Dear Ex-wife, Marry Me novel Chapter 2010

He'd been keeping a close eye on the school's dynamics, watching with growing satisfaction as Abner became more isolated. He figured with all the pressure mounting, Shirley would soon give up on Abner. Surely, Mr. Davis would have to step in now.

Mark didn't feel the slightest bit guilty. He hadn't spread rumors; he'd merely stated the facts.

When Shirley's call came through, his eyes lit up.

Heading downstairs, he made his way to the coffee shop near his office. It was the spot he and Shirley had agreed on.

Shirley was already there, though she seemed a bit off.

Mark ordered some desserts and coffee, then smiled at her. "Back from abroad?"

Shirley looked up, well aware of Mark's many flaws. Like most men, he was self-centered and exhibited a classic case of machismo.

But she never thought he'd stoop so low.

"Did you leak Abner's family background?"

Mark's smile faltered, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes.

He suddenly remembered Shirley had caught a glimpse of that ID back in high school. There was no denying it.

"Yes."

As soon as he admitted it, Shirley grabbed her coffee and threw it over his head.

"You're a grown man in your twenties, picking on a seventeen-year-old kid. Are you even human? He's in his senior year of high school! Mark, what are you playing at? I thought even with your flaws, you'd never do something like this!"

Their argument quickly drew the attention of others in the café, turning it into a public spectacle.

Mark hated losing face, but at that moment, he felt fear.

Releasing those messages, he had felt a rush he couldn't explain, despite his initial regret. It was Abner who had driven them to this point. Without him, he and Shirley might have been engaged by now.

Wiping the coffee from his face, Mark's hand clenched into a fist.

"I'm sorry."

His swift apology caught Shirley off guard, but thinking of all the unfair treatment Abner had suffered these past months, she found Mark utterly repulsive.

"Mark, we're done. Don't interfere in my life or Abner's anymore. If you pull another stunt like this, I'll make a scene at your company. Let's see if the executives will stand by a successor with such a narrow mind."

"So, Abner's more important to you than I am?"

"Yes!"

Shirley stood up so abruptly she kicked the table.