Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 456

“How do you feel about my suggestion, Ms. Sutherland?” On the second floor of the restaurant, by the window, Johnnie’s voice was gentle as he spoke, his right fingers absentmindedly tracing the silver bracelet and red cord on his left wrist.

“The suggestion is…”

Mila had just begun when her bag started buzzing. Across the table, Johnnie smiled and gestured for her to take the call, assuring her he didn’t mind.

She fished out her phone.

A moment of silence.

Forrest? Why is he calling?

Thinking back to their recent conversation in the tea room, and then glancing at the current scene, Mila felt a touch awkward—though it was really just a hint. She waved at Johnnie, then stepped to a corner further from the table to answer.

“Forrest?”

“It’s me.” His voice, as always, was gentle and calm. “Have you had dinner yet? I found a great new place I’d love to take you to. I could pick you up later if you’re free.”

The familiarity of his words tugged at her heart. Years ago—seven or eight, back in college—that’s exactly how it used to be: the two of them exploring the city, discovering hidden restaurants, sharing good food and new adventures.

Those were some of the happiest days of her life.

She almost said yes without thinking, then quickly caught herself, a note of apology in her tone. “Tonight’s not great, I’m out having dinner with someone.”

There was a brief silence.

Then Forrest’s voice again, even and steady. “Is it a work meeting? Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude. We can pick another time.”

“No, it’s not that.”

Maybe it was the memories, or maybe she just didn’t see any reason to hide. Mila’s reply was frank and open. “This is actually a blind date my great-aunt set up. The guy’s the son of one of her old friends. I couldn’t really say no. He just got back from overseas, so I picked him up from the airport and now we’re grabbing dinner. So… tonight’s out.”

Forrest seemed surprised by her honesty. He didn’t say anything for a long moment, long enough that Mila called his name a couple times before he finally answered—chuckling softly. “Mimi, you really…”

“What?” Mila sounded confused.

“It’s a relief.”

“Huh?”

But Forrest didn’t elaborate. He just laughed. “Let’s meet another time then. How about tomorrow night?”

Mila mentally ran through her schedule and sighed. “Tomorrow’s tough. I’ve got a work thing. But the day after—I’m free then, for sure.”

“Alright.”

“But just to be clear,” Mila added, “our cover story is only that we’re getting to know each other and it’s going okay. That way we can buy some time.”

“Of course.”

Johnnie smiled and offered his hand. “Then here’s to our partnership, Ms. Sutherland. From now on, we’re friends.”

“To our partnership.”

They shook hands, both feeling a wave of relief. At last, they wouldn’t have to face the never-ending parade of awkward dates—at least for a while.

With that worry off their shoulders, the food suddenly seemed a lot more appetizing. Their conversation grew light and easy as they finished dinner. Mila insisted on paying, citing seniority, and Johnnie didn’t argue. They left the table together, and as they walked downstairs, Mila caught another hint of the subtle, rosy fragrance on him.

It wasn’t overpowering—just fresh, elegant, and lingering. There was something unique about it, a note she hadn’t encountered in any store-bought rose fragrance.

Remembering that the Fontaines had been master perfumers for generations, Mila—who knew a thing or two about scents herself thanks to her work in fashion—couldn’t help but ask.

“You mean ‘Lush Dream’?” Johnnie smiled.

“Lush Dream,” Mila repeated softly, genuinely impressed. “That’s a lovely name. Is there a story behind it?”

“I’m not really sure.” Johnnie’s smile was modest. “I only fine-tuned the proportions of some of the ingredients. The original concept came from my mentor. The roses we use are pretty special, too. Even the name was her idea.”