Bonnie felt heartbroken when she noticed the stubble on Ivor’s chin. “How busy have you been? You even forgot to shave, Ivor.”
Ivor paused and touched his chin. He felt the rough stubble and smiled helplessly, saying, “Yeah, I’ve been busy with so many things lately.”
He looked into Bonnie’s eyes affectionately through the screen. He asked, “Do you miss me, honey? Is that why you noticed such small details?”
She blushed. “Oh, please. I didn’t even need to scrutinize your face to notice it.”
“Well, that’s a lie.” Ivor chuckled. “You miss me but won’t admit it.”
“So what if I do?” Bonnie retorted.
The couple had been apart for quite a while, and the more they talked, the more they yearned for each other.
Ivor was stunned by her question. He softened his tone, saying, “I’ll finish up over here as soon as possible. I’m sorry for leaving you for so long after our wedding. I haven’t been a good husband.”
Bonnie thought, ‘I haven’t been a good wife, either. Still, no one’s to blame since we encountered an unexpected and unavoidable event.’
“It’s okay, Ivor. I know you don’t want to be away for so long, but I understand.” Her understanding tone made Ivor feel even more guilty.
“I can come home sooner if I have an easier time handling things here. It’s just that things have gotten tricky now.”
Bonnie grew curious when she heard that. “What could be keeping you occupied for so long?”
Ivor’s last trip to the neighboring city was short. Moreover, handling company matters should be a breeze for him. Bonnie could not help but wonder why he seemed troubled this time.
“You can tell me if you’re having that much trouble. Maybe I can help,” Bonnie said. Even though she was also busy, she would find the time to help her husband.
“It’s nothing major. It’s just a series of minor troublesome issues, that’s all.” Ivor looked down to hide the guilt in his eyes. After all, he could not tell his wife about the situation at Yale.
“Oh, I see.” Bonnie squinted and feigned anger. “You know I hate liars. If you have something to say, please tell me. If I find out you’re hiding something, I’ll ignore you!”
Ivor wanted to tell her about these things, but they were too complicated and dangerous to involve her.
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