Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

The resort's garden was abuzz with the open-air wedding reception.

The chatter reached a fever pitch when Mr. Ayers arrived. After all, he wasn't someone you stumbled across at just any event. Now that he was here, nobody wanted to miss their chance; every so often, someone would try to strike up a conversation—if not to ask about his latest research, then at least to put a name to a face.

But they all ran into a wall of ice.noveldrama

The kindly old gentleman who, just moments ago, had seemed so warm and animated talking with Forrest-well, that side of him vanished entirely when the others approached. There was no trace of friendliness; just a cold, aloof reserve.

Not even a polite greeting.

No matter how many people gathered around, none managed to get a word in. Each time, one of the students Mr. Ayers brought along would step in, smiling and deflecting the conversation with a few pleasantries before steering them away.

There was simply no way to break through.

Inevitably, the crowd that had originally come just to observe began to reconsider their assumptions. Even if Mila had broken off with the Montgomery family- whether it was over money, power, or because she'd been cast out-she certainly wasn't someone to be underestimated.

They would have to wait and see.

The once festive lawn gradually quieted. As more guests arrived, murmurs urged the bride-to-be to make her entrance. But just as the anticipation peaked, a new cluster of guests swept in from the garden arch.

The whole place erupted with whispers.

People paused mid-conversation, all eyes turning toward the newcomers, surprise etched on their faces. The lively chatter faded, replaced by a hush that spread across the lawn.

Beneath the flowered archway, Forrest watched the approaching group, a crease forming between his brows. He turned to Cara, who was frozen at his side. "Go to the dressing room and let Mimi know what's happening here."

"Oh! Yes, of course!" Cara replied, snapping out of it.

Forrest composed himself and strode forward, greeting the newcomers with a practiced smile.

...

By the time Mila rushed over, the crowd on the lawn was in full swing. Her arrival brought an instant lull; voices dropped, and glances flickered her way, some subtle, others not so much.

"Where are they?" she muttered.

She didn't have time for nosy guests. Under the arch, she scanned the area, but there was no sign of Forrest or any of the Montgomerys, for that matter, whom Cara had mentioned.

"Ms. Sutherland, over here."

Howard, waiting not far from the arch, caught her eye and gestured toward the house. As they walked together, he explained quietly, "It got a little crowded out here. Mr. Forrest took them inside so they could talk privately, and asked me to wait for you."

"Thank you," Mila said.

The detour gave her a moment to collect herself. Her heart, which had been pounding with anxiety, gradually steadied. No matter what happened, the guests were here now-panic wouldn't help.

They crossed the lawn and entered the timber-framed lodge. As they stepped into the hallway, Mila saw two neat lines of black-suited security guards flanking a set of doors. One group was their own staff, assigned by her and Forrest as a precaution for the engagement party; the other was unfamiliar, clearly brought by the Montgomerys.

They weren't here for a friendly chat.

Mila walked up to the doors.

The guard at her side swung one open.

She'd tried to calm herself on the way over, but her breath still caught when she stepped inside and spotted Felicity Fontaine, beaming on the sofa.

Her chest tightened.

Lysander!

What was he thinking?

Just getting Felicity out of the house used to require a dozen layers of security and endless precautions. Mila never dared take a risk-one mistake could be disastrous.

And now, with Cossio lurking nearby, ready to strike at any moment...

To let Felicity out of safety now-had he lost his mind?

A memory flashed through her head: Sophia's words from the dressing room, "Mila, you're trying to predict the actions of a madman. But are you a madman yourself?"

She wasn't.

But she knew Lysander cared deeply for Felicity, cared about everything to do with his mother. Everything he did against Cossio was for Felicity for his mother. He would never put Felicity in harm's way.

So, what was this about?

"Mila!"

As Mila's thoughts spun, Felicity, who had been laughing with Conrad Montgomery on the sofa, heard the door and leapt up, rushing over to grab Mila's hand.

"Mila! How could you not tell me you were getting engaged? This is your engagement party! You're really not treating me like a friend at all. Look, I brought you so many gifts to celebrate!"

She pointed to the far side of the room.

Dozens of boxes tied with ribbons were stacked against the wall-presents from Felicity, nearly filling the space.

"There are even more, but Conrad wouldn't let me bring them all. Some of them are antiques and little treasures I know you'll love. I'll have them sent to your new place later, so you can decorate your home!"

Felicity beamed at her.

"Mila?"

"...I'm listening," Mila replied, keeping her tone gentle. Felicity's confusion was clear-she still thought of Mila as her closest friend.

Mila drew a steadying breath and

glanced at Forrest, who was sitting across

from Conrad. Then she

managed a smile. "Thank you,

Felicity But are you sure that's what happened? I could've sworn bsent out the invitations... Didn't he tell you?"

She turned to Conrad.

"Huh?" Conrad blinked, caught off-guard.

Had Mila ever mentioned this to

him? He could've sworn she'd asked them not to come. But before he

could

saya

another word, Felicity

looking hurt, launched herself at him

and tugged his ear. He had no

choice but to laugh and try to placate her.

While those two were busy squabbling, Forrest came over and murmured quietly in Mila's ear, "Don't worry. I've arranged everything. There are people stationed all around the resort-no one's getting in without us knowing."