Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 2202

He’d noticed it a long time ago—Athena always seemed wrapped in a deep, impenetrable loneliness, especially when she was alone. It was as if she might vanish at any moment, dissolving into thin air.

Tyler never really understood it until he learned what happened with Kerwin.

He hated to admit it, but he could 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 than a living person.

Truth be told, the reason Tyler hadn’t liked her at first was because she seemed so distant, so empty of the warmth and vitality that drew him to other people.

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

Once everyone was inside, Athena found herself seated with Carol on her left and Maja on her right.

She actually recognized Maja. Back when Maja and Ian’s scandal blew up, it was all anyone talked about—impossible not to know her.

Athena had always 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 ran deep.

The three of them 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 knew to give the women their space.

Carol suddenly grabbed Athena’s hand.

“Athena, you should come out with us more often. Don’t spend all your time with men. With men, the more you settle, the more they take it for granted.”

Carol had no idea Athena and Tyler’s marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement. In her mind, she was earnestly teaching Athena how to ‘train’ a husband.

Athena fell silent for a long moment, then finally asked, “But what if I’m only using him?”

Both women were Tyler’s friends. If they found out the marriage was just a calculated deal, wouldn’t they hate her?

For a moment, Athena felt dizzy with warmth, thinking how nice it was to have friends. But as soon as she calmed down, she reminded herself—they came from different worlds.

Once Kerwin’s situation was resolved, she’d find some excuse to divorce Tyler, leave Greenfield, and disappear forever.

But Carol and Maja just paused 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 jerk.”

She finished with a dramatic roll of her eyes.

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