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.

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

"No."

this time, his fingers

lump in

smile as she reached out to ruffle his hair. Only after the gesture did she realize she was

man. Embarrassed, she quickly

parents were harsh back then, said spretty mean

you always seemed so busy. Whenever I called, it was your assistant who

were always hard to read, and

teenager, Abner had been fiercely independent. Shirley had practically had to teach him everything

his

his face, concerned she'd upset him by messing up his hair. Just as she was about to apologize,

closer. He had a stubborn streak, but his

about to ask what he

spotting Abner leaning

or something?" lan's

hand, previously dangling at his side, clenched into a fist, his teeth almost

grabbed his forgotten phone, and headed out with a parting

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

Abner would've

who insisted on treating them? What kind of

tcalling over a waiter. He had the eerie feeling that every second counted, as

him.

for air, watched him