Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

In a refined tearoom, the two of them sat across a polished table, the air fragrant with the scent of tea leaves.

Forrest handled the teaware with practiced ease, pouring Mila a cup of delicate green tea. He flashed her an easy smile. "These days, it's really hard to get a moment with you, Mimi."

"Come on, don't say it like that." Mila gave a light laugh. "You're the busy one here. When I was back in town, I tried to meet up with you a few times, but you never showed."

Forrest set the teapot down, his voice gentle. "Then I was in the wrong."

"Wait, what?" Mila took a sip and almost choked. If anyone knew his schedule, it was her. For the past six months he'd been tied up wrapping things up for the Federal Security Bureau, barely finding a moment to breathe, let alone socialize.

She'd only meant to tease him-she hadn't expected him to suddenly get all serious.

"That's not― I didn't mean—” She put her cup down, stumbling over her words. But when she looked up and caught Forrest's eyes crinkling with laughter behind his silver-framed glasses, she realized he was just messing with her. Flustered, she huffed, "You're impossible..."

"So, how long are you staying this time?" Forrest topped up her tea, smoothly shifting the subject.

"A bit longer than usual, I think." Mila considered for a moment, holding up an index finger in mock seriousness. "But it can't be more than a week, or my aunt will be upset."

"Jetting back and forth must be exhausting."

Mila's smile was content. "Not really." As long as her aunt was still around to keep her company, she couldn't complain. If it weren't for the people and

responsibilities tying her to her home country, she might never have come back- she'd want to stay glued to her aunt's side, calling or video chatting every couple of days whenever she was away.

Forrest understood without needing her to say it.

Watching her, soft and happy, he found himself smiling too. Suddenly, he said, “The project with the Federal Security Bureau is almost wrapped up, and things at my company have settled down. I haven't decided on the next project yet, and that's actually why I asked you here today I was hoping you could give me some advice. What do you think?"

He slid a tablet across the table to her.

"Are you sure?" Mila shook her head, hesitating. "Isn't this classified company info?"

"It doesn't matter." He insisted, placing the tablet in front of her. “If I can't trust you, who could I possibly trust?"

He had a point. Mila had even helped develop the core algorithm Forrest's company, Forest Team, provided for the Bureau's project. He'd never kept her at arm's length.

Still, it was a lot to take in. After a moment's pause, and a little more coaxing from Forrest, she finally tapped the screen open—and froze.

It wasn't just government projects. There were international ones too.

Suddenly, she understood. He hadn't called her just for advice. This was something else entirely.

"You-" She looked up, at a loss for words.

Forrest smiled easily, as if he hadn't just laid all his cards on the table. "Don't feel pressured. I just want your input. The final decision is still mine to make."

That was what he said, but...

She set the tablet down and was silent for a long time before finally speaking. "Forrest, if I'm mistaken just ignore me-but... don't wait for me anymore. You're incredible, you'll meet someone even better. Don't waste your time on me."

"Mimi." Seeing her be so direct, Forrest decided to be honest as well. "I know I have no right to ask. After all, I was the one who sent you. abroad all those years ago, and you suffered because of it. Back then, I was stuck here, unable to help you... I've never dared to ask, but now, with nothing holding us back, new lives ahead, I want to know-does the promise you made me still stand?"

Mila was caught off guard.

Of course she remembered. The day she'd left for her flight, she'd made a promise to Forrest. But now...

"It's not like that." After a long silence, Mila lowered her head. "I insisted on leaving. You only helped me. Everything that happened after wasn't your fault-

don't carry that guilt. As for that promise... you know I just can't..."

"I can wait." Forrest gave her a tender smile, his warm eyes shadowed with sadness. "It's okay, Mimi. I can wait."

He knew there were wounds in Mila's heart.

Lysander had died saving her, taking a bullet that was meant for her. She'd never

been able to let it go. His death had become an unspoken barrier between her and Forrest.

But Forrest wasn't ready to give up.

Lysander was gone. Why couldn't

they start again? He could wait. Ever since he'd first met Mila under the mulberry tree at fifteen, he'd known he wanted only her. He'd waited once for a reunion, then waited another eight years-now, with the biggest obstacle gone, surely this couldn't be the end.

No matter how many times fate pulled them apart, they always found their way back to each other. He didn't believe their story was over.

"Mimi, no matter how long it takes, I'll wait. Don't-" Forrest's voice was low and rough. “Don't just give up on me. Don't push me away. I don't believe you really feel nothing for me."

Mila's eyes blurred with tears.

Meeting his own red-rimmed gaze, her throat tightened and she had to look away,noveldrama

a tear slipping down her cheek.

Forrest sighed softly.

He leaned in, gently brushing the tear from her face. "Why are you crying?" he whispered. "Is the thought of being with me really so hard?"

"Give me a chance, okay? Let's just try. If it still doesn't work... I promise, I'll let

you go."

"Mimi."