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.

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.

his eyes sting. He realized then how little he

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

everything. He'd walk away with nothing, making

didn't even love him. If something happened to him, it probably

the kitchen. "What kind of soup is it? Smells amazing," he asked, trying to

surprised he'd actually come home, ladled some soup

drinking

assumed she didn't like Bert much,

someone else," he said.

some rice. The two of them

to shatter the calm. He quietly sipped his soup, and just as he was finishing,

marry me? You know I'm only doing

know," he replied

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

cent from Tyler if they divorced. She just didn't want him to worry about it she figured a prenup

down at his bowl, silent and lost in

assumed his quiet meant he agreed. But then,

up and asked, "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 drank and stayed up late he probably didn't have many years left.

s

CUMS

was squandering a life others would give anything to

come back, yet he didn't seem to value the time

when he saw her frown and purse her lips,

in his chest, and he fell silent, sipping the last of his

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

struck him-he'd never dried a

she'd never laughed so freely in front

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

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

over, facing

the idea of marriage—especially since the groom was Tyler, something

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

wait

the line. She hadn't expected him to be so eager. For a moment, she didn't know

to get married after all, or lose interest in finding out what really happened to Kerwin.

all night. As soon as dawn broke, he was up, pulling on a new

"Getting married today."

was obvious-Bert called

actually doing it? Athena

Tyler march headlong into disaster-worse, he was

chat with lan and the others. Silence

sent five

finally offered up some congratulations. Tyler, feeling more than

He snapped a picture of their marriage certificate, posted it on Facebook, and sent it to his

to make sure it was real. But once Tyler showed off the official certificate, Beck fell silent, leaving only

"The bride's really unlucky."

in too good a mood to fight back. He decided to treat everyone in

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

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

Chapter 2201

but for a moment, she didn't

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

just an unspoken understanding

Carol reached for Athena's hand before

did your character only appear for a few episodes?

someone's being genuine their eyes give

work. She remembered every plot twist,

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

with Carol reaching out, she felt a

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

a shame! That character was such a fan favorite. If you'd

laughed, her eyes crinkling with

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

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

for him outside. Tyler paused,

to their wives, shot him a puzzled look as

almost to himself, "Let her enjoy her

smiled like that when

past with Maja flickering through his mind. Love was always the

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

visibly relaxed. "Yeah, let's do

hurried ahead to

and lan alone for

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

you'd drop to your knees the

soured. He drew in a deep breath. "Do you have to take a jab at me every single

exactly your biggest fan. If I'm too nice to

let out a dry laugh.

what Carol likes and buying her gifts,

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

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

fell silent. Ian had hit

and everyone piled into their cars, heading to

the backseat. Carol's outgoing nature shone through as she immediately

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

their world, some people were open-minded, but flaunting something like that publicly was still taboo.Chapter

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

until he

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

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

he found himself caring

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

blew up, it was

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

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 the women their

suddenly grabbed

with men. With men, the more you settle,

than a business arrangement. In her mind, she was earnestly teaching Athena how to

then finally asked,

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

it was to have friends. But as soon as she calmed down, she reminded herself they came from different

Kerwin's situation was resolved, 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

finished with a dramatic roll of

but laugh, catching Maja nodding in emphatic agreement out of

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

time everyone finally left, it was already one in the

Standing

Maja get ready to leave and out of

the door, Athena

had been years since she'd felt this way

then suddenly turned around and

come hang out with me

and awkward, and it took her a second to respond. Eventually,

the house was quiet again,

friends are really

just a minor actress, and alt of them were so accomplished men and women alike. In their

kindness, not the forced politeness

to care at

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

inseparable. She never imagined there was this whole other story beneath the

and never once had she seen

dollars for someone to take

whole ordeal behind

you find Adam's mother

brother's treatment, but he'd refused, so that woman was bound to show up again sooner

you can come with me

for years, but she'd never seen him

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

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

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

next day, Tyler did as promised

She only knew that after the child was rescued, both he and his mother disappeared, and Kerwin was rushed into emergency care. The scene had been pure chaos, and only later did anyone realize that mother and son had vanished without

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

heart was pounding the

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

his life studying, doing research, developing

imports anymore.

fo .net

only the young could say out loud. But

to start working under a leading expert, he

someone like him ust thinking back felt like tearing at an old

car stopped at the end of

she finally saw the

but there was a deep worry etched there too-no

new lease on life She'd thrown herself into one scheme after another spent

the son

Chapter 2204

the hell are

with fear, beads of sweat

beside her. She pulled a photo from her

you remember

drained of color the instant she saw the picture. Clearly, she recognized

him! I swear I don't! Let me go,

when it came to getting answers. She was just about to grind the heel of her boot into the woman's hand when Tyler stepped

are

answer. Tyler had never seen this side of her before. He knew her as gentle, tough, reserved, unwavering-but the cold fury that flashed in her

hadn't stopped her, the woman's fingers

now.

was nothing

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

hand and slammed her foot down

storm out, but he didn't. Instead, he

sue you! All of you!

voice cold and steady. "Who paid you to hire a hitman back then? Do you remember what they looked

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

boy lying on the bed. She strode over and, without hesitation,

or seven when they first rescued him-old enough to understand what was going on. And yet, he'd helped his

along, Kerwin

old, and already

hit the floor with a thud and

photo again, thrusting it in front

the

do? It's not like I wanted him dead. He just sucked at swimming Why did I survive, huh? Maybe he should've

.net

didn't grasp the seriousness of the

hold of my brother? Is he

was it. The whole family-leeches, every last

a chill run through her. How could Kerwin have died

to bring it down on

grasp and

moment anything involves Kerwin, you lose all sense and forget

in a shaky breath, and spoke to his

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

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

darkened.

"Tyler!" she protested.

struggle. Two guards grabbed her by the arms and marched her back to

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

waited, someone approached with a

ordered the hit was the Keller family's

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. Daughters were never a threat, but any stray male relative was a ticking time bomb. So, even if Mr. Keller had never met Kerwin, even knowing Kerwin would likely

Marlon Keller. Two years ago, Marlon had shifted the family's focus back

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

had to think twice

and anyone who'd crossed him had paid dearly. He was newly engaged to Maggie Olson, cousin to Abner Olson-a woman with

out of her depth. Any one of these people could snuff her out with a flick of

man beside

won't be

Even with help from lan and Fitch Haskins,

own mess-why drag his friends

things further, Maja

were close friends, thot

famintertwined for years, ele

Everyone r

the

was ready

Athena's anxious face, a wave of

she'd been

find out? Who was behind

as she strode right up

didn't they? Who was it? Just tell

they'd made

on

answer,

screamed that TylerChapter

about it, the angrier he became. He strode toward the

sure she doesn't leave this

her running off and causing any more

go. Eventually, his feet carried him to a bar, hoping to drown his frustration with a

was Maggie doing here

kept his eyes fixed ahead, clearly intent on ignoring Tyler, but at the sight of him, Abner hesitated, slowing