Dear Ex-wife Marry Me by Twin Bridge

The cab driver clearly didn't buy her story. As Athena prepared to get out, he kept on with his concerned advice.

"Listen, sweetheart, your boyfriend seems like a good guy. That car following us? Bet it's his, right? Even after a fight, he's worried about you riding home alone."

Athena glanced down the street and, sure enough, spotted Tyler's car parked a short distance away.

But she didn't go to him. Right now, her mind was consumed by a need to uncover the truth from all those years ago.

Back in her apartment, Athena immediately pulled out her phone, searching online for information about that actor-Adam. But all she could find was his name; any details about his family were vague at best.

With nowhere else to turn, she messaged a few old contacts from the tabloid circuit, hoping someone might have dug up more about Adam's background.

Despite all her years in showbiz, Athena had never really built up much of a network. She disliked socializing, and now, faced with this investigation, she found herself at a loss.

She sat on her couch, wired some money to those reporters, but the information that came back was frustratingly sparse. No one seemed to know how to reach Adam's mother or his younger brother.

Athena's anxiety grew. She finally had a few leads, but now she was stuck, unsure how to move forward.

She crossed to the window and peered out. Tyler's car was still parked below.

If it were Tyler, with his connections, he'd probably have the answer in no time.

She drew a deep breath, thoughts spinning, but in the end, her decision was made. She grabbed her keys and headed out.

Downstairs, she stopped in front of Tyler's car. He was in the driver's seat, lost in thought, but when he saw her, surprise flashed across his face.

Athena tapped on the window. Tyler rolled it down right away. "Tyler."

He opened his mouth, clearly expecting her to tell him to leave.

But Athena's gaze lingered on his face. She noticed a tiny mole had reappeared

at the tip of his nose-exactly where it used to be.

For some reason, her heart ached at the sight.

She'd barely noticed during their talk earlier that he'd gone and had the mole put back. Typical Tyler-always the player pretending to have turned

Lover

a new leaf Why bother with this charade?

s

Her emotions tangled, but she couldn't help but ask, "So, your mole is back again?"

Tyler stiffened, like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on.

"It's my face, isn't it? I can do what I want with it! If I want to put it back, I will. What's it got to do with you? What, you came down here to kid kick me out? Newsflash, you don't own this street-I can park wherever I want." s

He was halfway through his tirade when Athena suddenly leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.

It was as fleeting as a spring shower, but Tyler's pupils shrank as if struck by lightning. Every sharp word died in his throat.

A moment later, Athena walked around and slid into the passenger seat.

"You-"

"You-"

He stammered twice, lips trembling, utterly lost for words.

Athena buckled her seatbelt, leaned back, and said, "Let's not stay here. Take me home with you."

Tyler drove back in a daze,

half-convinced he was dreaming More than once he glanced over at the passenger seat, wondering if he was hallucinating from missing her so much. s

When they finally pulled up outside his house, he gripped the steering wheel in silence, making no move to get out.

Athena turned to him. "What kind of soup do you want tomorrow? I've learned a few new recipes lately."

That simple question hooked Tyler so completely, he forgot to breathe.

He didn't dare ask why Athena had suddenly changed her mind, or why she was

being kind again. He just followed her inside, his heart pounding.

In the bedroom, his hands moved with practiced ease, undressing her.

Athena didn't resist.

Tyler lost himself in her, clutching her as if afraid she'd vanish, kissing her over and over. He couldn't bear to let her go-not even as dawn broke through the window.

Chapter 2197

Athena was truly exhausted. More than once, she nearly drifted off to sleep, only to be jolted awake by what they were doing.

She gazed at Tyler, who was sprawled over her, his cheeks flushed with color and sweat streaming down his brow.

For all his faults, Tyler certainly kept himself in good shape.

She cupped his face in her hands, suddenly realizing she really did prefer him with that little mole. If it disappeared, she doubted she'd even want to speak to him.

But as Tyler looked at her, his eyes turned red and watery.

Damn it.

She couldn't deny it she did love that mole.

Thank God he'd had it put back.

He pulled her close, pressing his lips to hers with a desperate hunger, as if he wanted to merge her into himself completely.

Athena ended up sleeping through most of the day. She'd planned to get up early and make some soup, but after the way Tyler had kept her up half the night, she simply didn't have the strength to drag herself out of bed.

By the time she finally woke, the last rays of sunset were painting the windows gold.

She rolled over and heard him on the phone.

"Yeah, that's right. I had the mole restored. Mind your own business. So what if it's embarrassing? It's my life, not yours. And don't push me—I'm not in the mood."

Back when Tyler had the mole removed, everyone had asked him about it. He'd just shrugged and said it was his body, his choice.

But it wasn't long before he went and had the mole put back, and of course, people got curious-why the change of heart?

Tyler refused to say a word about it, except to snap at Bert, who knew the truth.

