Dear Ex-wife Marry Me by Twin Bridge

After delivering his awkward attempt at humor, Abner was at a loss for words. In Shirley's presence, he always seemed to lose his

knack for conversation.

Shirley had intended to pass him sfood, as she had in the past, but a sudden realization stopped her cold; things between

them had changed too much to go back to the way they once were.

Silence descended upon the room.

Maja felt that lan's kindness wouldn't take long to repay. She touched her belly subconsciously, drawing lan's attention away from

Abner's failed joke. His concern was immediate.

"You okay?"

"Just a bit off. I need sfresh air," she said.

"Lethelp you."

Together, they stood and left the private dining room.

Their departure only heightened the awkwardness between Shirley and Abner.

He poured her another cup of tea, while she observed the long fingers that gracefully handled the teacup.

The first tShirley had seen Abner, he was lanky and pale, clearly malnourished. It had taken a year of care to nurse him back to

health.

did you take off without a word after final exams? Did my parents give

"No."

his

in his throat he

lips twitched into a reluctant smile as she reached out to ruffle his hair. Only after the

24-year-old man. Embarrassed, she quickly

parents were harsh

your contact, and you always seemed so busy. Whenever I

expressions. You were always hard to

been fiercely independent. Shirley had practically

from his rural

messing up his hair.

and leaned his head in closer. He had a stubborn streak, but his hair

Shirley was about to ask what he was doing when the door

stood there, spotting Abner leaning in, head

lice or something?" lan's

dangling at his side, clenched into

his forgotten

haven't settled the bill. Maja's feeling a bit off, so

Shirley wasn't there, Abner would've

them? What

want to waste tcalling over a waiter. He had the eerie feeling

him.

for air, watched him hurry