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?

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

stubbed out his cigarette, his voice rough. "She only changed her

juice, 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 come back, That's why I don't get women sometimes. If a guy loses his true

before you know it."

to s

to bounce back fast, playing the field without a care. But the few women

Most of them never really moved

a real difference between

ago, his older sister had died

save her

stay with the man she loved-a living symbol of

then, his

hated the sight of the toddler so that precious ruit of love" became an eyesore. To please his new girlfriend, Bert's brother-in-law sent the child to live with the Frost

thought. He was no

insisted on torturing

If she just held

she insisted on digging into her first love's death, keeping

snatched it away

Chapter 2199

silent, and Bert couldn't be bothered to ask

of them ended up killing time playing video games,

phone finally rang. Athena was calling. "The soup's ready.

feeling low all day, but at those words, he dropped his controller without hesitation and headed for the

the couch, raised his voice in

delivery's almost here, man. I can't

home. Athena made soup," Tyler

up a hint

a hurry and, within half an hour,

door, the familiar,

the kitchen, apron

her like that, Tyler felt his eyes sting. He realized then how little he truly wanted

for a few more years-keep her by his side for

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

to him,

kitchen. "What kind of soup is it?

come home, ladled some soup

you out drinking with

she didn't like Bert much, and quickly

said. Then, after a beat,

out the rest of the food, setting out a plate for him and serving some rice. The two of them sitting together at the dinner table-it had

quietly sipped his soup, and

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

know," he

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

sign anything, she'd never take a cent from Tyler if they divorced. She just didn't

down at his bowl, silent and lost in

long time, Athena assumed his quiet

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

his heart surgery. Realistically, surviving ten years after a procedure like that was a

s

CUMS

like he was squandering a life others would give anything

he didn't

he saw her frown and purse her lips, he

he

sleep in a separate room. But after his shower, he walked into his bedroom

of inspiration struck him-he'd never dried

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

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

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

over,

her mind caught on the idea of marriage—especially

me, why don't we go get our marriage license

wait

hadn't expected him to be so eager. For

all, or lose interest in finding

broke, he was up, pulling on a new suit. He finally

"Getting married today."

shock value was obvious-Bert

right? You're actually doing it? Athena said yes?"

speechless, as if watching Tyler march

news in his group chat with lan and the others. Silence at first, then

course, was the most dramatic. He sent five reaction gifs

finally offered up some congratulations. Tyler, feeling more than satisfied, picked Athena up and drove straight to City

whole process took less than ten minutes. He snapped a picture of their marriage certificate, posted it on Facebook, and sent it to his group chats. Immediately,

believe it. How on earth did someone like Tyler manage to get married? He tagged several people just to

"The bride's really unlucky."

mood to fight back. He decided to treat everyone in Greenfield to dinner

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

up from her food, except

Chapter 2201

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

hint of awkwardness, 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

just an unspoken understanding between

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

only appear for a few episodes? I remember thinking she shouldn't have been killed off so soon. It felt

when someone's being genuine

her work. She remembered every

one friend-Doris-but after seeing Doris kiss Tyler Bennitt, she'd cut off all contact. It still stung; she knew things

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

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

shame! That character was such a fan favorite.

eyes crinkling with

together, chatting and laughing, Tyler slipped away to pay the

he caught a glimpse of Athena's relaxed, carefree smile —and his

waiting for him outside. Tyler paused, not moving toward

eager to get to their wives, shot him a puzzled look

said quietly, almost to himself, "Let

smiled like that

with Maja flickering through his mind. Love was

your place

visibly relaxed. "Yeah, let's do

ahead to

and lan

eyes. "Honestly, I never

who would've guessed you'd drop to your knees the moment you met

in a deep breath. "Do you have to take a jab

say? Maja's not exactly your biggest fan. If I'm too nice

out a dry laugh.

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

other, I don't even know how to make things better

several rival companies. The business press was singing his praises, calling his latest projecthe industry's next

fell silent. Ian had hit a

and everyone piled into their cars, heading

Athena sat together in the backseat. Carol's outgoing nature shone through as she immediately started quizzing Athena about every bit of juicy

you worked on, the director and

people were open-minded, but flaunting something

noticed it a long time ago-Athena always seemed wrapped in a deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when she was alone. It was as if she might

until he learned what happened with

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,

be told, the reason Tyler hadn't liked her at first was because she seemed so distant, so empty of the warmth and vitality that drew him to other

the more he paid attention, the more he found himself caring about

everyone was inside, Athena found herself seated with Carol on

Back when Maja and lan's scandal blew up, it was all anyone talked about-impossible

her today, she realized there was a quiet

garden, not coming in to interrupt, and every so often, they'd send over little snacks and fruit, as if they just knew to

suddenly grabbed Athena's

come out with us more often. Don't spend all your time with men. With men, the more you settle, the more they take

more than a business arrangement. In her mind,

for a long moment, then finally asked,

out the marriage was just

warmth, thinking how nice it was to have friends. But as soon as she calmed down,

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

responding. "Isn't that even better?" Carol said. "At least you won't get hurt. When I heard you were marrying him, I was honestly worried. Everyone knows he's a

a dramatic roll

in emphatic agreement out of the corner

chest-so this is what having friends

the time everyone finally left, it

Standing

get ready to leave and out of nowhere a wave

the door, Athena

since she'd felt this way about

her car, then suddenly turned around and pulled

come hang out with me

and it took her a second to

house was quiet again, she

are really nice," she

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

treated her with genuine kindness, not the forced politeness

to care

opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of it and fell silent.Chapter

She never imagined there was this whole

and never once had she seen his

five million dollars

ordeal behind her and lift the weight

did you find

his little brother's treatment, but he'd refused, so

Tomorrow, you can come with me to meet

but

without a second thought. At least, that's what the tabloids

seemed indifferent toward romance, but he was

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

next day, Tyler did as promised

both he and his mother disappeared, and Kerwin was rushed into emergency care. The scene had been pure chaos, and

this before; she knew how dark and complicated people could be. She'd always thought Kerwin had just been unlucky. But if

pounding the whole drive

full of promise. He had no obvious flaws, got along with everyone-people

he'd spend his life studying, doing research, developing new soybean technology so the

imports anymore.

fo .net

the kind of grand ambition only the