Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1755

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 some food, 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 Ian's kindness wouldn't take long to repay. She touched her belly subconsciously, drawing Ian's attention away from Abner's failed joke. His concern was immediate.

"You okay?"

"Just a bit off. I need some fresh air," she said.

"Let me help 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 time Shirley had seen Abner, he was lanky and pale, clearly malnourished. It had taken a year of care to nurse him back to health.

"Abner, why did you take off without a word after final exams? Did my parents give you a hard time?" she asked.

"No."

His reply came quicker this time, his fingers slowly gripping the cup.

The name "Shirley" became a lump in his throat he couldn't swallow.

Her lips twitched into a reluctant smile as she reached out to ruffle his hair. Only after the gesture did she realize she was tousling the hair of a 24-year-old man. Embarrassed, she quickly withdrew her hand.

"Sorry about that. Old habits, I guess. My parents were harsh back then, said some pretty mean stuff before I could apologize properly. It took ages to get your contact, and you always seemed so busy. Whenever I called, it was your assistant who answered. And behind a screen, I can't read your expressions. You were always hard to read, and I worried that I'd upset you."