Dear Ex-wife Marry Me (Maja and Ian) novel Chapter 2027

After finishing everything, he went back to his bedroom and glanced at the scars on his other hand, giving them a hasty treatment. He then took out a first aid kit and removed his jacket. His skin was covered in wounds, bruises, and numerous exposed cuts that looked incredibly painful.

His phone rang on the bedside table. He hit the speakerphone button, continuing to tend to his wounds while listening to the man on the other end.

"Left three hours early tonight. What was the rush?"

"Just had some things to take care of."

Abner frowned, noticing the blood stains on the bandage, and took a deep breath.

There was a brief pause before the man chuckled.

"Better get that checked out at the hospital tomorrow. It won't kill you, but an infection could be nasty. Training resumes in the afternoon."

Abner paused, his gaze drifting toward Shirley's bedroom door.

Could Shirley handle being alone right now?

"We'll see."

"Mr. Olson, until you've earned your place as head of the house, you need to follow our advice."

A flash of defiance crossed Abner's face as he took a deep breath.

"Understood."

*

At 9 a.m., Shirley woke up to the familiar ceiling of her room, still feeling a bit disoriented. She checked her body for any discomfort, relieved to find none, before the memories of the previous night flooded back, giving her a headache. She lay back down, curling up as tears slowly wet her hair.

Sounds from outside made her tense up instantly.

Her parents knew the code to the house; could it be them knocking?

"Knock, knock."

Someone was at her door, and then Abner's voice came through.

"Shirley, you awake? I made you some breakfast."

Shirley didn't feel relieved; she felt embarrassed. Abner had saved her last night and saw her at her worst. All she felt was a headache, so she just lay there, not wanting to talk.

James, hearing the details, couldn't believe Abner had injured someone so severely: three broken ribs, a fractured finger, and several teeth knocked out.

After leaving the police station, James grabbed Abner's arm.

"Why did you fight?"

Abner couldn't divulge Shirley's situation; it would ruin her. Society's tolerance for women wasn't strong. Even if Mark hadn't succeeded, people would only see Shirley as a victim, viewed through a biased lens.

"Mr. James, I did what I had to do."

James rubbed his temples, always having seen Abner as a diligent and respectful kid.

"Abner, just tell me the victim's name. We can apologize together. With the SATs coming up, if other parents push for your expulsion, I can't protect you."

Last time, it was a struggle to keep him in school, thanks to his top grades.

"Mark. And I won't apologize to him."

James looked at the stubborn boy, unaware that the high school's two buildings were donated by Mark's parents. Their influence could mean Abner's expulsion, regardless of his academic achievements. The school wouldn't risk offending such significant benefactors for one student's sake.