Gradually, the villagers realized Marnie was picky and stopped matchmaking for her.
Jamal chided Marnie for this, “Why so picky? If you were as excellent as Shirley, you can choose any man you want.” Over time, Marnie grew increasingly repulsed by Shirley, as she had been constantly compared with Shirley.
She wouldn't have cto this place if it weren't for Shirley’s invitation. After all, she didn’t have to pay. Why not give it a try? The chamber they previously stayed in was on the third floor. Rather than use the elevator, Marnie chose to use the stairs.
Suddenly, she heard a woman's scream. The voice was familiar. It was Shirley's voice.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMarnie cautiously cracked open the fire escape door, only to see a strange man pushing Shirley against the wall.
Shirley was so frightened that she let out a series of panicked screams.
Marnie was terrified of the scene she was witnessing. Her hands shook as she hastily closed the door.
Fortunately, the man was focused on Shirley and didn’t notice her.
Clearly, someone was raping Shirley.
Marnie’s heart raced as the words repeated on a loop in her head.
She shuddered, bile rising up in her throat.
Angela’s Library A few minutes later, Marnie finally calmed down.
At first, she wanted to rush in and save Shirley. x] But another part of her wanted to pretend she hadn't seen any of it.
If the villagers found out that Shirley was raped, would they still praise her? Would they allow their children to learn from Shirley? No.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThey would look at Shirley sympathetically and sigh that she was so pitiful. But in private, they would take pleasure in Shirley’s misfortune and gossip about her.
Finally, Marnie chose not to push the door open, leaving Shirley behind.
Eventually, the screams ceased. After a moment of listening for movement and not hearing any, Marnie opened the door to take a look.
There was no trace of anyone on the stairs. The only evidence that anything had happened was the drops of blood on the ground.
Marnie pretended nothing had happened and went back.
The next day, when Marnie saw Shirley, she inspected Shirley's expression carefully. Shirley looked a little haggard.
Shirley's friends were concerned, thinking Shirley was still not feeling well. Marnie was the only person who knew the real reason behind it.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Shirley opted not to involve the authorities. It appeared that she opted to preserve her reputation.