Chapter 2038
Shirley's brow furrowed in confusion. "Who are you?"
"A member of the Olson family."
Since when did Abner have family?
A flicker of suspicion crossed her eyes, but then she saw the man pulling out a stack of documents.
"Abner was the little master of the Olson family who was maliciously taken away. If it wasn't for you taking him out of the woods, the Olsons might have never found him. Here is $2 million, please take it."
Shirley didn't respond, feeling like this couldn't be real.
The man then produced a deed.
"This is for a house we've bought for you, 3,000 square feet, plenty for a comfortable life. Ms. Dorothy, you and Abner come from different worlds. He has agreed to return to the Olson family, and you two won't see each other again. Besides, you've been unconscious for half a month, and in ten days, he has his SATS."
Silence fell as Shirley watched the man open a video showcasing the Olson family's wealth.
She had never seen so much money in one family, spanning from domestic to international real estate.
Her grip on the bedsheet tightened, veins standing out on the back of her hand.
The man put away the tablet. "Take the $2 million. Abner's feelings for you are not the same as yours for him. He's immature, but you need to be the mature one. Ms. Dorothy, he kissed you that night, right? You know what you have to do. Make it easier for him to leave without worry."
Shirley lowered her lashes. She hadn't known before, but that night made it clear.
She had only ever seen Abner as a younger brother, never realizing he harbored such feelings.
A sourness filled her heart.
"There's ten days to his SATS. Abner will likely come to see you. Ms. Dorothy, you'll cooperate with us, right? Even when Abner decides to marry, it will be someone of equal social standing. With this $2 million, you can solve your current troubles, especially since you don't love him."
After three minutes, Shirley slowly handed the card back.
The man's expression darkened instantly.
But Shirley was unafraid.
"It's not my place to decide whether Abner wants to return."
"Ms. Dorothy, it seems you don't understand. He's hurt many people this time, and being of age, he could be facing charges. Without me mediating, he'd be in jail by now. If he chooses to stay for you, in my eyes, he's worthless. I won't mediate for him anymore. If you want to see him, it'll have to be behind bars."
Shirley's heart skipped a beat, her lips pressed tightly together.
This man's presence was imposing, and he didn't seem to be joking.
The card was pushed back toward her.
"Bringing him back to Greenfield has already been a huge favor to the Olson family. Just take the money and send him away. Maybe tell him his kiss disgusted you, that you never want to see him again. How about that?"This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Such harsh words could shatter a young man's unrequited love and crush his dignity to dust.
But Shirley felt she had no choice.
Leaning against the headboard, her eyes reddened, she remained silent.
Days later, Abner came to visit, bringing many gifts.
"Shirley."
But as soon as he approached, Shirley raised her hand and slapped him across the face.
Abner covered his cheek, silent.
He probably knew why. It was because of that night.
His drooped. He had hoped,
on the
of his SATs, she might
soften a bit and not hold that night against him. Content belon
But now, it seemed she wouldn't be lenient on such matters. "Leave."
The word was like a dagger to Abner's heart.
His breath wavered.
"Abner, I don't ever want to see you again."
Abner couldn't bring himself to look at her, understanding he had erred. Shirley had only ever seen him as a younger brother, and his kiss had naturally angered her.
"I... I have my SATs tomorrow. I was going to be the top of the town for you."
"I said, leave."
Tears immediately began to fall from Abner's eyes.
"Shirley, I like you. I'm of age now. I know what I'm doing."
Shirley looked at him with disdain. "Is this your way of returning a favor with betrayal?"
Abner's face went pale, his head bowed as tears fell silently.
Gone was the fierceness of that rainy night, replaced by a lost child.
Shirley couldn't bear to see him like this and slowly turned around.
"Abner, I still have feelings for Mark. You made me elope, leaving me with a mess. That night, without my consent, you kissed me. Just thinking about it makes me sick; it could be considered harassment. You say Mark forced me, but how are you any different?"
"Shirley, I'm sorry, please don't be like this..." "Abner, let's not see each other again, please?"