Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1993

Mark felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him as he realized the predicament he was in. Jessica had just given him a scarf, which he had promptly unwrapped and draped around his neck. Now, Shirley had gifted him an identical one. Obviously, he couldn't wear both, so he had no choice but to pack the second one away.

The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense, yet Jessica seemed oblivious, her tone still innocently cheerful.

"Shirley, I think we're going to be great friends, seeing as we have similar tastes and all."

Shirley chuckled lightly. "Oh, is that so? What else do you like?"

Jessica's face stiffened for a moment, looking quite pitiful. "Are you upset with me?"

Mark took a deep breath and pulled Shirley closer. "Are you really upset? Jessie didn't mean any harm. Who could've guessed you'd end up buying the same gift? I can take hers off and wear yours, if you like?"

Shirley was on the verge of losing her temper, but then she thought of Mr. Davis and held back.

"It's fine. Making a fuss over it would just make me seem petty. Aren't we in the middle of a song? Why stop now?" She sat down, though her intentions were unclear.

Everyone else in the room was no fool. With Shirley, the official girlfriend, present, Mark singing a love song with another girl was bound to cause issues.

Before Mark could speak, Jessica wisely put the microphone down.

"Shirley, I was just warming up the crowd. Why don't you take the next song?"

Her offer seemed thoughtful, easing the tension slightly.

Shirley should've taken the opportunity to step down gracefully, given her nature. But instead, she glanced at Jessica and said, "No need. You sing quite well. If you stop now because I'm here, it means you know it's not appropriate to sing such songs with someone who's taken."

The room felt the tension rise. Shirley continued, maintaining her composure despite her anger.

"Mark, today's your birthday. Let's keep things pleasant," she said, but her words were cutting. "The biggest mistake here is yours. Knowing you have a girlfriend yet singing love songs with someone else. Put yourself in my shoes—if you found me doing the same with a younger guy at my birthday, how would you feel? Mark, our values just don't align."

She stood up gracefully, exuding class.

"Plus, your little protégé came looking for me at my place, claiming you left some documents with her. Instead of calling you or leaving them at the lab, she comes to me. What does that tell you about her intentions?"

The silence in the room was deafening, and Jessica began to cry.