She couldn't believe she did that to herself.
"Does Tyler know?" Marlon asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"He doesn't need to know," Athena replied, her voice steady, yet distant.
Marlon chuckled, still hovering over her. He leaned down and playfully nipped at her neck. "Well, that's convenient. I never was much of a fan of kids anyway. Now I have all sorts of ways to have fun without worrying about you getting pregnant."
He didn’t notice that his voice quivered slightly as he said it. With a cold demeanor, he pushed her away and buckled his belt, falling silent.
Athena felt weak all over, quietly tending to herself. The atmosphere in the cabin was tense, and no one dared to speak.
The boat was set to dock in three hours, and crossing the border was no easy feat, especially with the notorious security at Windhelm.
They came upon another mountain, where they'd rest at a small house nestled at its base for the night.
Athena was unceremoniously dumped into a wooden tub. Marlon gave her a cursory wash before pulling her out and continuing his business at the tub's edge.
Their room was separate from the others, a precaution for Marlon's escape if things went south. A hidden tunnel awaited him beneath the floorboards.
Athena's forehead was slick with sweat from the pain, while Marlon seemed elated. His bites and kisses left no part of her unblemished, yet her eyes remained cold, like a block of ice that refused to melt.
Afterwards, Marlon shoved her aside with such force that she hit the floor. He lounged against the bed, toying with something in his hands without bothering to close his robe.
Athena recognized it immediately—a whistle from her childhood, crafted by Kerwin. It had once hung around her neck, a token of his promise. "If anyone bullies you, just blow this whistle, and I'll come running," he used to say.
Athena trembled, resisting the urge to remember Kerwin's kindness. The thought was unbearable; he was too good to have died, especially in such a senseless way.
Her mind was a whirlwind, eyes fixed on the whistle, lips pressed tightly as if to contain her emotions.


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Comments
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?...