Chapter 2033
The room was enveloped in silence, but Mark was in no rush. He knew Shirley would agree eventually.
Sure enough, after about ten minutes, Shirley slowly closed her eyes, her lips quivering. "Set the wedding date, let Abner go, let him take the SAT," she whispered.
"And kick him out of your house, cut him off. His presence disgusts me, Shirley. I can't be as forgiving. In a way, he's ruined what you and I had."
A bitter smile crossed Shirley's lips. The real destroyer of their relationship was Mark himself. But she knew it was pointless to argue now. "Fine."
"Don't think you can trick me. I mean a clean break, so that kid doesn't come back crawling to you. I refuse to be the fool."
"Okay."
Shirley didn't want to say more. She opened the door to leave.
Mark tapped the bed beside him, "Come, keep me company."
She stiffened, a wave of revulsion washing over her. But she knew refusing Mark would only lead to worse demands.
Slowly, she walked over and sat by the bed.
"Kiss me, as interest. Once I'm discharged, we'll get married. You're still pure, right?"
Shirley's face paled, her hand clenched tightly.
"That night, I didn't succeed. It's not like something happened between you and Abner."
"Mark!"
Shirley's lashes trembled. She had always seen Abner as a brother, and he saw her as a sister. There was never anything sordid between them. Mark sighed in relief, feeling happier. "Come on, kiss me."
With trembling lips and nails digging into her palms, Shirley leaned in, forcing down her nausea, and pressed her lips to his.
Mark wasn't satisfied with just a kiss; his tongue sought entrance. Shirley wanted to push him away, but knowing his temper too well, she restrained herself, fearing his demands would only escalate if she angered him.
She closed her eyes, saying nothing. Mark, feeling vindicated, began to unbutton her shirt.
Tears wouldn't come to Shirley anymore; she just sat numbly. Mark pulled her shirt down, leaving marks on her skin. Shirley didn't look at him, her gaze fixed on the window outside.
The cold breeze wafted in,
contrasting with the warmth on her chest, making her shiver in disgust Suddenly, she remembered a time years ago when she was chosen as the student representative for her academic achievements, dreaming of a bright future.
But what was that proud Shirley doing now?
Her eyes stung, but no tears fell. Mark left his marks, his maliciousness seemingly abated for the moment.
"If it weren't for my current condition, I'd have you in bed with me." He began to rebutton her shirt.
"Two days. End it with Abner. Let him leave town. Next month, we'll have our wedding. Don't worry; I won't mistreat you."
Shirley was too numb to respond. After fixing her clothes, Mark kissed her lips again.
"I'm happy tonight. Go on home."
Shirley stood and walked to the door. Leaning against the wall, her forehead sweaty and stomach churning, she rushed back to her own room, retching in the bathroom until she had nothing left to vomit. Looking at her pale, tear-streaked reflection, she impulsively threw a shampoo bottle at the mirror, regretting it instantly, fearing Abner would see the broken glass.
Laughing and crying, she realized
how broken she was, unable to evenContent © NôvelDrama.Org.
express anger. If not for Abner, she would have ended it all after
awakening from that drugged state. She had always thought of sending Abner away, to keep him clean and untainted by her struggles.
Leaning against the door, tears streamed down her face. "Maybe I'll send Abner to a university far from Greenfield, even abroad. He deserves a fresh start, far from this mess."