Athena froze for a moment, then broke into a genuine smile.
"Oh, I see," she said, leaning back with a mix of confusion and a touch of genuine happiness on her face.
Marlon had been teasing her intentionally. After all, Athena had embarrassed him before, and he couldn't just let it slide. He wasn't Marlon if he didn't get back at her.
Back at the abandoned factory, her sticky-sweet voice calling him "brother" was like a spell, haunting his dreams. And those eyes, when she tried to wrap her legs around him, pretending to be seductive, were like a mischievous fox's gaze in the woods.
But now, she looked so innocent and clueless, like a rabbit that had wandered into a trap.
Initially, Marlon just wanted to mess around, but now he was getting a bit excited.
Murphy pulled the curtains shut and glanced at his wrist. "I gotta run. Next time we grab dinner, just give me a call."
They'd known each other for years, good friends through and through.
Marlon nodded and playfully pinched Athena's cheek. Her skin was smooth with a bit of softness, like a grumpy little hamster.
Once they were alone, Athena looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. "What are you doing?"
Marlon applied a bit more pressure, coaxing her, "Come on, say 'brother' for me like you did in Listina."
Just like that day, with that sweet, teasing tone.
Athena furrowed her brow, as if trying to remember. After a few minutes of failing to recall, she asked, "Do I usually call you that?"
Marlon patted her cheek, enjoying the feel of it. "Yep."
"That's so cheesy."
Despite saying that, she obediently called out, "Brother."
This time, though, her tone was different. It wasn't like the voice that melted his heart that day; now it made him want to protect her.
Marlon withdrew his hand, puzzled by the strange feeling inside him.
As he was about to say something else, Athena suddenly leaned over and kissed him on the lips.
Marlon's expression changed instantly. He let go and took a step back.
Teasing was one thing, but they were still family, and this was crossing a line.
His reaction was so obvious that Athena frowned and asked, "Did we break up or something? Why else would you react like that?"



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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?...