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.

without a word after final exams? Did my parents give you a hard time?" she

"No."

cquicker this time, his fingers slowly gripping the

lump in his throat

smile as she reached out to ruffle his hair.

24-year-old man. Embarrassed, she quickly

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

took ages to get your contact, and you always seemed so

were always hard to read, and I worried that

independent. Shirley had practically

from his rural

by messing up his hair. Just

in closer. He had a stubborn streak, but his hair was

to ask what he was doing when the door

leaning in, head

lice or something?" lan's brow furrowed

at his side, clenched into a

strode over to his seat, grabbed his forgotten phone, and headed out with

feeling a bit off, so I'm taking her

wasn't there, Abner would've hurled a bowl at

treating them? What kind of nonsense was leaving

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

him.

air,