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.

word after final exams? Did my

"No."

time, his fingers slowly gripping

n"Shirley" beca lump in

ruffle his hair.

a 24-year-old man. Embarrassed, she quickly withdrew

Old habits, I guess. My parents were harsh back

always seemed so busy. Whenever I called, it

behind a screen, I can't read your expressions. You were always hard to read, and I worried that I'd

Shirley had practically had to teach him

his

upset him by messing up his hair. Just as

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

about to ask what he was doing when the door swung

stood there, spotting Abner leaning in, head close to

something?"

previously dangling at his side, clenched

grabbed his forgotten phone, and headed out with

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

there, Abner would've hurled a bowl

on treating them? What kind of nonsense was leaving without paying

the eerie feeling that every second

him.

standing outside for air, watched