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?

"What happened? Weren't you bragging on the phone this morning? I'll say it— honestly, you look better with that mole. The women always liked it too."

Tyler stubbed out his cigarette, his voice rough. "She only changed her attitude because she wants to find out the truth about Kerwin's death."

Bert grabbed a bottle of 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 love, he'll have a new girlfriend

before you know it."

to s

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

husbands? Most of them never really moved on.

There was a real difference between men and women, Bert thought.

He thought about his own family. Years ago, his older sister had died in childbirth: When the doctors

asked whether to save her or thet

baby, she chose the baby, saying she wanted the child to stay with the man she loved-a living symbol of their love. s

Back then, his sister and

brother-in-law had been close. Bert 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 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 family and took off overseas. s

Men are fickle, Bert thought. He was no exception. He just couldn't understand

why women insisted on torturing themselves.

Athena was being foolish too. If she just held on to Tyler, she could live

comfortably for the rest of her days. Instead, she insisted on digging into her first love's death, keeping a wedge between herself and Tyler forever.

Tyler lit another cigarette, but Bert snatched it away and tossed it in the trash.

Chapter 2199

Tyler stayed silent, and Bert couldn't be bothered to ask any more questions.

them ended up killing time playing video games,

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

at those words,

couch,

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

home. Athena

a hint

a hurry and, within half an hour, was

soon as he opened the door, the

kitchen, apron tied around her waist,

felt his eyes sting. He realized then how little

more years-keep her by his side for just a while longer. After that, everything he owned would

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

happened to him, it probably wouldn't affect her

the kitchen. "What kind of soup is it? Smells

he'd actually come home, ladled some soup into a small bowl and

drinking with Bert

like Bert much, and

he said. Then,

the food, setting out a plate for him and serving some rice. The two of them sitting together at the dinner table-it had been so long since they'd had a

say anything to shatter the calm. He quietly sipped

really sure you want to marry me? You know I'm only doing this to get to the bottom

know," he replied

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

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

at his bowl, silent and lost in

assumed his quiet

I died tomorrow, would you be even a little

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

s

CUMS

like he was squandering a life others would give anything

yet he didn't

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

dull ache settled in his chest, and he fell silent, sipping

after his shower,

flash of inspiration struck him-he'd never dried a

while, then seemed to realize she'd never laughed

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

phone buzzed with messages from his usual crew, asking if he wanted to go out for drinks. Tyler ignored them. All he could think about was that Athena

over, facing

awake, her mind caught on the idea of marriage—especially since the groom was Tyler, something she'd never

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

wait

him to be so eager. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond, but

change her mind, decide she didn't want to get married after all, or lose interest in finding out what really happened to Kerwin. If that happened, what excuse would he have left to keep

As soon as dawn broke, he was up, pulling on a new suit. He

"Getting married today."

was obvious-Bert called him

right? You're actually doing it? Athena

Tyler march headlong

chat with lan and the others. Silence at

dramatic. He sent five reaction gifs in a row,

some congratulations. Tyler, feeling more than satisfied, picked Athena up

snapped a picture of their marriage certificate,

people just to make sure it was real.

"The bride's really unlucky."

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

Maja, having left their kid at home. Abner Olson was there, along

there too. 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

Chapter 2201

found herself suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, but for a moment, she

atmosphere at the dinner table still carried a 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 features softening as she

an unspoken

wound down, Carol reached for Athena's

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

being genuine

realized Carol truly loved her work.

kiss Tyler Bennitt, she'd cut off all contact. It

now, with Carol reaching

were some things going on at the time," Athena explained quietly. "My agency froze my contract, so I couldn't keep filming. That's why

character was such a fan favorite.

her eyes crinkling with

stood together, chatting and laughing, Tyler slipped away to

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

Brown were waiting for him outside. Tyler paused, not moving toward

two men, eager to get to their wives,

a cigarette, hesitated, and said quietly, almost to himself, "Let

that when

memories of his own past with Maja flickering through his mind. Love was always the thing that hurt

we all head back to your place tonight? It's been ages since we've all hung out together.

