Dear Ex-wife Marry Me

Athena's eyes lit up as she quickly followed Tyler, hopping into the car. The vehicle eventually pulled up at a hotel. Tyler popped a couple of hangover pills, and glanced over at Athena, who was sitting timidly by the window. A pang of reluctance shot through him.

Athena wasn't one of those glamorous, high-maintenance types; she looked sweet and innocent, like the classic good girl who followed the rules. After spending so much time with bold, fiery women, someone like her was a refreshing change.

If he had to guess, someone would definitely be interested in Athena tonight. But would he really hand her over when the time came? That thought was quickly dismissed. It wasn't just because Athena could cook a mean pasta. He could easily hire a better chef if he wanted to.

With that realization, whatever small pang of conscience he had vanished. "Are you sure you want to go in with me?" he asked, a hint of warning in his voice. "You know the kind of people I'll be drinking with tonight, right? You're an actress yourself; you should know what most directors are like. And just so you know, the women we bring are usually fair game for swapping. If someone wants you, I might not be able to say no."

Athena's face turned pale. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "How about I wait for you here? That way, if you get too drunk, I can drive you home," she suggested, her voice filled with worry. Her timid, concerned demeanor amused Tyler.

He smiled and pulled her closer. "But since you're such a sweetheart, if anyone wants to swap you, I'll turn them down," he promised.

Despite knowing Tyler had a way with words, Athena felt a flutter of happiness. No matter how outrageous he acted later, she decided she would endure it for the moment.

In all her years as an actress, Athena had never been to this hotel, though she'd heard of it. It was known for its excellent security and exclusive membership policy, designed to keep out journalists or paparazzi. Everyone who entered was recorded. Non-members needed an insider to get in with them.

The stories she'd heard about this place were all bad. Rumor had it that female entertainers brought here for meetings often disappeared, their mental states deteriorating. Two years ago, one had even committed suicide, causing an uproar and leading to a few directors being exposed to appease public outrage.

Athena followed Tyler closely, her reliance charming him. He wrapped an arm around her and, guided by a waiter, they entered a private room already filled with people.noveldrama

Inside were various industry directors. One recognized Athena, his eyes lighting up. "Isn't that Athena? Long time no see."

Athena's expression soured

instantly. She knew this director;

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he'd gotten handsy with her on set once, and she'd slapped him. Afterward, she was replaced in her supporting role and told to stay home. Her agency had even demanded she apologize to the director, but it was only after Doris sent him a gift that the matter was resolved. She hadn't expected to run into him here.

The director had his arm around a woman dressed provocatively, a stark contrast to Athena. He turned to Tyler, a smirk playing on his lips. "Is this the girl you brought tonight, Mr. Bennitt? Your tastes have changed pretty fast."

Everyone knew Tyler liked them bold and spicy, the hotter the better. When did he start enjoying the mild and delicate?

Tyler tightened his grip on Athena, glancing around the room. "What, I can't try something new? You guys have no idea how special my darling is."

The director's interest piqued, his gaze stripping Athena with his eyes. In this

hotel, unless you had power, you were as good as currency-subject to scrutiny, judgment, and the risk of being swapped at any moment.

"Mr. Bennitt, she must be something else to change your tastes. Do you think I might have the pleasure of finding out tonight?" The director's character might be questionable, but his work was top-notch. Tyler had collaborated with him a few times; they shared a certain unsavory camaraderie.

Tyler looked at Athena in his arms. The director's words had drained the color from her face, her hand clutching his jacket in fear of being handed over. Amused, Tyler thought, if you're so scared, why agree to come in?

With a teasing tilt of her chin, he asked, "What do you say, sweetheart? Are you up for it?"

Athena's eyes were filled with resistance, but in the next moment, Tyler pulled her up. "Swap," he said.