Dear Ex-wife Marry Me by Twin Bridge

Chapter 2208

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.

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

All he wanted was to be selfish for a few more years-keep her by his side for just a while longer. After that, everything he owned would be hers.

Absolutely everything. He'd walk away with nothing, making sure she'd never be burdened by him.

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

These thoughts swirled in Tyler's mind as he stepped into the kitchen. "What kind of soup is it? Smells amazing," he asked, trying to sound casual.

hena, surprised he'd actually come home, ladled some soup into a small bowl and set it beside him.

"Were you out drinking with Bert again?"

Tyler assumed she didn't like Bert much, and quickly shook his head.

"No, I was with someone else," he said. Then, after a beat, added, "No women."

plate for him and serving some rice. The two of them sitting together at the dinner table-it

to say anything to shatter the calm. He quietly sipped his soup, and just as

you want to marry me? You know I'm only

know," he

ters get a prenup Let's

she'd never take a cent from Tyler if they divorced. She just didn't want him to worry about it she

at his bowl, silent and lost in

assumed his quiet

asked, "If I died tomorrow, would you be

procedure like that was a miracle. And with the way Tyler drank and stayed up

s

CUMS

was squandering a life others would

back, yet he didn't seem to value

answer, but when he saw her frown and purse her lips, he realized just

and he fell silent,

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

struck him-he'd never dried a

a while, then seemed to realize she'd

side by side in bed, 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

over, facing

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

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

couldn't wait another

three months down the line. She hadn't expected him to be

or lose interest in finding out what really happened to

As soon as dawn broke, he was up, pulling on a

"Getting married today."

was obvious-Bert called

not joking, right? You're actually doing

march headlong


and the others. Silence at first, then

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

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

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

He tagged several people just to make sure it was real. But once Tyler showed off the official

"The bride's really unlucky."

fight back. He decided to

their circle. Ian came with Maja,

Tyler's surprise, Dylan was 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 then Dylan, as stoio

Chapter 2201

emotion, but

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

just an unspoken understanding

wound down, Carol reached for Athena's hand

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

when someone's being genuine their eyes give it

loved her work. She remembered every

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

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

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

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

her eyes crinkling with genuine

women stood together, chatting and laughing, Tyler slipped away to

came back out, he caught a glimpse

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

eager to get to their wives, shot him a puzzled

hesitated, and said quietly, almost to himself, "Let her enjoy

like that when she

his tracks, memories of his own past with Maja flickering through his mind. Love was

all head back to your place tonight? It's been ages

visibly relaxed. "Yeah, let's do

ahead to make

lan alone

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

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

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

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

a dry laugh. "Whipped, are

any better. I hear you 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 you have a target to aim for. Look at me

make things better anymore. We're like

was singing his praises, calling his latest projecthe industry's next big thing. But who would've

fell silent. Ian had hit a

piled into their cars, heading to

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

show you worked on, the director and the producer got together. Weren't they both

were open-minded, but flaunting something like that publicly was still

deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when she was alone. It was as if she might vanish at any

understood it until he learned what

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

liked her at first was because she seemed so distant, so empty of the warmth and vitality

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

seated with Carol on her

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

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

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 just

suddenly grabbed

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

idea Athena and Tyler's marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement. In her mind, she was

fell silent for a long moment, then finally asked, "But what if

If they found out the marriage was just a calculated deal,

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

excuse to

and Maja just paused before responding. "Isn't that even better?" Carol said. "At least you won't

finished with a dramatic roll of her

help but laugh, catching Maja nodding in emphatic agreement out of the

chest-so this

everyone finally left, it was already one in the

Standing

Maja get ready to leave and out of nowhere a wave

the door, Athena

since she'd felt this way about anyone

turned

to come hang out with me and Carol,

it took her a second to respond. Eventually,

quiet again, she

really

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 was a nobody, barely even worth

had treated her with genuine kindness, not the forced

to care at all about her

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

years and never once had she seen

Who would pay five million dollars for

behind her and lift the weight

find Adam's mother

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

found them. Tomorrow, you can come with me

for years, but she'd never

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

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

was, but now that she was working with him,

Tyler did as promised he took her to

after the child was rescued, both he and his mother disappeared, and Kerwin was

had witnessed things like this before; she knew how dark and complicated people could be. She'd always


heart was pounding the whole

promise. He had no obvious flaws, got

research, developing new

imports anymore.

