Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 453 He stopped mid-step, then suddenly dashed forward and grabbed Leonard's hand. Looking up, his eyes sparkled with hope. "Leonard, you'll stay withforever too, right?" Just like you're always with Mom and Dad.

Leonard froze, caught off guard.

For a moment, seeing the child's trusting, adoring gaze, that face-usually as cold and unmoving as winter ice- softened. The corners of his lips lifted in a fleeting smile so subtle that when Adrian blinked, it was already gone, like he'd imagined it. But he did hear Leonard's voice, surprisingly gentle.

"I'll always be here." "But even if I'm not, young master, you don't need to worry. There's someone out there waiting for you in the future, someone who'll stay by your side forever- longer than your parents, longer than me." That was the Montgomery family's way.

Leonard, though, belonged to the master and madam.

"Your mother's here. Go on now." At the end of the hallway, Mila appeared, turning the corner with easy grace. Her dark hair was pinned up with a simple comb, and her pale, flowing dress seemed to catch the moonlight, wrapping her in a gentle, silvery glow. Seeing her approach, Leonard stopped beneath the eaves.

"Mom!" Adrian's question vanished in an instant. He raced over, flinging himself into Mila's arms. She caught him easily, taking the rumpled school jacket from his hand without a word, then gave Leonard a polite nod before leading Adrian away.

A warm spring breeze drifted through the corridor, carrying Mila's soft voice to Leonard. "What did your grandfather say? Did he scold you?" "He just toldnot to get into fights..." "Well, you should listen to him." "I know. Mom, you smell so nice. Did you make something good for me?" Adrian's voice was full of excitement. "I did. I made ssoup." Mila smiled gently. "Later, remember to bring your great-grandpa a bowl, all right? He's getting old. Don't do things that upset him anymore." "Got it." Adrian piped up, "Oh, and Leonard hasn't eaten either. I'll bring him a bowl too!" "...All right." As the voices of mother and son faded down the hall, Leonard stood quietly under the eaves. He tipped his head back to gaze at the bright curve of the moon, feeling, for once, that spring was truly warm and beautiful. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he fished it out, answering after it rang several times.

"Sir." "Yes, Madam and young master were just here. Sorry for the delay..." "I understand." Inside the old manor, in Adrian's bedroom, the evening passed quietly. After dinner, Mila coaxed Adrian to take his medicine, then sat beside him at the desk as he worked on his homework.

Not that he needed any real help.

Adrian's studies had never been a cause for worry.

She sat with her laptop open, working on her own projects-just keeping him company as he worked.

Despite the recent fight (the injuries weren't serious), Mila had arranged for Adrian to stay hand rest for a week, giving him a break from schoolwork, too. She was surprised when he refused-he didn't skipping classes, but insisted on doing his homework anyway.

So diligent and well-behaved it was almost unbelievable.

Mila could hardly believe how much Adrian had changed. Once upon a time, even though his grades were good, he'd hated homework-always wanting to play games or watch cartoons instead. Any attempt to get him to study used to turn the house upside down.

He'd even told her to stop nagging so much, and eventually, she'd given up. She never imagined there'd ca day when he'd manage his own tso sensibly.

All in just one year.

She had to admit, it was Adrian's great-grandfather who worked the real magic. Mila knew she could never have managed it herself-Adrian had never been this obedient for her.

Shaking her head in amazement, Mila refocused. She set up her drawing tablet and pulled up the wedding dress design she was. working on a commission from a high-profile British client who had sought out her boutique, Splendid, and requested Mila's personal touch for a custom gown.

She hadn't met the client yet, but rumor had it the wedding was for a British prince, and Splendid had been chosen to design the bride's dress.

☐☐% This year had been a whirlwind, bouncing between managing Montgomery Holdings and Splendid's executive meetings hand abroad-not that she enjoyed it, but she couldn't avoid it either. Even so, Mila never gave up her design work. Thanks to Splendid's platform, sof her creations had even made it onto the international stage, and her reputation in the design world was quietly growing.

Her skills, at least, were up to the task.

But her name, Lillian, still carried less weight than her great-aunt's.

She'd assumed such a prestigious de m job would go to Jade-the designer who had dressed the late Queen herself. But to her surprise, the client had requested Mila by name, drawn to her unique style. Since there was no rush, Mila had agreed.

It was the perfect chance to make her mark in the art and fashion world. After all, what Mila wanted wasn't just to inherit Splendid or Montgomery Holdings -she dreamed of building her own brand. And she was confident she could do it, if only given enough time.

Her stylus traced smooth lines over the dense sketch, adding a drifting cloud in the corner-Wek signature, the mark of Lillian. She wanted her nto becrenowned, not just recognized. That was her ambition.

A royal wedding called for something extraordinary.

So did the dress.

It couldn't be ordinary.

As Mila pondered the design, Adrian, halfway through his homework, leaned over to peek at her screen. "Mom, what are you drawing this time?" "A wedding dress," Mila answered absently.

Adrian's hand froze, his eyes wide in surprise.