If Bert hadn't egged him on, Tyler wouldn't have broken up with Athena so soon after they started seeing each other.

At least Bert had the sense to try to talk some sense into him.

"Look, man, when you landed in the hospital after your breakup, she didn't even visit you. And now she suddenly comes back? Doesn't that seem fishy? I'm not against you two getting back together, but if she's just going to hurt you again, maybe it's time to move on. You've never really dated before, maybe that's why you're so stuck. Why don't we just go out and clear your head for a bit?"

Bert was a bit of a jerk, sure, but he had Tyler's back.

In the past, neither of them had exactly been upstanding citizens.

Tyler wasn't stupid-he knew Athena's attitude was odd. But did it matter? Whatever she wanted, he was willing to give it.

But when dinner came and Athena finally revealed her real reason for coming back, Tyler nearly lost it.

He looked at her face across the table. Even through her oversized T-shirt he could see the faint marks left on her skin from last night, but her words were cold, detached. s

Athena's expression was calm, her tone unwavering.

"I want you to look into Adam's mother and younger brother for me. Kerwin drowned trying to save his brother. When Adam was drunk, he let slip that five million suddenly appeared in his mother's account back then. I want to know if someone paid for Kerwin's life." s

Tyler gripped his fork, saying nothing. Kerwin. Again-Kerwin!

Why was she still obsessing over someone who was gone?

He felt a wave of frustration rising, tempted to lash out, but he knew if he did, she might just walk out and never come back.

He stared down at his glass of milk, misery churning in his chest.

"I'll do it," he said finally, "I'll help you investigate everything that happened with Kerwin. But you have to agree to my terms, too."

"What terms?"

Tyler dropped his gaze, tracing the rim of his glass with his finger. His Adam's

apple bobbed as he seemed to weigh his words.

A minute ticked by before he spoke.

"Marry me."

Athena blinked, thinking she must have misheard. Everyone knew Tyler didn't believe in marriage.

"What?"

She responded instinctively, her disbelief plain.Chapter 2198

After he finished speaking, he stood up, grabbed his suit jacket from the back of the chair, and walked straight out the door.

Athena remained seated at the dining table, unmoving. For once, she didn't want to think about anything. She was exhausted.

soon as Tyler left the house, he headed straight to

he opened Bert's front door, he was greeted

the mess aside and dropped onto the

the room, lost in a passionate embrace. When they noticed Tyler, Bert recoiled in shock, instantly

"Tyler?"

shrieked-clearly, she hadn't expected anyone to

a cigarette,

gently coaxed the woman, telling her it was

her clothes, head

towel, Bert strode

heads-up before you drop by next time?" Tyler sat there, cigarette dangling from his fingers, looking utterly defeated. Bert frowned, puzzled. Weren't he and Athena back on

the phone this morning? I'll say it— honestly, you look better with

rough. "She only changed her attitude because she wants to find out the truth about

took a swig, and shrugged. "What's the point of digging into some guy's death after all these years? Even if she gets answers, nothing will change. The dead don't

before you know it."

to s

their circle knew it—the men who lost their wives seemed to bounce back fast, playing the field without a care. But the few

of them never really moved

was a real difference between men and women, Bert

his own family. Years ago, his older sister

to save

the baby, saying she wanted the child to stay with the man

his sister

thought for sure his brother-in-law would raise that child with devotion after her passing. But within a year, the man had found someone new. The new woman hated the

thought. He was

women insisted on

just

the rest of her days. Instead, she insisted on digging into her first love's death,

another cigarette, but Bert snatched it away

Chapter 2199

silent, and Bert couldn't be bothered to

two of them ended up killing time playing video games, Tyler

in the evening that his phone finally rang. Athena was calling. "The

been feeling low all day, but at those words,

couch, raised his voice

food delivery's almost here, man.

Athena made

a hint of pride in Tyler's

and, within half an hour, was back at his

he opened the door, the familiar, comforting aroma

kitchen, apron tied around

his eyes sting. He realized then how little he truly wanted from

by his side for just

away with nothing, making sure she'd never be burdened

love him. If something happened to him, it probably wouldn't affect

"What

he'd actually come home, ladled some soup into

drinking

assumed she didn't like Bert much, and

I was with someone else," he said. Then, after a beat, added, "No

the food, setting out a plate for him and serving some rice. The two

say anything to shatter the calm. He quietly sipped his soup, and just as he

marry me? You know I'm only doing this to get

he

then. If we're getting married ters get a prenup Let's add up what I've saved and what you've saved over the

was even if they didn't sign anything, she'd never take a cent from Tyler if they divorced. She just didn't want him to worry about it she figured a prenup would put his mind

stared down at his bowl,

time, Athena assumed his quiet

and asked, "If I died tomorrow, would you be

a procedure like that was a miracle. And with the way Tyler

s

CUMS

never liked his reckless lifestyle-it felt like he was squandering a life others would

