Dear Ex-wife, Marry Me novel Chapter 1023

"Maja," Ian began. The first time we ended up in bed together, I figured you were married. I mean, wasn't it naive of me to think you hadn't yet done the deed with your husband? When I returned from abroad, and we began our affair, I questioned if I was your first. You admitted you were married. Naturally, I would assume you've been with your husband hundreds of times. But that didn't contradict my desire to sleep with you. My sense of morality wasn't that strong."

His hand gripped hers, a long pause before he added, “I was angry because I thought you were a flirt. This perception was my default. I felt you willingly entangled with other men, which made me seem insignificant to you. Naturally, I was upset."

Ian had never spoken these words to anyone before. He lowered his lashes, his grip on her hand tightening.

"It took me a long time to realize my feelings for you. Don't break up with me."

Maja felt as if the air around her had been stripped away as he spoke, leaving her breathless.

Ian seemed like such a lonely person, needing someone by his side.

But his pride wouldn't allow him to open his heart to anyone.

Maja realized that he had grown up in an environment where he was overlooked. The Raymond family preferred the rumored prodigal son, Eric.

Her heart ached at the revelation, and the guilt of betraying him seemed to disappear.

She grabbed his hand tightly.

Ian kissed the back of her hand.

"If you don't want me to confront him, then I won't. Not because I don't despise him, but because I want to heed your words."

Maja was left speechless.

She had thought Ian was a terrible person, especially in bed, full of dirty talk.

She figured all he cared about was sex, but his thoughts were incredibly delicate.

Last night, he must have noticed the marks on her, but he didn't ask.

He found an excuse for her as she fumbled with her buttons in silence.

Looking back, all those conversations were him covering for her.

"Ian."

Sometimes, she thought she understood him. Other times it felt like she didn't know him.

Ian set the destination for the restaurant into the GPS, then took a napkin and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

"We should go eat first."