Dear Ex-wife Marry Me

*

Mark answered decisively, "Sure, go ahead with your experiment."

Jessica skipped toward the lab but turned back for a lighthearted reminder, "Bro, don't get so caught up in your dates that you forget my meal." Mark couldn't help but laugh, "I won't."

Only after their exchange ended did Shirley glance at her watch. "Let's just eat at the campus café. That way, you can easily pick up something for her."

"Are you upset?"

"No, I've got stuff to do later anyway."

"Alright then."

The two headed to the campus café, and Shirley barely spoke throughout the meal. Noticing Mark was busy replying to messages and chuckling at his phone, she put down her fork and knife. "Who are you texting?"

"Jessie. She managed to blow up a glass jar in the lab. The mentor is going to have a field day. It's the first time I've seen someone actually blow up a jar. Kind of goofy, really."

Shirley forced a smile, suddenly finding herself unable to eat. She pulled out her phone and saw a message from Abner, frowning slightly.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

No thanks needed, and remember no phones during class.

There was no reply; class was probably in session. Feeling a mix of discomfort and uncertainty about whom to share it with-especially since senior year was so hectic for everyone-she sat opposite Mark, watching him laugh at his phone, feeling as though she was suffocating. She knew making a scene would only lead to her father threatening to send Abner away again.

Overwhelmed by a sense of fatigue, she took a sip of water. "I'm going to head out. You go back to your experiment."

"Okay, I'll grab a bite for Jessie. My birthday is in a couple of weeks. I'll be throwing a small party and you should come early."

Shirley nodded, watching his retreating figure, feeling as though they were drifting apart. Perhaps Mark hadn't noticed, but she was painfully aware.

Time flew by, and within those two weeks, Shirley was swamped with work. She had bought Abner lots of clothes, filling his closet to the brim. Abner was diligent, coming home late every night, fully committed to his studies. Such a well-behaved kid, Shirley couldn't bear the thought of sending him away, increasingly determined to support him through college.

Even on weekends, Abner would stay at school, actively seeking help from teachers whenever he encountered difficulties. His teachers praised him to Shirley over the phone, their voices filled with joy. Shirley felt a surge of pride, as if witnessing a boy coming of age.

Abner had also gained some weight, looking even more handsome, which led to a playful suggestion from James about starting a "school hunk" contest on the campus forum. Hearing this while staring at a page full of French vocabulary, Shirley couldn't help but smile. She was preparing to attend Mark's birthday dinner that evening, too busy with work to chat any longer.

At the party, she brought a scarf she had picked out herself. Mark's family had rented several private rooms at a fancy venue, and the place was bustling with people from their lab. Shirley didn't know most of them. As she opened the door to the room, she caught Mark and Jessica performing a duet to a love song. The crowd was cheering them on as

if they were an actual couple.

Jessica blushed under the room's lights, looking even more attractive, occasionally locking eyes with Mark, their interaction filled with an intimate vibe. Shirley immediately felt out of place.

Some people recognized her, and the atmosphere turned awkward. Mark was clearly taken aback and rushed to explain. "We were playing Truth or Dare and lost, so we had to sing. Shirley, you're here late." Jessica quickly added, "Senior, don't get it wrong. Mark and I are just colleagues. Everyone here can vouch for that."

Someone immediately raised their hand, "It was my idea for them to sing."

After all these explanations, Shirley, who hadn't even voiced any concern, seemed to be the odd one out. The lively ambiance cooled down, and she felt increasingly uncomfortable. But arguing with Mark seemed too costly, especially with her desire to peacefully finish her senior year.

She handed Mark the birthday present, only to hear Jessica say, "Wow, senior and I have the same great taste. I got him the same style scarf."