Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 495

“So you thought of me, huh?” Forrest grinned. “You don’t have to say anything, I get it. Honestly, I’m glad I’m the first person you think of when something happens.”

Mila’s cheeks flushed a deep red.

Something inside her had shifted. Before, when Forrest spoke so directly, she’d always felt a little at a loss, but she could handle it—she never let it get to her. But after what happened the other night... things were different now.

It was harder to keep her composure.

Anyone would be shaken by such a raw, intense confession—especially in this kind of moment, being looked at so intently, chosen so resolutely, as if for a second, the whole world held only you. It would make anyone’s defenses waver.

Mila was no exception.

But… was she really allowed this?

Was it truly okay?

Forrest could see her hesitation, and he understood why Mila was so hesitant—her past had taught her to be cautious with her heart. He spoke up, gentle and steady. “Mimi, don’t be afraid. I never want my feelings to become a burden for you. Just relax and let yourself enjoy it—enjoy my love, for as long as you need. I’ll always be here, waiting for the day you’re ready. I’m not going anywhere.”

He meant every word.

He didn’t want their relationship to become a source of stress for her; he wanted a lifetime together, years and years of growing old side by side. Forrest hoped Mila could take comfort in that too.

So, he promised forever.

He offered her his heart—honestly, wholly.

All he wished for was for the two of them to share a life.

Mila’s heart trembled.

Forever?

She’d never received such a gentle promise, never been offered forever with such tenderness. Her nose stung, and she nearly burst into tears.

Maybe—

Maybe she could trust Forrest.

No—

She’d always trusted him.

It was just… trusting in love again was the hard part. When it came to love and marriage, she’d been burned too many times, betrayed and worn down until the pain seemed etched into her bones. She’d tried so hard to believe again, but the scars ran too deep.

Even taking this tiny step forward had nearly drained all her courage.

But she had to move forward, didn’t she?

If not for Forrest’s unwavering patience and warmth, she doubted she’d ever have tried again at all. A life alone would have been fine—maybe even preferable. After all, if not for love as fierce and gentle as his, nothing else would have moved her, nothing else could have given her the strength to try again.

But with her heart in such tatters, could she ever give Forrest a love as passionate as his for her?

Could she?

And if she tried and still couldn’t… how could she bear it?