Shirley had her fair share of troubles at work, but she wasn't planning on sharing any of that with Abner.

Cradling a glass of wine, she asked, "Do you have friends at school?"

"Yeah, my desk mate."

"That's great. I was worried you might not fit in. Everyone's nice to you in class, right?"

She had never broached these subjects with Abner before. In the past, she thought providing him with enough money was ample care. But ever since she realized how fragile his heart was, she began to reassess her actions.

"Yeah, everyone's pretty cool."

Shirley breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back.

This bar was her favorite spot, and tonight, she couldn't resist indulging in a couple more drinks than usual.

"When I first met you in Maplewood, you were quite thin, but your eyes sparkled. You were wary of me, like a little wolf cub that meant no harm. I offered to sponsor your education on a whim; after all, I was just a student myself, not thinking too far into the future."

"Abner, but I'm someone who sees things through. Once I've started, I won't abandon you until you've graduated from college. So, don't worry, trust me, okay? Work's got me tied up, and I have a flight to catch tomorrow. There's a ton waiting for me abroad, and the time difference makes me hesitant to message you, fearing I might disturb your rest. Just focus on enjoying your time at school. I'm not even asking you to ace your studies, just be healthy and happy, that's all."

"The semester is almost over. By the time I return, you'll have been in your senior year for a month. I feel inadequate for not being there more for you. But next time, when I come back, I won't be leaving. You'll be graduating, and I'll have finished my program with my advisor, ready to stay on and teach."

Her eyes curved into smiles, and she tousled his hair gently.

"If I don't reply to your messages, don't worry, it's not that I don't care about you."

a warm and moist sensation

couldn't resist and hugged

had always been this towering figure,

working hard abroad,

unaware that not far

having checked on Shirley and found out she indeed had

have been informed

someone say, "Look over there, such a handsome young

followed, and there he saw Abner, with none other than

I was the base one, yet here you are, clearly involved

if his scalp was about to explode, his entire

him pulled back

Jr., how are things going with

come to pick him up leading his colleagues to believe she was his girlfriend. Jessica, cunning as she was, blushed

drained at the time

with the

of guilt,

Jessica weren't

feeling guilty was Shirley, already

then, Shirley was slightly tipsy, strands of her hair falling delicately on her cheeks, enhancing her gentle

her a piece of

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