Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 493

It was probably about the materials list, so Mila hurried to answer.

“Have the sketches been finalized?” Jade asked.

“Yeah, as soon as everything arrives, I can officially get started,” Mila replied, stifling a yawn.

“Do you want me to assign a few seamstresses to help? Alençon lace takes ages, and handling it all alone might be too much.”

“It’s fine, I’ve got this.” Mila hesitated, but ultimately declined with a smile. “I’m at my most energetic right now. Besides, this wedding dress is the biggest commission I’ve ever taken, and the client gave me total creative freedom. I want to make it myself, start to finish.”

There was a pause on the other end. Jade caught the meaning in her words and laughed softly. “Ambitious, aren’t you?”

Mila chuckled in return.

“All right then,” Jade continued, “I’ll handle things with the royal family for now. The profit from this isn’t important. If you can, submit your work to the CFDA. Mila, go win that award.”

CFDA.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards—the Oscars of the fashion world—founded by the godmother of American fashion herself. It was one of the most prestigious honors a designer could receive, on par with Britain’s BFA, and among the most anticipated events in the industry.

The money and resources that came with the prize were nice, but Mila wasn’t lacking in those. What she needed was something else—recognition, proof that she truly belonged at the top.

And the CFDA could give her that.

As long as she took first place.

If the royal family’s invitation represented momentum, then winning this would make everything official—she wouldn’t just be independent; she’d be that much closer to the very top.

Mila’s heart began to race.

Clearly, Jade—already one of the world’s premier designers—was thinking far beyond her, and could see a future for Mila that was clearer and more ambitious than Mila dared to dream.

Mila closed her eyes.

“All right,” she said.

She’d go for it, and chase the summit.

...

She’d thought Jade was just calling to talk business, but after that, they chatted about everyday things for a while. Mila was practically falling asleep and about to suggest they both call it a night, when Jade hit her with something that made Mila instantly wide awake.

“One more thing—what’s going on with you and that Johnnie guy?”

Who?

What she really wanted to say was, You never got married, Jade, so why are you so obsessed with my love life? But she didn’t dare; she didn’t want to upset her.

And besides, she understood why Jade cared so much.

Sure enough, Jade immediately replied, “No way. I’m not getting any younger, and my health isn’t what it used to be. I can’t be there for you much longer. If I don’t find someone who’ll take care of you and love you, I’ll never rest easy—not even in the grave. Is that what you want, for me to die with regrets?”

“Jade!” Mila’s tone sharpened. “We agreed you wouldn’t... wouldn’t say things like that.”

She couldn’t stand hearing it.

Every time they left the hospital with another test result, it was obvious: Jade’s health was failing, her energy fading. They both knew it, but Mila wanted to cover her ears and shut her eyes, as if that might make it all go away—as if Jade could stay with her forever.

Jade stayed quiet.

She knew her own body better than anyone, maybe even better than the doctors. She probably wouldn’t last a few more years—maybe even that was wishful thinking. Who knew when she’d close her eyes and never wake up again?

Mila was the only person she truly cared for in this world. She just wanted to give her everything she could, to see her healthy and happy.

But she couldn’t help worrying.

She really, truly couldn’t.