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.

final exams? Did my parents give you a hard time?" she

"No."

reply cquicker this time, his

in his throat

to ruffle his hair. Only after

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

about that. Old habits, I guess. My parents were harsh back then, said

to get your contact, and you always seemed

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

independent. Shirley had practically had

from his rural

concerned she'd upset him by messing up his hair. Just as she

in closer. He had a stubborn streak, but his

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

stood there, spotting Abner leaning

lice or something?" lan's

clenched into a fist, his teeth

grabbed his forgotten phone,

bill. Maja's feeling a bit off, so I'm taking her

Shirley wasn't there, Abner would've hurled a

What kind of nonsense was leaving without paying the

waste tcalling over a waiter. He had the

him.

air, watched him hurry