Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 2161

Tyler took a deep breath and fired off his reply to Ian.

“Really? All these years and you still haven’t bothered to save my number with my name?”

Ian, of course, knew it was Tyler messaging him. But Tyler’s sudden outburst—was it really because of a woman?

“Relationships? Please. Even a dog wouldn’t stoop that low. If you ever start dating, you better get ready to bark in front of us.”

Back in the day, Tyler had always been the one watching the drama unfold, especially between Ian and Maja. He’d tease Ian mercilessly, calling him “little Dave”—a running joke among their group.

No way was Tyler going to let Ian have the last laugh now.

“Relax. I wouldn’t get into a relationship if you paid me.”

But as he hit send, a pang of discomfort twisted in his chest.

Athena hadn’t even called him tonight. Not a single message.

Heartless. Cold.

She sure didn’t act like a woman with feelings for him.

Annoyed, Tyler tapped back into his messages with Athena. After a moment’s hesitation, he typed out a single line:

“Come pick me up.”

He tossed his phone aside as soon as he sent it.

Bert clapped him on the shoulder. “What’s up, man? You calling someone to pick you up?”

“Yeah, got Athena coming.”

“This late? She’s actually coming? Didn’t you two have a fight earlier at the house?”

Tyler smirked, a little smug. “Don’t forget, she’s into me. She’d come running if I snapped my fingers.”

Bert just rolled his eyes, silently hoping some woman would come along and put Tyler in his place for once.

Sure enough, Athena showed up.

The moment she stepped into the lounge, a few voices piped up with snide remarks.

“Knew you’d show up. Loyal as a puppy, aren’t you?”

“Where’s your self-respect? Chasing after a guy like that?”

“Guess Tyler’s just that irresistible.”

Tyler was slumped over the table, clearly wasted.

Athena ignored the taunts, quietly making her way to his side to help him up.

Tyler shoved her away, putting on a show for the crowd. “Why are you here? I texted someone else—they’ll be here any minute to get me.”

Tyler scowled. “Enough. Shut up, all of you.”

He leaned into Athena, finally letting his anger go. “Let’s go home.”

Athena guided him out to the front doors.

She’d had a drink too, so she called for a driver.

Once they were in the car, Tyler sobered up a little. He grabbed her hand, pulling her close.

“Are you okay? That was strong stuff—I was just messing around.”

Athena just gave a small shrug. She could hold her liquor; years in show business had given her a cast-iron stomach.

“What about you? You drank plenty yourself tonight.”

Tyler felt an unexpected swell of emotion. If she was willing to lower herself like this, maybe she really did like him.

“Athena, maybe we should…”

Try dating? He’d never been in a real relationship before.

But before he could finish, the driver arrived. Tyler snapped his mouth shut, suddenly anxious, heart pounding.

Must’ve been the booze. What else could explain thoughts like that?