Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1699

Felix barely touched his dinner, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Oblivious Carol didn't make the connection that he wasn't keen on sharing the meal with her.

Once the meal was over, she had no reason to stay, but she lingered, unable to bear leaving. Felix didn't say a word to keep her there.

Eventually, Carol took the initiative, "Could you walk me down to hail a cab? I'm a bit scared."

Their neighborhood was quite secluded, and though there was a bus stop right outside, at this late hour, who knew if she'd run into the kind of thugs she'd encountered before.

Just as Felix was about to nod, a clap of thunder rumbled outside, followed by a streak of lightning, and the power went out.

Darkness enveloped the room, accompanied by the storm outside.

Old houses were prone to tripping the circuit breaker. Felix fetched his phone for light, "Just sit for a bit, we'll leave when the power's back."

Carol was only too glad to stay, "Got any candles?"

Felix rummaged through a drawer and lit a few candles before starting to clear the table.

Carol grabbed his hand, "Let me clean up, you cooked, so I'll take care of the dishes."

He paused, tempted to shake her off, but refrained.

Eagerly, Carol began clearing the dishes to the kitchen, which was barely big enough for one person and pitch dark, save for the light from the living room.

Felix placed a candle by the fridge.

For Carol, it was a novel experience – washing dishes on a stormy night with a man she fancied.

A smile crept across her face, but then she accidentally knocked over a plate.

Standing at the kitchen door, Felix watched her bend down to pick up the shards and frowned.

As she reached for the pieces, another bowl slipped from the counter and shattered.

Suppressing his irritation, he said firmly, "Step out, I'll do it."

Embarrassed, Carol turned to leave but stepped on a shard, cutting her foot.

"Ouch."

In the candlelight, Felix saw the droplets of blood on the floor.

His frown deepened as he pulled her away.

Carol, unsteady from the pain, instinctively clung to his waist.

His body tensed, he blinked several times to hold back any comment.

Back in the living room, she sat on the couch as Felix lit another candle and examined her foot.

Her toes curled, cheeks flaming.