Dear Ex-wife, Marry Me novel Chapter 2017

Shirley was held tight in his embrace, frozen in the moment until she caught sight of Abner standing not too far off, her body stiffening instantly.

Abner, still with his backpack slung over his shoulders and his hair in disarray, looked as if he had just gotten back.

Shirley had spent the entire night at the hospital, and logically, Abner should have headed home to rest. Yet, there they were, bumping into each other at 4 a.m. beneath the dim streetlights of their neighborhood.

Without a second thought, Shirley pushed Mark away and strode towards Abner.

His lips were bruised, a purplish hue under the streetlights, and his arms bore multiple scars.

"Abner, what on earth happened?"

Abner's gaze, however, skimmed past her to Mark.

He saw them, clinging to each other. Was Shirley thinking of getting back together with Mark?

A wave of panic surged through him. The pain he hadn't felt before now seemed to engulf him, making his eyes burn with the threat of tears.

Shirley, nearly frantic, grabbed his hand and started toward their house, but Mark chose that moment to speak up.

"Shirley, think it over. They both need you."

Shirley stopped in her tracks, saying nothing.

She was more concerned about what had happened to Abner.

Once back home, Abner remained silent as Shirley flicked on the lights, revealing his condition more clearly.

"Take off your shirt."

Abner, still lost in the images of what he had just witnessed, turned his head away, pretending not to hear.

Shirley stepped forward, pulling up his shirt herself. Seeing the bruises on his skin, her pupils dilated.

These marks weren't fresh; they had turned purple, indicating they had been there for at least a week.