Athena slid into the car behind Tyler, leaning back in the seat—but her thoughts drifted to Marlon’s missing sister. Where had that woman disappeared to? If only she could track her down, maybe she’d have a chance to slip into the Keller family’s inner circle.
Tyler glanced over and saw Athena lost in thought. He pulled her gently into his arms and kissed her cheek.
“Athena, you’ve seemed distracted lately. Is something on your mind?”
“Nothing.” She kept her voice light, but Tyler’s expression darkened. He gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.
“Nothing, or you just don’t want to tell me?” There was a frustrated edge to his voice. “You wanted to come to the party, so I brought you. Whatever you want, I give it to you. Am I just that desperate for you? Can’t you at least smile at me now and then?”
His words were laced with resentment, and his grip tightened.
Athena frowned slightly, knowing she needed to appease him. She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
Tyler wasn’t satisfied with just a fleeting touch. He cupped the back of her head, deepening the kiss until she was breathless.
By the time they finally pulled apart—after a long, heated exchange—Athena was gasping for air.
That night, after they both showered, what happened next felt inevitable. Athena saw no reason to refuse him. Yet, no matter how tender Tyler’s gaze became, she remained unmoved.
He’d lied to her about Marlon; why should she pity him? Besides, did Tyler need anyone’s pity? He always got his way. There’d been plenty of women who shed tears for him before. This was just his comeuppance.
He kept her up the whole night, and by the time Athena woke in the morning, Tyler was already gone. He’d left a note on the nightstand, telling her to rest well.
But Athena wasted no time. She got ready, left the house, and set out to “accidentally” run into Mrs. Keller.
Last night, she’d learned that Grandma Edith had recovered enough to resume her old habits—today, she was visiting a countryside chapel for prayer.
Athena got in her car and followed.
The chapel was perched on a hill outside the city, accessible only by a winding mountain road. Athena took a shortcut and arrived first.
She spent half an hour inside, putting on a show of piety, before finally spotting Maggie, who was supporting an elderly woman as they entered.
Grandma Edith was draped in a luxurious brocade coat, regal and elegant, but there was a heaviness to her demeanor. Only when her eyes fell on the statue above the altar did a glimmer of hope flicker in them.
Athena knelt nearby, drawing a fortune lot. Maggie hadn’t noticed her at first, but when she turned and caught sight of Athena, her eyes grew wide.
“What are you doing here?!”
For a moment, Maggie wondered if Athena had followed them—but from the looks of things, Athena had arrived first.
Athena turned, greeting her with a bright smile. “Maggie! What a coincidence. You’re here to pray, too?”

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The readers' comments on the novel: Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja)
Author, would you story about Ryan settling down and another story on Eric regaining his body and memories back from Patrick, and Eric also settling down as I find it so disheartening for him to have gone through what he went through at the research institute, and I'll like for him to get his "golden boy" life back though, not at the detriment of Ian....
When will the author update to finish Beck's story? What about Dylan and Tyler's love lives? Also, I'll like the author to write on Wilma and Elvis ending up together as she was quite persistent in pursuing him. And Shawn's story, Cornelia Sullivan and Omar Casson. Also, a little write-up on Jeff (Ian's assistant) love life, too. Thanks, author for updating....
When will get update?...
What is wrong that the author has not updated this novel in over a month or is there somewhere else that I can continue reading the novel from chapter 1951 upwards? Do tell, please. Thanks....
Is everything alright with writer?...
Author, why are there no updates after almost 2 weeks? What's going on with the updates,Author? Do update soon....
Will any update make for us?...
Is author ok...
Playing too much with my emotions. It’s been 9 days and no updates. What is going on with Fitch and Zoey?...
Is author playing with our emotions?...