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.

The two of them ended up killing time playing video games, Tyler glancing at his phone every now and then.

It wasn't until seven in the evening that his phone finally rang. Athena was calling. "The soup's ready. Are you coming home for dinner?"

Tyler had been feeling low all day, but at those words, he dropped his controller without hesitation and headed for the door.

Bert, sprawled out on the couch, raised his voice in protest.

"Where are you going? The food delivery's almost here, man. I can't eat all that by myself!"

"I'm heading home. Athena made soup," Tyler replied.

Bert paused, suddenly picking up a hint of pride in Tyler's tone.

Tyler left in a hurry and, within half an hour, was back at his place.

As soon as he opened the door, the familiar, comforting aroma hit him.

Athena was in the kitchen, apron tied around her waist, bustling about.

He realized then how little

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

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

didn't even love him. If something happened to him, it probably wouldn't affect her at

mind as he stepped into the kitchen. "What kind of soup is it?

surprised he'd actually come home, ladled some soup into

drinking with Bert

assumed she didn't like Bert much, and

else," he said. Then, after a beat,

two of them sitting together at the dinner table-it had been so long since they'd had a moment

the calm. He quietly sipped his soup, and just

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

know," he

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

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

at his bowl, silent and lost

his quiet

"If I died tomorrow, would

was instantly reminded of his heart surgery. Realistically, surviving ten years after a procedure like that was a miracle. And with the way Tyler

s

CUMS

felt like he was squandering a

yet he didn't seem to value

purse her lips, he realized just how hard

chest, and he fell silent, sipping the last

expected Athena would want to sleep in a separate room. But after his shower, he walked into his bedroom and saw her there, getting ready to

flash of inspiration struck him-he'd

a while, then seemed to realize she'd never laughed so freely in

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

messages from his usual crew, asking if he wanted to go out for drinks. Tyler ignored them. All

rolled over, facing

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

said quietly, “since you agreed to marry me, why don't we go get our marriage

couldn't wait another

at least three months down the line. She hadn't expected him to be so eager.

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

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

"Getting married today."

value was

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

if watching Tyler march headlong into disaster-worse, he


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

was the most dramatic. He sent five reaction gifs in a row, all

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

marriage certificate, posted it

He tagged several people just to

"The bride's really unlucky."

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

a good crowd showed up-old friends from their circle. Ian came with Maja, having

up from her food, except to bear shyly at Dylan now and then Dylan, as stoio

Chapter 2201

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

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

an unspoken understanding between

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

appear for a few episodes? I remember thinking

always tell when someone's being genuine their eyes

Carol truly loved her work. She remembered every

off all contact. It still stung; she knew things could never go back to

But now, with Carol reaching out,

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

fan favorite. If you'd finished

eyes crinkling

women stood together, chatting and laughing, Tyler

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

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

wives, shot him a puzzled look as he

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

that when she was

with Maja flickering through his mind. Love

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

"Yeah, let's do

ahead to make

left Felix and lan alone

"Honestly, I never thought he'd change so

who would've guessed you'd drop

"Do you have to take a jab at me

your biggest fan. If I'm too nice to you, I'll be sleeping in

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

know how to make things better anymore. We're like

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

Ian had

Tyler finished making arrangements, and everyone piled into their

Carol's outgoing nature shone through as she immediately started quizzing Athena about every

on, the director and the

open-minded, but flaunting something like

always seemed wrapped in a deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when she

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

reason Tyler hadn't liked her at first was because she seemed so distant, so empty of the warmth and vitality that

more he found himself caring about

seated with Carol on her left and Maja on

when Maja and lan's scandal blew up, it was all anyone

had always assumed Maja was proud, even a little cold, but after meeting her today, she realized there was a quiet gentleness about her, a core of resilience that ran

The men stayed out in the garden, not coming in to interrupt, and every so often, they'd send over little snacks

grabbed Athena's

time with men. With men, the more you settle, the

Tyler's marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement. In

for a long moment, then finally

were Tyler's friends. If they found out the marriage was just a calculated deal,

Athena felt dizzy with warmth, thinking how nice it was to have friends. But as soon as she calmed down, she reminded herself they came from

some excuse to divorce Tyler, leave Greenfield,

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

finished with a dramatic roll of her

catching Maja nodding in emphatic agreement

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

time everyone finally left, it was already one in the

Standing

leave and out of nowhere a wave of reluctant sadness

the door, Athena

she'd felt

turned around and pulled Athena into a

forget to come hang out with me

it took her a second

was quiet

are really nice," she

to 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 alike.

