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."

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

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

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

know," he

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 years-keep itfair. No one takes advantage of the

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

bowl,

long time, Athena assumed his quiet meant he

looked up and asked, "If I died tomorrow, would you be

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

s

CUMS

he was squandering a life

he didn't seem to value the time he'd been

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

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

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

sudden flash of inspiration struck him-he'd

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

Tyler kept thinking about her smile. He tossed and turned,

drinks. Tyler ignored them. All he could think about was that Athena had agreed to marry him-did that mean they could get

over, facing

still awake, her mind caught on the idea of marriage—especially since the groom was Tyler, something she'd never imagined for

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

wait another

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

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

soon as dawn broke, he was up, pulling on

"Getting married today."

was obvious-Bert

actually doing it? Athena said yes?"

as if watching Tyler march headlong into disaster-worse, he


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

the most dramatic. He sent five reaction gifs in a

some congratulations. Tyler, feeling more than satisfied, picked Athena

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

Tyler manage to get married? He tagged several people just to make sure it was real. But once

"The bride's really unlucky."

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

the restaurant, a good crowd showed up-old friends from their circle. Ian came with Maja, having left their kid at home.

her food, except

Chapter 2201

overwhelmed with emotion, but for a moment,

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 up to Carol. Carol shot Maja a

there's just an unspoken understanding between

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

in that last show you did—why did your character only appear for a few episodes? I remember thinking she shouldn't have been

can always tell when someone's being genuine their

her work. She remembered

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 never go

now, with Carol reaching out, she felt a

"My agency froze my contract, so I

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

laughed, her eyes crinkling with genuine

laughing,

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

him outside. Tyler paused, not moving toward them

to get to their wives, shot him

cigarette, hesitated, and said quietly, almost to

smiled like that when she

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

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

relaxed. "Yeah, let's

ahead to make

left Felix and lan alone for

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

and who would've guessed you'd drop

"Do you have to take a jab at me every single time we

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

a dry laugh. "Whipped, are

better. I hear you spend half your life trying to figure out what Carol likes and buying her gifts, just to sta on

so used to each other, I don't even know how to make things better anymore. We're like an old married couple, all that's left is the

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 the same man, a powerhouse in the boardroom, would be so cautious and

fell silent. Ian

making arrangements, and everyone piled into

backseat. Carol's outgoing nature shone through as she immediately started quizzing Athena about every bit of juicy gossip she

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

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

seemed wrapped in a deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when she was alone. It was as if she might vanish at any moment,

never really understood it until he learned what

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 than

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

more he found himself caring about what she thought and

was inside, Athena found herself seated with Carol on her

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

even a little cold, but after meeting her today,

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

grabbed

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

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

moment, then finally asked, "But what if I'm

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

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

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

a dramatic roll of

nodding in emphatic agreement out

Athena's chest-so this

left, it

Standing

Carol and Maja get ready to leave and out of nowhere a

the door, Athena

since she'd felt this way about anyone or

suddenly turned around and

forget to come hang

and it took her a second to

quiet again, she turned

friends are really nice," she

minor actress, and alt of them were so accomplished men and women alike.

had treated her with genuine kindness, not the forced politeness

seem to care at all about

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

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

known Kerwin for years and never once had

pay five million dollars for someone

this whole ordeal behind her and

did you find Adam's

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

you can come with me to

had known Tyler for years, but she'd never seen him so

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 Bennitt family had crossed Maja, and Tyler had walked away on

was distant with his family, seemed indifferent toward

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

next day, Tyler did as promised he took her to see the

his mother disappeared, and Kerwin was

complicated people could be.


heart was pounding the whole

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

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

imports anymore.

fo .net

only the

about to start working under a leading expert,

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

end of a narrow alley. She followed Tyler

end, she finally saw the woman

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

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

to the son

Chapter 2204

the hell are you

voice trembled with fear, beads of sweat

just beside her. She pulled a photo from her

remember

face drained of color the instant she saw the picture.

I swear I don't! Let

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 into the woman's hand when Tyler stepped in, blocking

are

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

the woman's

now.

There was nothing Athena wouldn't

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

shook off his hand and


heartbreak, the bitterness nearly choking him. He wanted to storm out, but he didn't. Instead, he dropped heavily into a nearby

you! All of you! I'm calling

voice cold and steady. "Who paid you to hire

lunge at Athena if given the chance. But the two bodyguards had her pinned to the floor,

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

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

along, Kerwin would

years old, and already a

floor with a thud

thrusting it in

contorted the boy's features,

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

.net


grasp the seriousness of the

get hold of my brother? Is he gonna pay up

whole family-leeches, every

have died because of

to bring it down on the

her grasp and

involves Kerwin, you lose all sense and forget

from his shoulder, drew in a shaky breath, and spoke to his bodyguards. "Take her home first. Let the others handle what's

twisted into a grotesque grin, her lips

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

darkened.

"Tyler!" she protested.

struggle. Two guards grabbed her by the arms and

to the hospital. The stab wound in his shoulder hadn't

he waited, someone

The one who ordered the hit was the Keller family's second

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 never return to the Keller family, he

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

easy feat. Revenge

Tyler had to think twice before making a move against


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

her depth. Any

beside Tyler

this won't be

Even with help from lan and

own mess-why drag

complicate things further, Maja

were close friends, thot

famintertwined for years, ele

Everyone r

the same

stitched up, Tyler was ready to head back

saw Athena's anxious face,


she'd been reckless

did you find out? Who was behind it back

silent as she strode right

up the truth, didn't they? Who was it? Just

the deal they'd made when

"You've been on

didn't answer,

screamed that TylerChapter

it, the angrier he became. He strode toward the door, pausing only to

doesn't leave this

off and causing

sure where he wanted to go. Eventually, his feet carried him to a bar, hoping to drown his frustration with a few drinks-and, as luck would have it, that's where

was Maggie doing here

side was Abner. Abner kept his eyes fixed ahead, clearly intent on ignoring Tyler,

for a distraction, pushed open the door to a private booth. "Care to join me for a

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

ruthlessly purged the Olson family years ago, crushing dissent with an iron fist. There were rumors about his shady dealings behind closed doors, and most of those who had dared to

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

how's the wedding planning with Marlon coming

clenched tightly in her lap. Just the mention of Marlon

someone. Blood was splattered across the floor, but nobody in the room seemed to care. They'd clearly seen

spot. When she woke up, she'd been dumped at the Olson


That bastard Marlon!

she never would have betrayed her own family and told him

survived only by clinging to Abner's protection, and she was sick of it. SureMarlon was cold and ruthless but once she became his wife, he'd be obliged to

couldn't just kill her outright, not with the Olson name

she could

Maggie didn't

voice trembling, "It's in two months. Everything's ready, cousin, you

Abner was worried. He simply didn't like Maggie-she acted timid, but she was always scheming

his gaze, losing

He'd shared plenty of dinners with Abner

Newlyweds already kicked out of the

Maggie made up an

her

number. Elsa picked up on

everyone's favorite, the one who seemed untouchable. But Kerwin only ever had eyes for Athena. The jealousy burned in Maggie, and when

that wretched

now. Want

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