Dear Ex-wife Marry Me (Maja and Ian) novel Chapter 2008

Abner took a moment to think and immediately knew who was behind the rumors.

He simply thanked the classmate who brought him the news and went back to focusing on his exam.

Most of his classmates liked him – who wouldn't appreciate a hardworking, good-looking guy? But his arrival did steal the limelight from some, so naturally, there were those who resented him. Now, with his family's situation becoming gossip fodder, the whispers began.

"Sure, the school does accept transfer students, but didn't the principal reject one before? Why's Abner any different? Is it because they feel sorry for him?"

"His dad's a rapist, and his mom's no saint either. You know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Two guys were gossiping when a girl nearby couldn't contain her anger anymore.

"What the heck are you talking about? You're just jealous because he's outshining you on the basketball court. It's always the same; men are the most jealous of other men!"

Others started to chime in, leaving the two gossips red-faced, and an argument broke out.

Amidst the storm, Abner was the eye of calm.

He diligently worked on his exam for an hour until Mr. James walked into the classroom.

That morning, two parents had already approached Mr. James, requesting Abner be moved to another class. They didn't want their kids sharing a room with someone they deemed a potential criminal.

Despite Mr. James' assurances of Abner's exemplary conduct, the parents wouldn't budge.

Now, with a headache of his own, Mr. James called Abner to his office, concerned about the boy's well-being amidst the growing buzz.

Abner, however, seemed unfazed, even with the school's halls abuzz with whispers and curious glances.

"Abner, I'll discuss this with Shirley," said Mr. James.

"Mr. James, there's no need to bother Shirley; she's busy. If she finds out, she might rush back home," Abner replied, a hint of concern in his voice.

He ignored it all, focusing on his studies and maintaining his top grades.

Then, one day, a group of guys from another class cornered him.

"So, you're the rapist's kid, Abner?"

Setting his backpack down and taking off his school jacket, Abner rolled up his sleeves without a word.

After handling three of them, he remembered Shirley was due back the next day. A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.

As the last guy swung a baseball bat at him, Abner didn't dodge.

The more brutal his condition, the angrier Shirley would be.