Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 455

Her taste in clothes wasn’t bad at all—a pale blue, long, soft-fabric coat draped over her shoulders, cinched casually at the waist with a dark belt she hadn’t bothered to tie properly. There was an effortless ease about her, a touch of nonchalance that somehow made it all look artistic.

It was the kind of look that made Mila want to pull out her sketchbook and capture her on the spot.

“Chairman Sutherland.” The driver’s door opened and Leonard stepped out. He spared a brief glance at Johnnie, who stood there smiling but silent, before turning to Mila. “It’s pretty late,” he said. “Are we dropping him off at home now?”

“I haven’t had dinner yet.” Johnnie spoke suddenly, his gaze warm and direct. “Ms. Sutherland, if you’re free, would you join me for dinner?”

“Of course,” Mila agreed at once.

She’d planned to have a proper conversation with him after picking him up anyway, and dinner was as good an opportunity as any. After all, this was the child of her great-aunt’s dear friend—she couldn’t just let him go hungry. “But don’t you want to drop off your luggage first?” she asked, glancing at the suitcase covered in Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

“It’s fine. It’s not heavy.”

Of course, Mila couldn’t be expected to handle it herself. Leonard, silently taking the hint, picked up the suitcase and stowed it in the trunk. When they pulled up outside an elegant little restaurant, he suddenly got the sense that something was off.

He watched as Mila and Johnnie went inside, but instead of following, he hung back and made a quick call. The response came almost immediately.

A set-up. Arranged by Jade, no less.

Once he confirmed it, Leonard—usually the picture of calm—actually looked a little surprised. But this wasn’t his business, especially if it was Jade’s idea. Still... he tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel and sighed inwardly. Trouble, he thought.

...

Upstairs, on the second floor of the restaurant.

Mila handed the menu to Johnnie, inviting him to order whatever he liked. He pushed it back with a gentle smile, insisting she go first and assuring her he wasn’t picky.

Once they’d placed their orders, Johnnie finally spoke. “I haven’t properly introduced myself. I’m Johnnie. My family’s been in the perfume business for several generations. My parents moved abroad in their time, and I’m currently doing my master’s at the University of Glasgow in the UK. I’m 24. Planning to settle in Britain after graduation. I love studying fragrance composition.”

Mila was taken aback.

Had she heard that right? He was still in school? Okay, a graduate student, but... 24? Great-aunt, what were you thinking!

He’s just a kid!

For a moment, her expression shifted. She hesitated, then said, “Um, you know I have a child, right? He just turned nine.”

“Yes, I know.” Johnnie smiled. “I’ve seen pictures—he’s adorable. I really like kids.”

“...Thank you.”

At that moment, the waiter arrived with their food, and conversation stalled. After the server left, Mila spoke up again, “Look, since you’re still in school, you should probably focus on your studies for now. There’s no need to rush into these things. Marriage should be considered carefully.”

“So, you want to wait until I graduate?” Johnnie asked with a faint smile. “That might take a while—I’m probably going to do a PhD.”