"Yeah, let's do

ahead to

left Felix and lan alone for

his eyes. "Honestly, I never thought he'd change

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

have to take a jab at me every single time we go

exactly your biggest fan. If I'm too nice

dry

buying her gifts, just to sta on her good side. Honestly, I envy you. At least you have a target to aim for.

make things better anymore. We're like an old married couple, all

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

fell silent. Ian had hit

Tyler finished making arrangements, and everyone piled into their cars, heading to his

and Athena sat together in the backseat. Carol's outgoing nature shone through as she immediately started

the

their world, some people were open-minded, but flaunting something like

especially when she was alone. It was as if she might vanish at any

never really understood it until he learned what happened with

had no idea what kept her going, what reason she clung to, or how much longer she'd be able

seemed so distant, so empty of the warmth and vitality that drew

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

everyone was inside, Athena found herself seated with Carol

actually recognized Maja. Back when Maja and lan's scandal blew up,

cold, but after meeting her today, she realized there

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

suddenly grabbed Athena's

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

than a business arrangement. In

finally asked, "But

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

have friends. But as

was resolved, she'd find some excuse to

Maja just paused before 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

finished with a dramatic roll of her

nodding in emphatic agreement out of the

lifted from Athena's chest-so this is

it was

Standing

and Maja get ready to leave and out of nowhere a wave

the door, Athena

since she'd felt this way about anyone

by her car, then suddenly turned around

to come hang out

it took her a second

the house was quiet again,

are really

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

genuine kindness, not the forced politeness she was

care

found herself envious of Tyler. She opened her mouth to say

She never imagined there was this whole other story beneath the

known Kerwin for years and never once had she seen his

dollars for someone to

to put this whole ordeal behind her and

did you find Adam's mother and

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

them. Tomorrow, you can come with

had known Tyler for years, but

thought. At least, that's what the tabloids claimed. They said someone from the Bennitt family had crossed Maja, and Tyler had walked away on

indifferent toward romance, but

now that she

Tyler did as promised he took her to see

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

how dark and complicated people could be. She'd always

was pounding the whole

height of his youth, full of promise. He had no obvious flaws, got along with everyone-people genuinely liked

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

imports anymore.

fo .net

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

was about to start working under a leading expert,

made Athena's head throb. Anyone would have trouble forgetting someone like him ust

stopped at the end of

far end, she finally saw the woman from

bitter, but there was a deep worry etched there too-no doubt

maybe that five million dollars had given her a whole new lease on life She'd thrown herself into one scheme after another spent

the son she'd

Chapter 2204

hell are

trembled with fear,

beside her. She pulled a photo from her pocket-it was

remember this

of color the instant she saw the picture.

know him! I swear I

every trick in the book when it came to getting answers. She was just about to grind the heel of her boot into the woman's

what are

had never seen this side of her before. He knew her as gentle,

he hadn't stopped her, the woman's fingers would probably be

now.

was nothing Athena wouldn't

over Tyler, and he barely contained his anger. "Let them handle the interrogation. All you need

off his hand and slammed her foot

out, but he didn't. Instead, he dropped heavily into a nearby chair, watching Athena-no, this stranger who

shrieked, "I'll sue you! All

paid you to hire a hitman back then? Do you remember

she might lunge at Athena if given the chance. But the two bodyguards had her pinned to the floor,

boy lying on the bed.

him-old enough to

played along, Kerwin

or seven years old, and already

with a thud and snapped awake, his face

photo again, thrusting it in front of him.

expression contorted the boy's

I survive, huh? Maybe he should've minded ms OW! business: Are you

.net

grasp the seriousness of the situation. He

get hold of my brother? Is he

that was it. The whole family-leeches, every

felt a chill run through her. How could Kerwin have died because of people like this? It was so damn

ready to bring it down on

grasp and set

moment anything involves Kerwin, you lose all sense and forget

shaky breath, and spoke to his bodyguards. "Take her home first. Let the others

grotesque grin, her lips pressing into a

her own ears, to finally know which member of Kerwin's family had pulled

expression darkened. "Take

"Tyler!" she protested.

guards grabbed her by the arms and

him to the hospital. The stab wound in his shoulder hadn't hit anything vital, but blood was

someone approached with

The one who ordered the hit was

clung to tradition—inheritance passed only to sons. Daughters were never a threat, but

ago, Marlon had shifted the family's focus back home, building

on Marlon Keller was no easy feat. Revenge for Kerwin was a pipe

generations. Even Tyler had to