Dear Ex-wife, Marry Me novel Chapter 1989

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"translate_text":"\"Shirley!\"\nMark's voice was low and filled with irritation.\nPeople nearby could sense their argument, and the teasing stopped immediately.\nShirley took a few steps forward, only to hear footsteps behind her.\nMark quickly caught up, wrapping his arms around her shoulders from behind.\n\"I did some research on Abner. His dad did time for robbery, and after getting out, he assaulted his own sister. The guy was nothing but trouble in town and was executed ten years ago. His mom wasn't any better; after becoming a widow, she got involved with all sorts of men until she was caught cheating and beaten to death. You think with genes like that, Abner's gonna turn out alright? Shirley, you're too kind for your own good, but it's not worth bringing trouble upon yourself.\"\nShirley stopped in her tracks, recalling the first time she met Abner and the whispers about his family background, just as Mark had described. His life had been chaotic from the start.\nIn that isolated little town, no kids wanted to play with him. He grew up lonely, toiling away at his aunt's place, barely getting enough to eat.\nShe wasn't sure what was right or wrong, but it seemed incredibly unfair to condemn a child for his parents' mistakes.\nAn untested sword, after all, could either harm or protect, and nobody knows which it will be until it's drawn.\nSeeing her soften, Mark cupped her face and kissed her forehead gently.\n\"We've been together for three years, Shirley, and never fought like this. You know me. Even if Jessica and I ended up in a drunken embrace, it was out of my control. Haven't I faced temptations over the years without ever wronging you?\"\nShirley turned her head away, frowning. \"What do you want from me?\"\n\"Apologize to Jessica. We work in the same lab, and it's no good having bad blood. And Abner, you can't let him stay in the same room as you. He's tall enough to overpower you easily.\"\n\"Mark, what are you even thinking?\"\n\"You think he's not capable? I'm telling you, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.\"\nTaking a deep breath, Shirley turned to leave.\n\"If that's what you believe, then we have nothing left to discuss.\"\n\"Shirley!\"\nMark realized she was serious about defending Abner, his expression darkening.\nShirley didn't look back, stepping away as tears began to wet her cheeks.\nShe and Mark had been top of their class in high school, their relationship filled with unspoken affection until they admitted their feelings at Solstice College.\nBut the pure, beautiful connection they had back then had gradually turned into turmoil. It seemed the most genuine emotions were those that remained unspoken.\nWiping away her tears, Shirley decided to focus on her future, whether as a French teacher or a translator, making the most of her free time.\nMark, watching her walk away without a backward glance, quickly called Mr. Davis, spilling everything about Abner's parents.\nMr. Davis had already disapproved of Shirley taking in a sixteen-year-old boy. Hearing this, he immediately called Shirley, but she was busy translating and didn't answer.\nReturning home that evening, Shirley found Mr. Davis waiting for her.\n\"Dad?\"\nAnger was evident on Mr. Davis's face. \"Where's Abner? I want to see for myself what kind of spell he's cast on you, making you overlook his filthy background just to keep him close.\"\nShirley frowned. \"Who told you? Was it Mark?\"\n\"Never mind who told me. Where is Abner?\"

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This revised translation maintains the original plot and emotions while ensuring the language is fluid and culturally appropriate for an English-speaking audience. It also corrects minor inaccuracies and awkward phrasing from the initial translation.