Dear Ex-wife Marry Me

The man in the suit didn't take offense. In his mind, a person's weaknesses were handles to grip them by. If Abner didn't care about anything, it would be much harder to control him. His lips curled into a smile as he slowly pried Abner's clenched fists open.

"It's good to have spirit, keep it up. I look forward to seeing how you handle going back to the family."

Abner's expression went through a rapid change. Barely 18, and yet he was forced to shoulder all this responsibility. He took a step back, grabbed the $50,000 in cash, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and left.

Someone approached the man in the suit, their brows furrowed in concern.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"He's even tougher than his father."

To be this tough on oneself, let alone others. Luckily, he had someone he cared about now. If there came a day when he had no one, he'd be like a wild horse without reins. Another man, however, had a different take.

"The old man won't allow an heir with any weaknesses. If he knew Abner had tied his future to a girl so early, it would surely tarnish his image of him. I suggest we first take Shirley captive. Once Abner secures his position as the head of the family, then we can deal with Shirley. That way, he'll become the ruthless machine we need."

The man who had just crossed paths with Abner slowly looked at the scars on his knuckles, thinking about Abner's sudden burst of protective fury, a smirk forming on his lips.

"We can't kill Shirley. Not only can we not kill her, but we must also ensure she lives well. She will forever be the leverage we have over Abner. Don't be too clever for your own good. This kid has grown so much in such a short time; his future is immeasurable. If Shirley were to die, guess who would be the next? If he cares so much about Shirley, how could he let those who hurt her live?"

Silence fell over the room at those words. It was clear, those who harmed Shirley wouldn't survive long.

Their faces fell in a moment of silent acknowledgment, the man in the suit's fingertips brushing over his wounds.

"If we get too smart for our own good, we'll fail. We best follow my lead. We can make things difficult for Shirley's family, but she must live well."

Reluctantly, the others agreed.

Shirley couldn't shake the feeling that Abner had been busier lately Every time she tried to enter his room, she found the door locked-a new development. He never@sed to lock his room.

She knocked, and inside, Abner was tending to his own wounds. His

chest was a patchwork of bruises and his breath seemed tinged with the scent of blood. The man had been precise, causing pain without drawing blood.

His forehead was slick with sweat, and hearing Shirley's voice from the other side of the door only heightened his discomfort.

"Abner, are you still awake?"

Abner's hand shook, the pain intensifying. He felt a pang of guilt; separated by just a door, yet harboring secrets he couldn't share with Shirley. He steadied his voice.

"Shirley, I'm just working on some homework."

Shirley's concern deepened as she detected something off in his tone, "You've been coming home later and later. Is something going on with your studies?" "Nothing's wrong."

Still, Shirley insisted, "Open the door, let me see you."

That night, Abner had already sent the $50,000 to Mrs. Davis, settling most of the Davis family's debts. Shirley's dad wouldn't have to go to jail. But Abner couldn't rest, terrified of anything happening to Shirley.