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

to care at all about

of Tyler. She opened her mouth to say something, then thought better

always thought Kerwin's parents were inseparable. She never imagined there was this whole other story beneath

never once had she

dollars for someone to take his

whole ordeal behind her and lift the weight off

did you find

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

found them. Tomorrow, you can come with

but she'd never seen him

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 had walked

distant with his family, seemed indifferent toward romance, but he was

person Tyler was, but now that she was working with him, she knew

next day, Tyler did as promised he took her

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

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


was pounding the whole

youth, full of promise. He had no obvious flaws,

spend his life studying, doing research, developing new

imports anymore.

fo .net

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

was about to start working under a leading expert, he

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

end of a narrow

far end, she finally saw the woman from last night's

face was sharp and bitter, but there was a deep worry etched there too-no doubt for her

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

to the son she'd

Chapter 2204

hell are

with fear, beads of sweat dotting her

walked over slowly, stopping just beside her. She pulled a photo

you remember this

of color the instant she saw

taught Athena every trick in the book when it came to getting answers. She was just about to grind the heel of

what are you

no answer. Tyler had never seen this side of her before. He knew her as gentle, tough, reserved, unwavering-but the

stopped her, the woman's fingers would probably be

now.

There was nothing

anger. "Let them handle the interrogation. All you need to do is

shook off his hand and slammed her foot


heartbreak, the bitterness nearly choking him. He wanted to storm out, but

shrieked, "I'll sue you! All of you! I'm

"Who paid you to hire a hitman back then? Do

pure hatred, as if she might lunge at Athena if given the chance. But the two bodyguards

the bed. She strode over and,

first rescued him-old enough to understand what was going on. And

he hadn't played along, Kerwin

old, and already a

with a thud and snapped

thrusting it in front of

the boy's

do? It's not like I wanted him dead. He just sucked at swimming Why did I survive, huh? Maybe he should've minded ms OW! business: Are you planning to avenge him? It's been years. He's

.net


still didn't grasp the seriousness of the situation.

you get hold of my brother? Is he gonna pay up

was it. The whole

her. How could Kerwin have died because of people like this?

grabbed a nearby chair, ready to bring it down on the boy, when a hand caught her

chair from her grasp and set it aside. "You're not

Athena. The moment anything involves Kerwin, you lose all sense and forget

and spoke to his bodyguards. "Take her home

man whose face was twisted into a grotesque grin, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I want

truth about Listina with her own ears, to finally know which member of Kerwin's family had pulled the strings all

darkened.

"Tyler!" she protested.

have a chance to struggle. Two guards grabbed her by the arms and marched

in his shoulder hadn't hit anything vital, but blood was

waited, someone approached with

confirmed it. The one who ordered the hit was the Keller family's

nail for his position. Back then, he'd systematically eliminated his older brother and every other male relative standing between him and the top. The Kellers had always clung to tradition—inheritance passed only to sons.

all these years, every ounce of power in the Keller family belonged to Marlon Keller. Two years ago, Marlon had shifted the family's

feat. Revenge for Kerwin was a pipe

Even Tyler had to think twice before making a


crossed him had paid dearly. He was newly

of her depth. Any one of these people could snuff

man beside

this won't be

from lan

was his own mess-why drag

things further,

were close friends, thot

famintertwined for years, ele

Everyone r

the

was ready to head back to the

when he returned and saw Athena's anxious face, a wave of frustration washed over


knew she'd been reckless

did you find out? Who was

stayed silent as she strode

didn't they? Who was it? Just tell

deal they'd made when

away. "You've been on edge for days. You

didn't answer, but

that TylerChapter

he became. He strode toward the

doesn't

didn't want her running off and causing

to a bar, hoping to drown his frustration with a few drinks-and, as luck would have

doing

fixed ahead, clearly intent on ignoring Tyler, but at the

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