Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 2215

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?”

“Don’t worry, Grandma Edith. Every time you come here, you get upset.”

Edith ran a weary hand over her lap. “Myrna has a red plum blossom birthmark on her inner thigh. I’ve begged so many hospitals to help me search, but not a single lead—not one. Sometimes I’m afraid she’s already gone from this world.”

The attendant opened her mouth to respond, but instead began to gently massage Edith’s back.

Around the corner, Athena froze, her hand covering her mouth. A red plum blossom birthmark on the inner thigh—she actually knew someone who had that exact mark.

She drew a shaky breath and hurried out of the chapel.

At the entrance, she ran into Maggie.

There was no one else around. Maggie dropped all pretense and slapped her—hard.

Athena caught her wrist, arching an eyebrow.

Maggie sneered. “Athena, I hated you back then, and I hate you just as much now. By the way, did you hear about Kerwin’s ashes? His so-called father took them away, but that man wasn’t even his real father. I bought the ashes for two million. Do you know what I did with them? Ever heard the phrase ‘scatter someone’s ashes’?”

Her face twisted with a manic smile. “I mixed those ashes with pig feed. Had them fed to the pigs. Your precious Kerwin is never coming back—never!” Maggie burst into wild, triumphant laughter.