My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 105

Chapter 105: Common enemy

“Someone orchestrated everything from behind the shadow,” Dylan said firmly. “They manipulated me into believing Mr. Williams was responsible. Whoever it is, they wanted me to destroy the Williams family. This has to be a common enemy.”

The words ‘common enemy’ struck a chord in Ava’s mind, and her heart clenched with a sudden realization. ‘So, he is now targeting Nicholas!’ The thought sent a surge of anger coursing through her veins, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

“I don’t need you to investigate anything,” she said sharply, her tone low and cold. “I know my father. He is a kind, honorable man who would never harm anyone, let alone his own friend and business partner. If someone framed him, I’ll uncover the truth myself. I don’t need your help.”

She took a step closer, her tone dropping to a hiss. “And who knows what you’ll do with the evidence? Maybe you’ll tamper with it to suit your narrative.”

Her words hit him like a dagger to the heart. “You think I would tamper with the evidence? He wondered in disbelief. “Is that what you believe about me?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I can’t trust you.”

His jaw tightened, and he grabbed her arm, his grip firm. “If I truly wanted to hurt you or your family, do you think I would have saved you from that fire?” His eyes burned with a mix of fury and anguish.

Ava’s breath caught, and she stared at him in stunned silence.

“I could have left you to die there just like everyone did,” he hissed, “including your dear friend, Nicholas. But I didn’t.” His voice grew hoarse. “I ignored the guards’ warnings. I risked my life to find you. Do you think I would have done that if I didn’t care about you?”

Ava’s mind went blank, her heart pounding as his words sank in. Her lips parted, but no words came out. All she did was stare at him blankly.

“Ava!” Dylan’s expression softened, and he put his hands on her cheeks. “I know you are upset with me. But believe me. I’ll get to the bottom of this. I’ll find out who is behind it all.”

Ava’s thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and emotion. She was grateful to him for saving her life, but the wounds of the past made it impossible for her to put her trust in him. Caught between her mistrust and the swirling gratitude for him, she couldn’t respond. Shoving his hands away, she stormed toward the French window. Her breathing came fast and uneven as she tried to steady herself.

Dylan’s arms wrapped around her from behind. The suddenness of his embrace stole the air from her lungs, and her body froze, every muscle rigid.

“I am serious this time,” he mumbled, his breathing hot on her ear. “About you, about this marriage. I know it is hard for you, but…” He turned her toward him, “I want you to trust me. Let’s make this marriage work.”

His gaze searched hers, and their eyes locked intently.

His gaze searched hers, and for a fleeting moment, she saw the depth of his sincerity. When she didn’t push him back, he lowered his head, his lips brushing against hers.

Ava’s mind was in disarray. She didn’t move. His words, his promises—they tugged at something deep within her, a part of her that longed for hope.

As soon as his lips locked with hers into a tentative kiss, the bitter fragments of the past slammed into her like a tidal wave. Her hands shot up instinctively, and with all her strength, she shoved him away.

Dylan stumbled back, hurt flickering in his eyes like a wounded animal. He tilted his head slightly, searching her face for answers. The pain in his gaze mirrored the ache in his chest.

“You want a chance, right?” Ava snapped. “Fine. I’ll give you one. But don’t—don’t try to get close to me.” Her voice cracked, her expression hardening. “You disgust me.”

‘You disgust me!’ Those words landed like a slap, and Dylan flinched visibly, her voice reverberating in his mind like an unrelenting echo. Suddenly, a fragmented vision burst into his mind, twisting her voice and morphing into his own.

He had a feeling that he had said those words to Ava before. When had he said those words? And why?

‘Sigh the divorce papers and get lost from my life.’ His own voice echoed in his ear.

Dylan staggered back a step, his breathing uneven. ‘What is happening to me?’ He rubbed his temples, trying to shake the images loose, but those disturbing scenes lingered in his mind. ‘Why am I seeing this with my open eyes?’ His legs shuffled back further.

‘Don’t leave me, please. Give me a chance.’ Another scene unfolded, vivid enough to feel real.

But his own detached and cutting voice came in response. ‘You make me sick when you beg. Don’t you have any shame or self-respect? You disgust me!’

The words stabbed at him like shards of ice. His chest tightened painfully. His vision blurred, and he felt a searing heat behind his eyes, as though his head might split apart. His hands flew to his head. His legs wobbled, and he leaned against the wall for support.

Ava’s brows knitted in concern as she thought he was dizzy. Worry clouded her eyes. “Dylan!” She hurried to him, her hand reaching for his arm.

But he raised his hand, stopping her mid-step. “No—don’t…” Before she could say another word, he stormed out of the room, leaving her frozen in place.

Ava watched his retreating figure, guilt creeping into her chest. Perhaps she had been too harsh, letting her anger overpower her.

Dylan hurried out of the house; his legs barely able to carry him steadily. The haunting voices in his mind grew louder, each memory fragment cutting through his thoughts.

“What is happening to me?” He pressed his palms against his temples as though trying to force those images away. He thought the nightmares only came when he was fast asleep, but now they came unbidden, invading even his waking moments.

Dylan thought something was wrong with his brain. His chest tightened with panic, his breath quick and shallow. “I need to go to the hospital.”

Fumbling for his car keys, he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine. As he drove, his vision blurred, the road ahead swimming in and out of focus. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his sight, but the images persisted at the edges of his mind like shadows he couldn’t escape.

Dylan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as his mind spiraled out of control.

‘Don’t you have any feelings for me?’ Ava’s tearful face appeared before his inner eye. ‘I loved you so much, gave you everything. Can’t you love me back, even a little?”

‘I only have pure hatred for you!’

Dylan squeezed his eyes shut, trying desperately to block the painful memories. The blaring horn of a lorry yanked him back to the present. When he opened his eyes, he saw a truck barrel toward him from around the bend.