Dear Ex-wife Marry Me

His gaze locked onto Abner, feeling an unsettling hunch about how Abner looked at Shirley. He knew well the type of appeal Shirley had among men, akin to the allure of "true love" personified. Beautiful, kind- hearted, and ambitious. The more he thought about it, the more his sense of crisis deepened.

"Shirley, can we talk?"

But Shirley just frowned, "There's nothing to talk about. Enjoy your meal, I'll be going."

Mark, always concerned about his image, was growing frustrated after being rejected multiple times.

"Are you cheating on me with Abner?!"

Shirley stopped dead in her tracks. From the moment Abner had arrived, Mark had been suspicious. Now, nearly half a year later, he still harbored those suspicions.

"Shirley, don't think I'm clueless. Some guys in our circle just love the 'fresh ones.""

Slap!

Before he could finish, Shirley's hand had struck his cheek hard.

Mark was in disbelief, touching his face, "You hit me over him?"

It was then Shirley realized, Mark, pampered since childhood and wealthy, was inherently selfish. He was used to being adored by everyone, and the moment someone didn't, he'd get uncomfortable. "Mark, I can't believe you're this disgusting!"

Mark noticed his classmates looking uneasy and immediately regretted causing a scene with Shirley, let alone getting slapped. Now, he was the butt of the joke. But since the damage was done, he felt compelled to clear the air.

"Isn't it obvious? Didn't you see the way that kid looks at you? I'm a man; I know what that look means!"

Shirley was so furious, her chest was shaking.

Abner, lowering his gaze, stepped forward and patted her back.

"Shirley, don't be upset over me. I'd feel guilty."

Standing there, Mark's eyes narrowed, feeling as if the tables had turned. Now, he was in Shirley's shoes, and Abner was the interloper! When Mark was the one being adored, he felt on top of the world. But being on the receiving end of disdain felt like swallowing a fly-disgusting and impossible to spit out.

Comforted by Abner, Shirley felt much better and saw no point in arguing further.

"Let's go, Abner. Hungry for anything else?"

"I'll continue cooking at home. The rice is still warm."

Feeling more at peace, Shirley softened even more towards him, increasingly pleased with his company.

On their way back, Abner lagged aCcontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

few steps

her slender figure. He storing af behind Shirley, staring at

s words echoing in his mind.

"Are you and Abner an item?!"

A surge of warmth spread through him, making his cheeks flush. Years later, Abner would thank Mark for his tactless words, which had been a revelation. He stood still, feeling awkward.

Shirley noticed him lagging, "What's wrong?"

Abner, not wanting her to notice anything amiss, quickly averted his gaze.

"It's nothing."

"Did Mark's words offend you? Don't take it to

heart. He's always beenet

self-centered, never caring about?

others' feelings."

"Shirley, it's just that I care about you. I think you deserve better than that kind of guy."

Shirley mulled over his words, sensing something was off.

Abner caught up quickly.

"Let's head back. I'll cook for us. After dinner, I need to work on some test papers. The new term starts tomorrow." Shirley smiled.

"Working that hard, huh? Looks like you're aiming to be top of the class by the end of sophomore year."

"I'll do my best."