chapter301

“Where are you taking me?” Mila asked as they walked deeper into the estate.

Nathan remained silent, his grip on her wrist steady as he led her through a series of winding garden paths. The air was cool and filled with the scent of damp earth and greenery. They finally stopped in front of a secluded guest wing, and only then did Nathan let go of her hand.

Mila looked around, struck by the peaceful beauty of the lush surroundings. The stillness was a stark contrast to the storm brewing within her.

Nathan sat on a nearby stone bench, looking exhausted. “Stay with me for a while,” he said softly.

“Nate, what do you mean?” Mila asked, her voice trembling with a mix of anxiety and confusion.

Nathan gazed deep into her eyes, a helpless, weary smile touching his lips. “I won’t touch you. All I want—all I’ve ever wanted—is just for you to be here.”

Mila stood rooted to the spot, feeling the magnetic pull of his gaze. Fearing she was about to lose her composure, she forced herself to look away, focusing on a nearby plant. “It’s late, Nathan. It’s inappropriate for us to be alone like this.”

Nathan let out a hollow, disappointed scoff. “I never once thought of forcing you when we were married and shared a life. Do you truly think so little of me now that you’re afraid I’ll hurt you?”

Mila bit her lip, her fingers tightening around her phone as she struggled to find a response.

Nathan leaned back, his eyes penetrating and earnest. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Wanda or Suzanne, or what name you choose to go by. I still love you. I used to think I was a man who grew bored easily, someone who moved on without a second thought. But I realize now I’ve loved only one person my entire life. I will always have feelings for you, regardless of the identity you wear.”

Mila froze, her heart hammering against her ribs. The sudden, raw confession left her breathless, her mind a whirlwind of static. “Nate, you’re drunk,” she murmured, noticing the flush in his features. She couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or the sheer weight of his honesty.

“I’m not drunk,” Nathan countered, resting his forehead in his hand. He took a deep, shaky breath. “Wanda, I’m not asking you to marry me or even to love me back. I just ask that you don’t avoid me. Please, don’t cut me out of your life like you did ten years ago. Whatever our relationship is, don't let it be silence.”

He looked up at her, his eyes reddening as he forced a bitter, pained smile. “Call me. Text me. Just let me know you’re okay and that you’re happy. I won’t cling to you or cause you problems. Just... let me be the person you turn to when you need a companion, like when we were kids.”

Mila had to turn away. The pain in her chest was so sharp it felt physical, like a blade twisting in her heart. She looked up at the lintel of the door, her vision blurring as tears welled up uncontrollably. The agony of their shared past and uncertain future made it nearly impossible to breathe.

“Wanda, please,” Nathan’s voice was hoarse, breaking with emotion. “Don’t treat me this way unless you truly hate me.”

Mila couldn't take it any longer. The tears began to flow down her cheeks, and she didn't have the strength to stop them. She cleared her throat, trying to maintain a facade of calm. “Nate, you’re truly not yourself. I’ll call Cole to take you home.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve booked a room here for three days to rest,” Nathan replied quietly.

“Then you should go inside and sleep. I’m heading back now,” Mila said, her fingers trembling as she pulled out her phone to book a ride.

“Wanda, can’t we at least be friends?” Nathan’s voice was a choked whisper.

Mila’s heart ached so fiercely she couldn't even tap the screen of her phone. She stood there in the quiet garden, the silence filled only by her soft sobs, realizing that no matter how hard she tried to run, her heart was still anchored to the man sitting on the bench behind her.