Chapter 2013
"Doesn't it bother her?"
Of course, it bothers her, but what she wants more is to ensure Mrs. Davis's future.
Knowing that Shirley was caught in a storm recently, Abner quietly prepared meals and left without making much noise, trying his best not to disturb her.
It wasn't until the court began pursuing Mr. Davis's debts that Shirley became even busier, hardly having a moment to rest.
Two days later, Mrs. Davis came over, hesitation written all over her face. Shirley almost instantly guessed; she had sold the house.
They had bought the house at a good price, and now its value had increased significantly. Selling it now, along with some family heirlooms, they were only $500,000 short.Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
But selling the house at this critical moment meant that buying it back anytime soon wasn't an option.
Shirley was at a loss for words for a moment. Mrs. Davis held traditional values deep down, believing in sticking by her husband through thick and thin.
Such loyalty was rare, but most men, faced with their wives drowning in debt, would choose divorce. Men were always more pragmatic; only women couldn't bring themselves to be so heartless. "Shirley, if we don't come up with that $500,000, your dad might end up in jail. I just can't bear the thought," Mrs. Davis said.
Shirley just tugged at her lips, sitting quietly on the couch.
Abner was still at school at this time.
Mrs. Davis probably knew Shirley was upset, too scared to speak loudly.
"Shirley, I'm sorry, you told me..."
"Mom."
Shirley couldn't hold it in and sighed.
"You've sold the real estate, and I've already given everything I had. I really can't come up with another $500,000. Abner is in his senior year, I don't want these issues to affect him." But it was only $500,000 short. Mrs. Davis felt reluctant to give up.
"Shirley, maybe you could ask your teachers, colleagues..."
As she uttered those words, Mrs. Davis felt a wave of guilt.
After a long silence, Shirley finally asked in a raspy voice, "Isn't it enough that you've sacrificed your life? Do you want me to throw mine away too?"
She had worked hard to get her
current job, and in just another half a
year, she could have moved on to a
higher position at a university, a
bright future ahead.
But if Mr. Davis went to jail, she wouldn't pass the background check, effectively sacrificing much already.
But asking for a loan from her teachers meant there was no turning back.
"Shirley, I'm sorry. I've failed you."
Sometimes, pain comes from not being able to feel pure love or hatred.
Shirley's head just ached.
"Just go home, I'll figure something out."
*
When Abner left school, he saw a luxury car parked outside.
The car door opened, revealing Mark's face.
"Abner, can we talk?"
Abner frowned, staying put.
Mark got out of the car. "Do you know about the debt Shirley's family is facing? She used to manage with her savings, sending you to school easily. But now, you're becoming a burden. Maybe it's best if you stopped attending."
Abner had noticed Shirley's recent struggles but didn't know the extent of the debt, and Shirley wouldn't say.
"Shirley's family is $2 million in debt. I bet you've never seen that kind of money in your life."
Abner pressed his lips together. $2 million was an astronomical figure to a student.
No wonder Shirley had been off lately.
"Abner, you've always been a burden
to her. But I'm different. If she marries me, I can clear her family's debt. My family's company can provide her a life of luxury. When you
have time, maybe you could
persuade her too."
As soon as Mark finished speaking, Abner gave him a look, leaving him with just one sentence.
"She deserves better than you."