My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 115

Chapter 115: Angel’s Hub.

Nicholas’s grip on Ava’s hands remained firm as he gazed at her with a look filled with affection and sincerity. “Ava, you have no idea how much I admire you. I’ve always wanted to thank you properly for saving me that day, to express my gratitude. But…” He trailed off as the name Ethan rose to his mind.

This wasn’t the moment to mention him, not yet. He needed to tread carefully if he wanted Ava to see the full picture one day. To turn her against Ethan, he had to gather more information about him. He pushed the thought aside, quickly redirecting the conversation.

“I thought you wouldn’t want to talk to me because of my background,” Nicholas continued cautiously. “And besides…” His voice dipped slightly. “You were with Dylan back then. I didn’t want to interfere in your life.”

Time had shifted everything—Ava’s relationship with Dylan had ended, and Nicholas now saw a chance to build something meaningful with her. But he knew Ava wasn’t ready for another relationship, and rushing things could drive her away. For now, her friendship was all he could hold onto.

Ava subtly tried to pull her hands back, but Nicholas’s grip tightened, holding her still.

“I have got something to give you,” he said before she could utter a word. A smile broke on his face as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a thin stack of folded documents. With a gentle movement, he placed the papers in her hand.

“What is it?” Ava asked, unfolding the documents carefully.

“I know you’ve been planning to start a production house for short dramas. I did some research and found this business to be not only creative but highly profitable. So…” He gestured toward the documents, his smile widening. “I want to be your partner.”

“Seriously!” Ava exclaimed in surprise.

Nicholas nodded earnestly. “Yes. I believe in your vision, Ava. And I want to support you in building something amazing.”

Ava’s eyes widened as she skimmed through the pages. It was a formal cooperation agreement, outlining equal investment and a fifty-fifty profit split between the two partners.

A pang of embarrassment twinged her heart. ‘What was I even thinking?’ she chided herself inwardly, realizing that Nicholas had only been preparing a business proposal all along.

She laughed, the tension that had gripped her moments ago dissipating in an instant. “This is… awesome,” she said enthusiastically. “I’m glad you’re interested in this. But how did you know? I never mentioned it to you.”

The idea for the production house had only been shared with her father and Ethan, neither of whom had committed to financing the project yet. And now here Nicholas was, fully prepared to invest and make it a reality. It left her both impressed and a little bewildered.

“I keep all the information about my friends and foes.” Nicholas leaned back in his chair slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. “You’re very special to me, Ava. I’d love to support you in any way I can. Your dreams are my dreams.”

The sincerity in his words made her smile widen. Her excitement over the partnership eclipsed everything else, and she completely forgot about her earlier plan to thank him for helping her expose Gianna.

“What can I say?” she said with a laugh. “I’m excited about this partnership.” Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a pen and swiftly signed her name on the agreement. Handing the documents back to him, she beamed brightly. “I can’t wait to start working on this.”

“Neither can I.” He also signed the documents. “We are now officially business partners.” He extended his hand toward her.

Ava grinned, gripping his hand firmly in hers.

Nicholas returned her smile and thought, ‘I also want you to be my life partner.’

While Nicholas and Ava were caught up in the excitement of their new partnership, Justin, hidden in the shadows, quietly raised his phone and snapped a few photos. He didn’t like it, but he had no choice. He couldn’t go against his boss’ command.

After ensuring he wasn’t noticed, he slipped out of the restaurant and back to his car. With a reluctant sigh, he attached the photos to a message and hit send.

Dylan’s phone beeped. He checked the message instantly. When his eyes landed on the photos, his grip on the phone tightened. His jaw clenched so hard it ached.

The images showed Ava and Nicholas seated together, their hands clasped together, smiles lighting their faces.

A fiery rage ignited in Dylan’s chest. He instantly phoned Justin. The call connected in a few rings.

“Where are they?” he barked.

“They are at a restaurant in the countryside,” Justin replied. “Angel’s Hub.”

“I am coming.”

“Wait!” Justin exclaimed in urgency. “You just got discharged from the hospital. You should—”

Beep

The call ended abruptly before Justin could say further. “Hello? Hello!” He stared at his phone and let out a frustrated hiss, running a hand through his hair. A grimace contorted his face. “What am I going to do now? He will definitely kill Nicholas tonight.”

Unaware of the storm brewing in the distance, Ava and Nicholas sat under the golden glow of the patio lights, their plates steaming with freshly served food.

“Tell me about yourself,” Ava said, eager to know him more.

He chuckled. “What do you want to know about me? My background isn’t exactly a secret.”

“I don’t care about that. Your family background doesn’t define who you are. I want to know you. Maybe about your friends, or what your childhood was like.”

His smile faltered at her words, bitterness creeping into his expression. Memories from a darker time flickered in his mind, and the light in his eyes dimmed.

“There is nothing pleasant about my childhood worth remembering,” he said with restrained emotion. “I grew up in an orphanage, struggling every single day. I had to fight for everything—every bite of food, every chance to be heard.”

His jaw tightened as some arguments with his father resurfaced in his mind. “When I graduated from school,” Nicholas continued, “my so-called father decided to send me abroad for further studies. But it wasn’t out of kindness or concern. It was his way of compensating me so I’d never dare to claim anything from the Bakers.”

Ava could see the fire in his eyes. It was the first time she had seen him like this, his calm, charming mask slipping to reveal the raw pain beneath. She felt sorry for bringing up his childhood.

“I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.” She put her hand on his in a gesture to comfort him.

Nicholas froze for a moment, the unexpected warmth of her touch pulling him from his thoughts. His gaze shifted to her hand resting atop his, and the storm in his eyes softened.

“Ava!” A booming voice pierced the air.

Ava froze, her heart lurching when her eyes met Dylan’s stormy gaze.

As Dylan stormed toward the patio, Ava pulled her hand back. Her mind raced. How did he know she was there?

Before she could process what was happening, Dylan reached her side, his dark, intimidating figure towering over her. His hand shot out, gripping her arm firmly and pulling her to her feet in one swift motion.

“I was at the hospital,” Dylan growled. “My sister is still there, recovering. And you…” He pointed a finger at Nicholas, but his piercing gaze bore into hers. “You are having fun with him!”