second, then it clicked-oh, right. Miranda's whole 'hunting ground' theory, something about taking control instead of always being the prey.

Her answer hadn't changed.

"Why should I play along? Why should I let him make this into skind of game?" she said, honestly confused. "What's the point? And what do you mean 'act'? Do what, exactly?" Miranda scratched her head, trying to explain patiently.

"He's treating you like prey right now, and you have no idea what he's planning. Isn't it better to take the initiative-try to get information from him, find out what he's up to? That way you can turn the tables, or at least be ready to defend yourself." Mila fell silent.

She looked at her friend for a long moment before sighing. "Miranda, you're oversimplifying Lysander. You think he's just sregular guy? lived with him for years. I may not know everything about him, but trust metrying to trick him will only make him angrier. He despises lies and betrayal." Miranda's plan was basically everything he hated most.

"So what are you going to do?" Miranda huffed, dropping onto the bed in frustration. “Are you just going to let him keep playing with you, let him have all the power? Do you really think giving in without fighting back will end well?" She couldn't hold back her worry and suspicion anymore. "Mila, right now he's distracted by that business with Cosyou toldabout. But what happens when that's over? What will you do then?" "He's already like this. Once Cossio's out of the picture, do you really think he'll just leave you alone?" Mila's face went a little pale.

She hadn't considered that

possibility. In fact, she was already surprised Lysander had clooking for her again at all; their relationship had always been built on mutual manipulation, and she never expected he'd have the nerve to show up after everything. She certainly didn't expect him to threaten her so casually, acting as if she belonged to him. Why should she just go along with what he wanted?

Her mouth opened, then she let out a bitter laugh. "I don't want to play his games I don't want to be part of this at all, and I sure as hell don't want to be anyone's 'prey'... Besides, Coswon't be easy for him to handle, either. Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if maybe they just destroy each other and savethe trouble." "That's still a gamble!" Miranda protested, exasperated.

Wait.

Destroy each other...

Miranda's eyes lit up. She grabbed Mila's hand. "Why don't you just tell Costhat Lysander til Kalive? e That guy's elever enough to turn the tables-if you set them against each other, maybe Lysander will be out of your hair for good!"