Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1376

Ian didn't respond, instead, he held Maja close like she was his favorite pillow, wrapping his arms snugly around her.

In such a cozy embrace, Maja didn't stir, even snuggled closer to find the perfect spot to rest.

Patric was seething with anger, cradling his injured hand.

"Ian, aren't you going to ask anymore? Your brother clearly has other motives. He's not over Maja—I can tell. Every time he lays eyes on her, I can feel his emotions spike. And here you are, keeping a man who's smitten with Maja right by your side, a man who's her first love, no less. Don't you get jealous? If I were you, I'd do everything in my power to make Eric vanish. As for me, Patric, I'm on your team."

Ian remained silent, sensing Maja beginning to wake in his arms. He shot a glance at Patric.

Oblivious, Patric kept fanning the flames.

"Right, you agree with me, don't you?"

The next second, the bodyguard at the door stepped in and dragged Patric out.

Maja was indeed awake. She glanced outside; it was already afternoon.

She was in a surprisingly good mood, thanks to Ian's promise to introduce her to Dr. Phelps, and her aversion towards him had lessened.

Later, Ian had even organized a fireworks display on the rooftop.

A candlelit dinner followed by fireworks, with the spectacle lasting until midnight.

Maja was emotionless, merely finding the fireworks beautiful.

Resting her chin on her hands, she watched until the end, then felt drowsy.

Ian caught her hand, and soon she felt something slip onto her finger.

A ring.

Startled, Ian didn't get down on one knee or say anything more.

It was just as the grand finale of the fireworks concluded that he slid the ring onto her finger.

Maja wanted to take it off, but deep down, a part of her was pleased.

"For me?"

"Yeah."

She examined the ring on her finger, wanting to say more but couldn't.

After a while, she managed to say, "It's beautiful."

Ian slowly lifted his hand, revealing a matching ring.

Seeing him smile, Maja felt better.

"I'm not sure. I recognize that something's off with me. I remember everything you've told me, but the emotions aren't the same. Sometimes I think maybe the old Maja did love you, but now, maybe I really don't. The fireworks tonight were beautiful, but I didn't feel that spark. I'm sorry, I've tried."

She looked at the wine and steak in front of her and sighed with relief.

"Saying all this, I feel a lot lighter. Maybe it's just not love anymore. You can't force these things, you know?"

Ian just watched her, saying nothing.

Maja fidgeted, her fingertips curling slightly.

"So, I can't accept this ring."

She braced for an outburst, his gaze so deep she felt it could swallow her whole.

But he didn't react that way. He calmly took the ring back and slid it onto his smallest finger.

"Alright."

Maja's heart felt like it had been pierced.