Dear Ex-wife Marry Me

Without any support, Shirley slipped straight into the bathtub, swallowing several gulps of water in the process. "Shirley."

He called out in panic again, immediately lifting her out of the water.

Shirley's hair was completely drenched, her chest rising and falling slightly, her gaze hazy as she looked at him.

"Abner."

"Yeah."

"I feel awful."

Abner's hand clenched the edge of the bathtub, gripping it tightly, feeling a surge of impulse racing through his body, yet he forced it down. Right now, Shirley wasn't lucid, unaware of what she was doing. "How can I help you?"

How to make her feel better.

Shirley, soaked in the tub, had already taken off her coat, her cheeks faintly flushed. Suddenly, she reached out a hand, grabbing his, and kissed the palm of his hand.

Abner, who had been half-kneeling by the bathtub, felt the wet warmth on his palm and ended up sitting on the floor, his ears turning red. He clenched his fist tightly, as if trying to hold onto something. He dared not look at her, turning his head away, his brows furrowed in restraint.

If people from school saw this, they would definitely be surprised. Abner was quiet in class, unaffected by the many rumors about him, still acing tests and receiving awards as if nothing could touch him. Despite carrying the burden of his family's reputation, the number of girls writing him love letters in school was still quite high. Yet now, he sat by the bathtub in restraint, unable to even glance at Shirley.

His slender fingers still rested on the tub, his entire demeanor restrained yet awkward. Unable to bear the heat inside her body any longer, Shirley grabbed his hand, rubbing it against her cheek.

Abner's fingers trembled, wanting to

curl up. But Shirley held his hand, moving it from her cheek to her

neck, and then downward. As his et

hand covered a soft area, he dared not look at her even more, as if the hand wasn't his own. He turned his head away, letting her hold his hand.

His fingers, still in her grasp, continued downward, Abner's breathing becoming shaky, his forehead covered in sweat.

"Shirley."

He called out, yet dared not turn to look at her, suddenly crossing his legs and burying his head into his knees. His other hand was still held by her under the cover of water, already at the spot she had been guarding all night.

Abner was on the verge of exploding, the sound of rippling water in his ears. He didn't dare lift his head, burying himself like that. But the touch on his hand was too distinct. After what felt like ages, the rippling water finally stilled. He hadn't dared to open his eyes, yet his entire body was flushed, asking hoarsely, "Are you okay now?"

No response came.

His hand was released, still in the water, touching her skin. He slowly retracted it, taking a deep breath before finally lifting his head from his knees to glance at the bathtub.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Shirley, with her head tilted, had

already fallen asleep. Abner didn't move, slowly pulling his hand back. He stared at his palm, lost in thought, the memory of the recent events filling his head with heat.

Swallowing, he quickly picked Shirley up, turned his head to change her into dry clothes, and carried her into the bedroom. Shirley was sleeping soundly now, while Abner's breathing was uneven. He sat by the bed for half an hour, making sure she was deeply asleep before he leaned down and kissed her lips softly.

"Goodnight."