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."

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

didn't want to say anything to shatter the calm. He quietly sipped his soup, and just as

know I'm only doing this to get to the bottom of

know," he

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

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

stared down at his bowl, silent and lost

a long time, Athena assumed his quiet meant he agreed. But then,

"If I died tomorrow, would

Realistically, surviving ten years after a procedure like that was a miracle.

s

CUMS

felt like he was squandering a life others would give anything to

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

when he saw her frown and purse her

and he fell silent, sipping the

night, he expected Athena would want to sleep in a separate room. But after his shower, he walked into his bedroom

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

then seemed to realize she'd never laughed so freely in front

they lay side by side in bed, Tyler kept thinking about her

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

rolled over,

the idea of marriage—especially since the

marry me, why don't we go

wait

had assumed this whole marriage thing would be at least three months down the line. She hadn't expected him

washed over Tyler. He'd been 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 to Kerwin. If

broke, he was

"Getting married today."

was obvious-Bert called

not joking, right? You're actually doing it?

speechless, as if watching Tyler march headlong into


in his group chat with lan and

five reaction gifs in

Tyler, feeling more

took less than ten minutes. He snapped a picture of their marriage certificate, posted it on Facebook, and sent

believe it. How on earth did someone like Tyler manage to get married? He tagged several people just to make sure it was real. But once Tyler showed off the official certificate, Beck fell silent, leaving only one

"The bride's really unlucky."

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

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

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 handed her a

Chapter 2201

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

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 up to Carol. Carol shot Maja

an unspoken

wound down, Carol reached for Athena's hand before

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

tell when someone's being

truly loved her work. She remembered every

off all contact. It still stung; she knew things

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

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

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

eyes

laughing, Tyler

glimpse

Raymond and Felix Brown were waiting for him outside.

their wives,

to himself, "Let

like that when she was

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

suggested, "Why don't we all head back to your place tonight? It's been ages since we've all hung out together.

visibly relaxed. "Yeah,

hurried ahead

left Felix and lan

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

waved Maja over. "Yeah, and who would've guessed you'd drop to your

"Do you have to take a jab at

your biggest fan. If I'm too nice

out a dry laugh.

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

I don't even know how to make things better anymore. We're like an old married

latest projecthe industry's next big thing. But who would've guessed that the same man, a powerhouse

fell silent. Ian had hit a

making arrangements, and everyone piled into their

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

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

flaunting something like that publicly was still taboo.Chapter

ago-Athena always seemed wrapped in a deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when she was alone.

never really understood it until

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

the reason Tyler hadn't liked her at first was because she seemed so distant,

paid attention, the more he found

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

blew up, it was all anyone talked about-impossible

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

together. The men stayed out in the garden, not coming in to interrupt, and every

grabbed Athena's

time with men. With

no idea Athena and Tyler's marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement. In her mind, she was earnestly teaching

then finally asked, "But what if

Tyler's friends. If they found out the

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

excuse to divorce Tyler, leave Greenfield,

before responding. "Isn't that even better?" Carol said. "At least you won't get hurt. When I heard you were marrying him, I was honestly worried. Everyone knows he's a

finished with a dramatic roll

nodding in emphatic agreement out of

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

the time everyone finally left, it was already

Standing

ready to leave and out of nowhere a wave of reluctant sadness

the door, Athena

been years since she'd felt this

then suddenly turned around and pulled Athena into

come hang out with

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

was quiet again, she

really

just a minor actress, and alt of them were so accomplished men and women alike. In their world, she was a nobody,

genuine kindness, not the

didn't seem to care

herself envious of Tyler. She opened her mouth to

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

never once had she seen

five million dollars for someone to

behind her

did you find

treatment, but he'd refused, so that woman was bound to show

them. Tomorrow, you can

known Tyler for years, but she'd never seen

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 Bennitt family had crossed Maja, and Tyler had

was distant with his family, seemed indifferent toward romance,

wanted to know what kind of person Tyler was, but now that she was working with him, she

promised

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 pure chaos, and only later did anyone realize that mother and son had vanished without

and complicated people could be. She'd always thought Kerwin had just been


pounding the

died at the height of his youth, full of promise. He had no obvious

studying, doing research, developing new soybean

imports anymore.

fo .net

kind of grand ambition only the young could say

start working

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

at the 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

million dollars had given her a whole new lease on life She'd thrown herself into one scheme

to the

Chapter 2204

the hell

trembled with fear, beads

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

you remember this

color the instant she saw the picture. Clearly, she

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

when it came to getting answers. She was just about to

what are you

He knew her as gentle, tough, reserved, unwavering-but the cold fury that flashed

the woman's fingers would probably be shattered

now.

Kerwin. There was nothing

and he barely contained his anger. "Let

hand and slammed her foot down


wanted to storm out, but he didn't. Instead, he dropped heavily

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

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

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

the bed. She strode over and, without

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

along, Kerwin

old, and

boy hit the floor with a thud and snapped awake,

it in front of him. "Do you remember this

contorted the boy's features,

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

.net


still didn't grasp the seriousness of the situation. He turned to his

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

that was it. The whole

felt a chill run through her. How could Kerwin have died because

down on the boy, when

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

how it is, Athena. The moment anything involves Kerwin, you lose all sense and forget about

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

face was twisted into a grotesque grin,

the truth about Listina with her own ears, to finally know which member

darkened. "Take

"Tyler!" she protested.

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

hospital. The stab wound in his shoulder hadn't

waited, someone

confirmed it. The one who ordered the hit was

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.

Keller family belonged to Marlon Keller. Two years ago, Marlon had shifted the family's focus back home, building up a shipping empire and forging strong ties with the

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

had


Keller was reckless and ruthless, and anyone who'd crossed him had paid dearly. He was newly engaged to Maggie Olson, cousin to

on, she was out of her depth. Any one of these people could snuff her out with a flick of their

man beside Tyler

this won't be

enough. Even with help from lan and Fitch

his own mess-why drag his friends

complicate things further, Maja

were close friends, thot

famintertwined for years, ele

Everyone r

the

his wound was stitched up, Tyler was ready to head back

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


she'd been

Who was behind it

silent as she strode right up to

didn't they?

they'd made when they

hand away. "You've been on edge for days. You should get some

didn't answer, but

that TylerChapter

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

sure she doesn't leave

running off and causing

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

Maggie doing

clearly intent on

desperate for a distraction, pushed open the door to

right in. Maggie followed quickly, trying to maintain her air of haughty confidence, but she couldn't quite disguise how

years ago, crushing dissent with an iron fist. There were rumors about his shady dealings behind closed doors,

the couch, her hands pressed against her knees. When Abner finally spoke, his tone was

wedding planning with Marlon

hands clenched tightly in her lap. Just the mention of

time she'd gone to see him at the Kellers' estate, she'd walked in on him punishing someone. Blood was splattered across

woke up, she'd been dumped at the Olson family's front door


That bastard Marlon!

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

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

kill her outright, not with

Keller, she could finally

Maggie didn't answer right

her voice trembling, "It's in two

timid, but she was always scheming behind the scenes Honestly, it was probably best if she left the son family

losing interest in the

He'd shared plenty of dinners with Abner over

wrong? Newlyweds already kicked out of

made up

turned the corner, her expression twisted

dialed a number. Elsa picked up on the

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

that wretched Athena

now. Want to

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