didn't seem to value the time he'd been

but when he saw her frown and purse her lips, he realized just how hard this question was

his chest, and he fell

separate room. But after his

of inspiration struck

seemed to realize she'd never

side in bed, Tyler kept thinking about her smile. He tossed and turned, unable to

asking if he wanted to go out for drinks. Tyler ignored them. All he could think about was

rolled over, facing

idea of marriage—especially since the groom was Tyler,

you agreed to marry me, why don't we go get our marriage license

wait

assumed this whole marriage thing would be at least three months down the line. She hadn't expected him to be so eager. For a moment,

change her mind, decide she didn't want to get married after all, or lose interest in finding out what really happened to

wink all night. As soon as dawn broke, he was up, pulling on a new suit. He finally found time

"Getting married today."

value was obvious-Bert called

actually doing it? Athena said

Tyler march headlong into disaster-worse,

lan and the others. Silence at first, then a

five reaction

others took a few minutes, then finally offered up some congratulations. Tyler, feeling more than satisfied, picked Athena up and drove

marriage certificate, posted it on Facebook, and sent it to his group

manage to get married? He tagged several people just to make sure it was real. But once Tyler showed off the

"The bride's really unlucky."

fight back. He decided to treat everyone in Greenfield

crowd showed up-old friends from their circle. Ian came with Maja, having left their kid at home.

He'd come to visit Maja and had brought along a sweet-looking girl who barely looked up from her food, except to bear shyly at Dylan now and then Dylan, as stoio

Chapter 2201

found herself suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, but for a moment, she didn't know

until Carol Miller started chatting with Athena Zade about the TV shows she'd filmed. That's when Maja realized Carol had actually watched Athena's series. The tension in Athena's posture visibly eased, her features softening as she opened up to Carol. Carol shot Maja a quick wink,

an unspoken understanding between

finally wound down, Carol reached for Athena's hand before they left

for a few episodes?

can always tell when someone's being genuine their eyes give

loved her work. She remembered every

Bennitt, she'd cut off all contact. It still stung; she

now, with Carol reaching out, she felt a rare

"My agency froze my contract, so I couldn't keep filming. That's why my character had to

That character was such a fan favorite. If you'd finished the role, I bet your followers would've

eyes crinkling with

laughing, Tyler slipped away to pay the

came back out, he caught a glimpse of Athena's relaxed,

Felix Brown were waiting for him outside.

two men, eager to get to their wives, shot him a puzzled

said quietly, almost to himself, "Let her

like that when she was with

memories of his own past with Maja flickering

with Felix and suggested, "Why don't we all head back to your place tonight? It's been ages since we've

relaxed. "Yeah, let's

hurried ahead to make

left Felix and lan

I never thought he'd

you'd drop to your knees the moment you met

have to take a

I say? Maja's not exactly your biggest fan. If I'm too nice to you, I'll be sleeping in the guest room

let out a dry laugh. "Whipped, are

lan grinned. "Not like you're any better. I hear you spend half your life trying to figure out what Carol likes and buying her gifts, just to sta on her good side. Honestly, I envy you. At least you have a target to aim for. Look

don't even know how to make things better anymore. We're like an old married couple, all

latest projecthe industry's next big thing. But who would've guessed that the same man, a powerhouse in the boardroom, would

Ian had hit

making arrangements, and everyone piled into their cars, heading

nature shone through as she immediately started quizzing

heard on that show you worked on, the director and the

open-minded, but flaunting something like that publicly

a long time ago-Athena always seemed wrapped in a deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when she was alone. It was as if she might vanish at any moment, dissolving

until

everything behind. He had no idea what kept her going, what reason she clung to, or how much

told, the reason Tyler hadn't liked her at first was because she seemed so distant, so

more he found himself caring about what she thought and

everyone was inside, Athena found herself seated with Carol on her left and Maja

Maja. Back when Maja and lan's scandal blew up, it was all anyone talked about-impossible not to know

but after meeting her today, she realized there was

them chatted quietly together. The men stayed out in the garden, not coming in to interrupt, and every so often, they'd send over little snacks and fruit, as if they just knew to give

suddenly grabbed Athena's

more often. Don't spend all your time with men. With men, the more you settle,

and Tyler's marriage was nothing more than a business

fell silent for a long moment, then finally asked, "But what if I'm only

If they found out the marriage

felt dizzy with warmth, thinking how nice it was to have friends. But as soon as she

was resolved, she'd find some excuse to divorce Tyler, leave

least you won't get hurt. When I heard you were marrying him, I was honestly

with a dramatic

in emphatic agreement out of the corner of

from Athena's chest-so this is what having friends feels

everyone finally left, it was

Standing

Maja get ready to leave and out of nowhere a wave

the door, Athena