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.

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

he wanted was to be selfish for a few more years-keep her by his

He'd walk away with nothing, making sure she'd never

If something happened to him, it

he stepped into the kitchen. "What

ladled some soup into a small bowl and

you out drinking with Bert

like Bert much, and

he said. Then,

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

He quietly sipped his soup, and just as he

You know I'm only doing this

know," he replied

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 and what you've saved over the

Tyler if they divorced. She just didn't want

his bowl,

time, Athena assumed his quiet meant he agreed. But

"If I died tomorrow, would you be even a little

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

s

CUMS

liked his reckless lifestyle-it felt like he was

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

answer, but when he saw her frown and purse her lips, he realized just how hard this question was

in his chest, and he fell

he 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 dry her

flash of inspiration struck him-he'd never dried

she'd never laughed so freely

Tyler kept thinking about her smile. He tossed

his usual crew, asking if he wanted to go out for drinks. Tyler ignored them. All he could think about was that Athena had agreed to marry him-did that mean they

rolled over, facing

awake, her mind caught on the idea of marriage—especially since

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

couldn't wait

thing would be at least three months down the line. She hadn't expected him to be so eager. For a moment, she didn't

might change her mind, decide she didn't want to get married after all, or lose interest in

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

"Getting married today."

value was obvious-Bert

right? You're actually doing it? Athena

Tyler march headlong into disaster-worse, he was going


in his group chat with lan and the others. Silence at

five reaction gifs in a row,

finally offered up some congratulations. Tyler, feeling more than

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

Tyler manage to get married? He tagged several people just to

"The bride's really unlucky."

to fight back. He

friends from their circle. Ian came with Maja, having left their kid at home. Abner Olson was there, along with Fitch and

Maja and had brought along a sweet-looking girl who barely looked up from her food, except to bear shyly at Dylan now and then Dylan, as stoio as ever just

Chapter 2201

but

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 opened

just an unspoken understanding

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

only appear for a few episodes? I remember thinking she shouldn't have been killed

always tell when someone's being

work.

kiss Tyler Bennitt, she'd cut off all contact. It still stung; she knew things could never go back to how they

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

my contract, so

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

laughed, her eyes

and laughing, Tyler slipped away to pay the

he came back out, he caught a glimpse

were waiting for him outside. Tyler paused, not

wives,

almost to himself,

smiled like that

flickering through his mind. Love was always the thing that hurt

a look with Felix and suggested, "Why don't we all head back to your

"Yeah, let's

ahead

left Felix and lan

"Honestly, I never thought he'd

you'd drop to your knees the moment you met

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

can I say? Maja's not exactly your biggest fan. If I'm too nice to you, I'll be sleeping

a dry

out what Carol likes and buying her gifts, just to sta on her

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

riding high at work 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

fell silent. Ian had hit

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

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

heard on that show you worked on, the

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

noticed it a long time ago-Athena always seemed wrapped in a deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when

until he learned what happened with

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

because she seemed so distant, so empty of the warmth and vitality that drew him to

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

found herself seated with Carol on her

when Maja and lan's scandal blew up, it was all anyone talked about-impossible not to know

her today, she realized there was a quiet gentleness about her, a core

to interrupt, and every so often,

grabbed

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

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

finally asked, "But what

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

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

Kerwin's situation was resolved, she'd find some excuse to divorce Tyler,

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

a dramatic

in

Athena's chest-so this is what having

it was already one in

Standing

and out of nowhere a wave of reluctant

the door, Athena

been years since she'd felt this way about anyone or

then suddenly turned around

forget to come hang out with me

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

house was quiet again,

friends are really nice,"

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. In their world, she

treated her with genuine kindness, not the

seem to care

herself envious of Tyler. She opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of it and fell

She never imagined there was this whole other story

known Kerwin for years and never once had she seen his parents

dollars for someone to take

put this whole ordeal behind her and lift

you find

wanted him to pay for his little brother's treatment,

can come

years, but

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 had walked

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

now that she was working with him, she knew she'd see more sides

Tyler did as promised he took her to see

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 emergency care. The scene had been

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


heart was pounding

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

say he'd spend his life studying, doing research, developing new soybean technology so the country wouldn't

imports anymore.

fo .net

grand ambition only the young could

start working under

throb. Anyone would have trouble forgetting someone like him ust thinking back

the end of a narrow

finally saw the woman

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

dollars had given her a whole new lease on life She'd thrown herself into one scheme after another spent money recklessly and now that the cash had run

the son

Chapter 2204

the hell

with fear, beads of sweat dotting

stopping just beside her. She pulled a photo from her pocket-it

you remember

the instant she saw the

swear I don't! Let me

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

are you

no 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 eyes

the woman's fingers would probably be

now.

was nothing

barely contained his anger. "Let them handle the interrogation. All you need to do

hand and slammed her foot


was torn between frustration and heartbreak, the bitterness nearly choking him. He wanted to storm out, but he didn't. Instead, he dropped heavily into a nearby chair, watching Athena-no,

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

crouched down, her voice cold and steady. "Who paid you to hire a hitman

at her with pure hatred, as if she might lunge at Athena if given

gaze shifted to the boy lying on the bed. She strode over and, without hesitation, shoved

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

played along, Kerwin would never

old, and

floor with a thud

the photo again, thrusting it in

the boy's features, his eyes

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

.net


grasp the seriousness of the situation.

my brother?

that was it. The whole family-leeches, every

could Kerwin have died because of people like

it down on the boy, when

and

The moment anything involves Kerwin, you lose all sense and forget about everything

from his shoulder, drew in a shaky breath, and spoke to his bodyguards. "Take her home first.

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

ears, to finally know which member

expression darkened. "Take her

"Tyler!" she protested.

didn't have a chance to struggle. Two guards grabbed her by

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

someone

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

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

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

easy feat.

for generations. Even Tyler had to think twice before making a move against


rubbed his brow, scanning through the files in his hands. Marlon Keller was reckless and ruthless, and anyone who'd crossed him had paid dearly. He was newly engaged to Maggie Olson, cousin to Abner Olson-a woman with an elite

Any one

beside Tyler

won't

Even with help from lan and Fitch Haskins, this would push

his own mess-why drag his friends into

things further, Maja

were close friends, thot

famintertwined for years, ele

Everyone r

the same

wound was stitched up, Tyler was ready to

saw Athena's anxious face,


knew she'd been

did you find out? Who was behind it

she strode

truth, didn't they? Who was it? Just tell

deal they'd

hand away. "You've been on edge

didn't answer, but

that TylerChapter

Tyler thought about it, the angrier he became. He strode toward the door,

sure she doesn't

her running off

hoping to drown his frustration with a few drinks-and, as luck would have it, that's where he ran

Maggie doing here

intent on ignoring Tyler, but at

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255