My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 113

Chapter 113: Why can’t you stay away from him?

The meeting had finally ended after what felt like an eternity. Ava leaned back in the plush chair, her shoulders slumping. Her back ached, and her temples throbbed from hours of intense discussion and decision-making. Pressing her fingers against her brow, she muttered, “Oh, my! This is so exhausting.”

The sheer weight of the responsibilities she had handled today felt overwhelming. She had never imagined meetings could be so mentally draining, and she suddenly found herself wondering how Dylan endured this daily grind.

‘If just one day feels like this, how does he keep going?’ she thought.

Across the table, Justin hid his smile. Clearing his throat, he straightened his posture, putting on a serious look. “You did well today,” he praised her. “The department heads were impressed. At first, they doubted your abilities, comparing you to the former COO. But after today, they’ve got no doubts left. They’re convinced of your capability. Mr. Brooks will be very happy to hear it.”

Ava blinked at him, lowering her hand from her brow as soon as Dylan’s name was mentioned. Strangely, she didn’t feel the irritation that usually surfaced at the thought of him. Instead, a subtle warmth bloomed in her chest as she felt a flicker of appreciation for the man.

“Now, these are some files you need to check and sign,” Justin gestured toward a stack of files neatly arranged on the table. “Call me if you need anything.”

He left.

Ava let out a sigh as her gaze drifted to the towering pile of paperwork. She shook her head in disbelief, remembering how effortlessly Dylan had tackled tasks like these. She had seen Dylan checking file after file, his pen gliding across the pages with quiet determination. At the time, it hadn’t seemed a mundane job, almost mechanical. But now, she realized how tiring it could be.

“How did you manage all this?” she murmured as she picked up the first file.

As soon as Justin stepped out of the room, he pulled out his phone and dialed Dylan’s number. The line barely rang before Dylan picked up.

“How did it go?” Dylan asked, cutting straight to the point.

“It went brilliantly. You should have been here.” Justin’s tone was enthusiastic as he began recounting the details of the meeting. “Everyone was impressed with her—her quick problem-solving skills, her sharp insights, and especially her innovative ideas for increasing profits. The department heads who were initially skeptical are now fully on board. They couldn’t stop praising her.”

A small smile spread across Dylan’s face as he listened. Pride swelled in his chest.

“She is something, perfect for this position,” Justin continued. “You made the right decision by choosing her for this position.”

Dylan smiled contentedly. Despite his personal conflicts with Thomas in the past, he had never doubted Ava’s abilities. He had seen her exceptional work ethic, her persistent focus, and her knack for creative solutions firsthand. This was why he had entrusted her with such a significant role.

“I knew she could do it,” Dylan murmured with quiet satisfaction. His smile deepened as an idea struck him. “Book a table at a restaurant. I’ll take her to dinner tonight.”

“I’ll do that right away, Justin replied promptly. “Uh…” He paused for a moment and then asked, “Should I prepare a gift for her as well? Flowers, maybe? Or something more elaborate?”

Dylan thought for a while. This wasn’t just dinner—it was a chance to finally bridge the growing distance between them. For the first time, it would be a proper date with Ava, and he wanted to make it memorable. “I don’t mind.”

“Got it. I’ll arrange everything,” Justin said with a grin.

As the line disconnected, Dylan’s heart raced with anticipation. This time, he wouldn’t make any mistakes. Tonight, he wouldn’t hold back. He’d tell Ava the truth—that he had anonymously provided her with the evidence against Gianna. He would lay everything bare.

“I’ll confess my feelings to you tonight.” His lips curved into a soft smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ava stretched her stiff fingers with a wince as she pushed the last signed file aside. “Uh, my hand hurts,” she muttered, flexing her joints. After signing page after page, her fingers felt almost locked. “I need a break,” she said aloud, reaching for the intercom.

“Bring some coffee for me…now.” Slamming the receiver, she leaned back on the chair. The tension in her neck and shoulders eased slightly as she focused on relaxing her muscles.

Just as she was beginning to unwind, her phone buzzed on the desk. Frowning slightly, she picked it up, but her expression softened as she saw the name on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Hi, did I disturb you?” came Nicholas’s familiar voice.

“No, not at all,” she replied. “I am happy you called.”

“I wanted to call you this morning,” Nicholas said, “but I figured you’d be busy with work.”

Ava chuckled softly. “You were right. It’s been a hectic day,” she said, thinking back to the long hours of meetings and paperwork—and her morning at the hospital with Dylan and Lilianna.

“If you’re free now,” Nicholas ventured cautiously, “can I take you out?”

Ava paused, considering. It had been a while since she had spent any time outside of work or personal turmoil. She also realized she hadn’t properly thanked Nicholas for his help in exposing Gianna. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“Okay,” she agreed. “We can go out.”

Nicholas chuckled, relieved. “Alright. I’ll come pick you up.”

As he ended the call, a soft smile lingered on his lips. He reached into the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a small blue box. Flipping the box open, he revealed a delicate diamond ring nestled inside. It was a ring his mother had given him before she died, telling him to give it to his future wife.

Nostalgia flickered in his eyes as he gently ran a thumb over the ring. “This ring is waiting for you, Ava,” he murmured. “I wish I could spend my life with you.”

He closed the box with a soft click and carefully tucked it back into the drawer. He exhaled, rising from his seat with newfound resolve, and left the office, ready to meet the woman who had unwittingly captured his heart.

Several minutes later…

Ava stepped out of the office building and spotted Nicholas’s familiar car waiting for her by the curb. She made her way to it, slipping into the passenger seat with ease. A warm smile passed between them before the car pulled away, disappearing into the evening traffic.

Not far away, Justin’s car rolled to a halt. He froze, his eyes widening in shock as he watched Ava leave with Nicholas. His heart sank. ‘Oh no,’ he thought, panic bubbling up. ‘This is bad. Really bad.’

He could already imagine Dylan’s reaction. With a trembling hand, he reached for his phone and called Dylan.

As the call connected, his pulse rate quickened. “You… you need to cancel tonight’s dinner plan,” Justin stammered.

“Why?” Dylan’s tone shifted. “Is she still upset with me?”

Justin winced, wishing he didn’t have to be the bearer of bad news. “I think you’re a bit late,” he managed. “She… she’s already left. With someone else.”

“With whom?” Dylan asked, restless.

Justin swallowed hard. “Well… um… it’s… it’s Nicholas Baker.”

The air on the other end of the line seemed to chill instantly. “What did you say?” Dylan growled. “She is with Nicholas?”

Justin cringed at the anger radiating through the phone. “Don’t be mad,” he said quickly. “It might not be what you think. Maybe he is just giving her a ride home. You should stay calm. Remember, your sister can’t know about this. You need to think about her condition.”

But his words did little to soothe Dylan’s fury. The mention of Nicholas had already ignited his rage. Dylan’s nostrils flared as he commanded fiercely, “Follow them. I need to know what they are doing.”

Before Justin could respond, the call ended abruptly. Dylan’s fist slammed against the nearest wall with a resounding thud, his knuckles aching but his anger overshadowing the pain. His chest heaved as his thoughts raced, consumed by the image of Ava with Nicholas.

“Why can’t you stay away from him?”