fo .net

the young could

about to start working under a leading expert,

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

end of a narrow alley. She followed Tyler

she finally saw the

a deep worry etched there too-no doubt for her younger

lease on life She'd thrown herself into one scheme after another spent money recklessly and now that the cash had run out, her

to the son she'd

Chapter 2204

the hell

with fear, beads of sweat dotting

walked over slowly, stopping just beside her. She pulled

you remember this

the instant she saw

swear I don't! Let me

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 hand when Tyler stepped in, blocking

what are you

side of her before. He knew her as gentle, tough, reserved, unwavering-but the cold fury

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

now.

There was nothing

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

hand and slammed


and heartbreak, the bitterness nearly choking him. He wanted to storm out, but he didn't. Instead,

sue you! All of you! I'm calling

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

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

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

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

he hadn't played along, Kerwin would

seven years old, and

the floor with a thud

the photo again, thrusting it in front of him.

expression contorted the boy's features, his eyes

not like I wanted him dead. He just sucked at swimming Why did I survive, huh? Maybe

.net


seriousness of the situation. He turned to his

hold of my brother? Is

whole family-leeches, every last one of

Kerwin have died because of people

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

grasp and set it aside.

is, Athena. The moment anything involves Kerwin,

breath, and spoke to his bodyguards. "Take

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

to hear the truth about Listina with her own ears, to finally

expression darkened.

"Tyler!" she protested.

grabbed her by the arms and marched her back to

him to the hospital. The stab wound in his shoulder

someone approached

confirmed it. The one who ordered the hit was the

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

to Marlon Keller. Two years ago, Marlon

was no easy feat. Revenge

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


scanning through the files in his hands. Marlon Keller was reckless and ruthless, and anyone who'd crossed him had paid dearly. He

Any one of these people could snuff her out with a

man beside Tyler

this won't be

well enough. Even with help from lan and Fitch Haskins, this

was his own mess-why drag

things further,

were close friends, thot

famintertwined for years, ele

Everyone r

the same

was ready to head back to

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


knew she'd been

out? Who was behind it

as she strode right up

already dug up the truth, didn't

deal they'd made when they got

gently pushed her hand away. "You've been on edge for days. You

didn't answer, but

that

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

sure she doesn't leave this

want her running off and causing

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

doing

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

to a private booth.

air of haughty confidence, but she couldn't quite disguise how much

all, it was Abner who'd ruthlessly purged the Olson family years ago, crushing dissent with an iron fist. There were rumors about his shady dealings behind closed doors, and

her hands pressed against her knees. When Abner finally

wedding planning

Just the mention of Marlon made her

to see him at the Kellers' estate, she'd walked in on him punishing someone. Blood was splattered across the floor, but nobody in the

been brave-she'd fainted right there on the spot. When she woke up,


That bastard Marlon!

did like him—otherwise, she never would have betrayed her own family and told him about

family, Maggie was nothing more than a pawn. She'd survived only by clinging to Abner's protection, and she was sick of

kill her outright, not with

Mrs. Keller, she could finally hold her head

frowned when Maggie

trembling, "It's in two months.

He simply didn't like Maggie-she acted timid, but she was always scheming behind the scenes Honestly, it was probably best if she left the son

gaze, losing

sat silently, staring into his glass. He'd shared plenty of dinners with Abner over the years,

out of the house?"

Maggie made up

her expression twisted into something

number. Elsa picked up

school. Back then, Kerwin was the golden boy everyone's favorite, the one who seemed untouchable. But Kerwin only ever had eyes for Athena. The jealousy burned in Maggie, and when she met the Kellers and noticed how much Kerwin resembled their family, she hadn't hesitated to spill the

then that wretched Athena certainly didn't deserve him

in Greenfield now. Want to

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