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.

As soon as Tyler left the house, he headed straight to Bert's place.

When he opened Bert's front door, he was greeted by clothes strewn all over the living room floor.

Unfazed, Tyler kicked the mess aside and dropped onto the couch.

Bert was tangled up with a woman on the other side of the room, lost in a passionate embrace. When they noticed Tyler, Bert recoiled in shock, instantly losing interest.

"Tyler?"

The woman in Bert's arms shrieked-clearly, she hadn't expected anyone to walk in at such a moment.

Tyler lit a cigarette, ignoring them both.

Bert rubbed his forehead with a sigh and gently coaxed the woman, telling her it was time to leave.

She scrambled to collect her clothes, head down, and hurried out.

Wearing nothing but a bath towel, Bert strode over and slumped down next to Tyler.

"Man, can you at least give me a 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 good terms last night? Why did Tyler look like he'd just lost everything?

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

"She only changed her attitude because she wants to

gets answers, nothing will change. The dead don't come back, That's why I

before you know it."

to s

who lost their wives seemed to bounce back

Most of them

difference between

thought about his own family. Years ago, his older sister had

to save her or

wanted the child to stay

then, his

the man had found someone new. The new woman hated the sight of the toddler so that precious ruit of love" became an eyesore. To please his new girlfriend,

fickle, Bert thought. He was no

women insisted

If she just

on digging into her first love's death, keeping

cigarette, but Bert snatched it away and

Chapter 2199

Bert couldn't be bothered to ask any more

playing video

until seven in the evening that his phone finally rang. Athena was calling. "The soup's ready. Are you

day, but at those words, he dropped his controller without hesitation

on the couch, raised

here, man. I can't eat all

home. Athena made

up a hint

a hurry and, within half an hour,

the door,

the kitchen, apron

He realized then how little he truly

wanted was to be selfish for a few more years-keep her by his side for just a while longer. After that, everything he owned

making sure she'd never be

If something happened to him, it probably wouldn't affect her at

as he stepped into the kitchen. "What kind of soup is it? Smells amazing,"

actually come home, ladled some soup into a small bowl and set it beside

drinking

didn't like Bert much, and quickly shook his

I was with someone else," he said. Then,

of the food, setting out a plate for him and serving some rice. The two of them sitting together at the

didn't want to say anything to shatter the calm. He quietly sipped his soup, and just as he was finishing,

You know I'm only doing this to get to the bottom of

he

get a prenup Let's add up what I've saved and what you've saved over

sign anything, she'd never take a cent from Tyler if they divorced. She just didn't want him to worry about it

at his bowl, silent and lost

his quiet meant he agreed.

I died tomorrow,

a procedure like that was a miracle. And with the way Tyler drank and stayed up late he probably didn't have many years left.

s

CUMS

he was squandering a life others would give

yet he didn't seem to value the time

for Athena's answer, but when he saw her frown and purse her lips, he realized just how hard this

chest, and he fell silent, sipping the last of

room. But after his shower, he walked into his bedroom and saw her there,

inspiration struck him-he'd never dried a

then seemed to realize she'd never laughed so freely in front of

in bed, Tyler kept

them. All he could think about was that Athena had agreed to marry him-did that mean they could

rolled over, facing

was still awake, her mind caught on the idea of marriage—especially since the groom was Tyler, something

he said quietly, “since you agreed to marry me, why don't

couldn't wait another

the line. She hadn't expected him to be so eager. For

all, or lose interest in finding out what really happened to Kerwin. If that happened, what excuse would he have left to keep her

sleep a wink all night. As soon as dawn broke, he was up,

"Getting married today."

was obvious-Bert called him

joking, right? You're actually

speechless, as if watching Tyler march

lan and the others. Silence at first, then

He sent five reaction gifs

minutes, then finally offered up some congratulations. Tyler, feeling

process took less than ten minutes. He snapped a picture of their marriage certificate, posted

it. How on earth did someone like Tyler manage to get married? He tagged several people just to make sure it was real. But once Tyler showed off the official certificate, Beck fell silent, leaving

