Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 2228

On the other side of town, Athena had been staying at the villa with Anna, keeping a low profile rather than rushing out to meet Lindsay. She was perfectly content to spend these quiet days with Tyler, the two of them creating a little world of their own behind closed doors.

To Tyler, it all felt a bit surreal, as if this peaceful happiness might vanish at any moment—like a beautiful reflection on water, impossible to hold onto for long.

But Athena showed no sign of impatience. She figured the results of the Keller family’s paternity test must be due soon, and when that happened, it would be their turn to worry, not hers. Sooner or later, the Kellers would come knocking, eager for her to pay them a visit.

And sure enough, it wasn’t long before the Kellers arrived in person to pick her up. They claimed it was to discuss the wedding, and insisted Maggie apologize to her face.

Tyler wanted to go with her, but Athena stopped him at the door.

“Stay home,” she told him gently. “I’ll be back soon.”

“No way. What if they try to push you around?” Tyler grabbed her hand, unwilling to compromise. “You’re not going without me.”

Athena could only sigh and give in.

When they arrived at the Kellers’ estate, Maggie was already there. She looked a mess, clearly having spent a sleepless night. She hadn’t dared to read the endless messages flooding her phone—she was certain she’d become the butt of everyone’s jokes, and she was right. Those so-called best friends of hers had all sent “concerned” texts, but it was obvious they just wanted gossip.

The fiasco at the wedding had become the talk of the town, fodder for everyone’s idle chatter.

Maggie seethed with humiliation and rage. How had things gotten this bad?

When Athena and Tyler walked in, Maggie glared at them with open hostility. Athena, as if genuinely frightened, hesitated and instinctively moved behind Tyler for cover.

Tyler was reminded of the odd way Athena had acted at Maggie’s birthday party months ago. Maggie had introduced Athena as a former classmate, and he hadn’t thought much of it, even when Athena ended up with a drink spilled down her dress. Now it was clear—Athena would never have picked a fight herself. Maggie must have been the one hounding her all along.

The living room was crowded. Athena spotted Marlon, sitting alone in an armchair, fiddling absently with his lighter. He was still in the dark about Grandma Edith’s real intentions and the so-called paternity test; only Lucien had been told the whole story. Lucien was present too, but as always, he seemed almost invisible—his work in intelligence kept him away from home so often that even coming back required special clearance. After his wife died, he’d grown even more distant.

A tense silence settled over the room. Athena glanced at Maggie but quickly looked away. Maggie, for her part, couldn’t sit still, uncertain why she’d even been summoned.

Grandma Edith broke the silence first. “Maggie, we’ve already looked into what happened in high school. It’s time for you to apologize to Athena.”

Maggie stared at her in disbelief. Apologize to this little nobody? Why should she? She’d always believed Athena was beneath her, someone she could torment at will. Now she was supposed to grovel? The thought made her sick.

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