"The bride's really unlucky."

to fight back. He decided to

friends from their circle. Ian came with Maja, having

barely looked up from her food, except to bear shyly at Dylan now and then Dylan, as stoio as ever just handed her a

Chapter 2201

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

had actually watched

an unspoken understanding

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

show you did—why did your character only appear for a few episodes? I remember thinking she shouldn't

tell when someone's being genuine their eyes give

truly loved her work. She remembered every

after seeing Doris kiss Tyler Bennitt, she'd cut off all

was alone. But now, with Carol reaching out, she felt a rare

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

a fan favorite. If you'd finished the role, I bet

laughed, her eyes crinkling with genuine

women stood together, chatting and laughing, Tyler slipped

back out, he caught a glimpse

him outside. Tyler paused,

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

lit a cigarette, hesitated, and said quietly, almost to himself, "Let her enjoy her laughter a little

like that when she was with

his tracks, memories of his own past with Maja flickering through his mind. Love was

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

relaxed. "Yeah, let's

ahead to

left Felix and lan alone

eyes. "Honestly, I never thought he'd

"Yeah, and who would've guessed you'd drop to your knees the moment

deep breath. "Do you have to take a jab at me every single time we go

I'm too nice to you, I'll be sleeping in the guest room

let out a dry laugh. "Whipped, are

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 at

know how to make things better anymore. We're like an old married couple, all that's left is the

lately, acquiring several rival companies. The business press was singing his praises, calling his latest projecthe industry's next big thing. But who would've guessed that the same man, a powerhouse in the boardroom, would be so cautious and

Ian had

making arrangements, and everyone piled into

shone through as she immediately started quizzing Athena about every bit of juicy gossip

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

some people were open-minded, but flaunting something like that publicly was still

especially when she was alone. It was as if

until he learned what happened with

he could guess that there had been countless moments when Athena wanted to just let go, to leave everything behind. He had no idea what kept her going, what reason she clung to, or how much longer she'd be able to hold on. Sometimes, she seemed more like a ghost

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

more he

herself seated with Carol on

Back when Maja and lan's scandal blew

proud, even a little cold, but after meeting her today, she realized there was a quiet gentleness about her, a core of

not coming in to interrupt, and every so often, they'd send

grabbed

come out with us more often. Don't spend all your time with men. With men,

was nothing more than a business arrangement. In her mind, she

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

Tyler's friends. If they found out the marriage was just a calculated deal, wouldn't they hate

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

she'd find some excuse to divorce Tyler, leave Greenfield,

least you won't get hurt. When

dramatic

laugh, catching Maja nodding in emphatic agreement out of the

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

left, it was already one

Standing

and out of nowhere a wave of reluctant sadness swept over

the door, Athena

since she'd felt this

turned around

forget to come hang

awkward, and it took her a second

house was quiet again, she turned to

friends are really nice," she

to dinner earlier-she'd been anxious, knowing she was just a minor actress, and alt of them were so

treated her with genuine kindness, not the forced politeness she was

to care at all about her

opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of

She never imagined there

for years and never once had she

million dollars for someone to take his

behind her and lift

you find Adam's mother and

his mother still wanted him to pay for his little brother's treatment, but he'd refused, so that woman was

can come with me to meet

known Tyler for years, but she'd never

remembered when the Bennitt family's scandal broke out-Tyler had cut ties with them without a second thought. At least, that's what the tabloids claimed. They said someone from the Bennitt family had crossed Maja, and Tyler

seemed indifferent toward romance, but

had never really wanted to know what kind of person Tyler was, but now that she was working with him, she knew she'd see more sides of him than she'd ever

as promised he took

when Kerwin died, Athena hadn't had time to memorize the woman's face. She only knew that after the child was rescued, both he and his mother disappeared, and Kerwin was rushed into

dark and complicated people could be. She'd always thought Kerwin had just been unlucky. But

was pounding the

height of his youth, full of promise. He had no obvious flaws, got along with

studying, doing research, developing

imports anymore.

fo .net

kind of grand ambition only the young could say out loud. But right