My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Unexpected changes in Dylan
Ava lowered her gaze and tried to step around him, but Dylan grasped her arm, halting her. “Are you still mad at me?”

‘Yes, I’m furious with you. So much that I want to scream it out!’ she thought bitterly. But instead, she suppressed the storm inside her and spoke in an even, clipped tone, “No. I’m in a good mood today, and I don’t want to spoil it. Now, can you let go? I need to leave.”

“Where are you going? It’s Saturday. Stay with me,” he urged. “I promise, I’ll make today unforgettable.” His gaze was pleading, which caused ripples in Ava’s chest. But she masked her reaction.

Freeing her arm from his grasp, she replied, “I’m going to see my father. I’ve planned to spend the day with him.”

Dylan’s heart sank. ‘What about the surprise I wanted to give her?’ A wave of helplessness crashed over him. He wished he could stop her from going out of the house, but it was her birthday. He couldn’t upset her.

“Okay,” he relented reluctantly. “Try to come home early.” He could only hope to make the evening special.

“I’ll try.” With that, Ava walked toward the closet.

“Happy birthday, Ava,” Dylan said suddenly.

Her steps faltered, her hand tightening around the edge of the closet door. ‘He remembered!’ The thought burst into her mind like a firework, making her heart race.

She turned to him, her expression caught somewhere between surprise and disbelief.

Dylan stepped closer, his eyes steady and filled with something she couldn’t quite decipher. Ava instinctively grasped the sides of her dress, grounding herself against the whirlwind of emotions.

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, she forgot everything. All she wanted was to hear him. Her heart thumped in her ears as she waited breathlessly for him to speak.

Dylan stood there, grappling with his own thoughts. He didn’t know where to begin—how to put into words the regret that had been eating away at him. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had wished Ava a happy birthday, let alone celebrated it with her. Now that he regretted his actions and wanted to make this day special, he couldn’t utter a word.

“I… I thought we could celebrate your birthday together.” Finally, he broke the silence. “But it’s okay. I won’t stop you from going to your father’s place. I’m sure he has planned something for you.”

‘Dylan… planned to celebrate my birthday?’ The thought sent ripples of astonishment through her.

Ava blinked, trying to reconcile this Dylan with the one she had known—the one who had brushed aside her birthdays like they were any other day.

Conflicting emotions churned within her. A part of her longed to abandon her plans and stay with him, to allow herself to believe that he had changed for good. But the other part kept reminding her of the wounds he had left behind—the neglect, the cutting words, the accusations that still stung like fresh scars. She couldn’t ignore them. She wasn’t ready to forget.

“But please…” Dylan took a step closer, closing the distance between them. “Come home early. I’ll… I’ll cook dinner for you. And I promise I won’t make seafood.”

His sudden earnestness was so unexpected, so unlike him, that she couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Her lips curled slightly. “I’ll try.”

Dylan grinned, relieved and delighted.

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

Later that day…

Ava spent the day fishing, cooking, and laughing with her father. She thought she had lived her childhood life in those few hours. As the sun began to sink below the horizon, Ava’s thoughts drifted to Dylan’s request for her to return home early. She thought she should return home and see what he had planned to celebrate her birthday.

“Ava, darling! Come over here!” Her father’s enthusiastic voice jolted her from her musings.

“Coming, Papa!” she called back, finishing the last dish with a quick wipe and heading to the living room. “What’s going on? Why are you shouting?” she asked enthusiastically.

Thomas stood with a wide grin, holding a sleek black box in his hands. “It’s finally here,” he said, his excitement palpable as he extended the box toward her.

Ava’s brows furrowed in curiosity as she took the box. She glanced at her father, who gestured for her to open it. She carefully lifted the lid.

Her breath caught as she revealed a stunning silver gown. The silky fabric shimmered under the light, and intricate beadwork adorned the bodice, sparkling like stars.

“This…” She smiled, her eyes widening in awe. “This dress is breathtaking.” She ran her fingers along the smooth material.

“I had it specially tailored for you,” Thomas said with pride. “I wanted to see my girl shine like a star tonight.”

Ava’s chest tightened with emotion, her eyes misting with tears. Year after year, her father had a way of making her feel like the most cherished person in the world, and this year was no exception. He was the only person who could actually make her feel like a princess.

“Thank you. I love this.” She smiled through her tears.

Thomas beamed, clearly pleased with her reaction. “Then what are you waiting for? Go put it on! We can’t be late.”

Ava’s smile faltered, her brow knitting in confusion. “Are we going somewhere?”

“Yes, we are. I’ve got a charity party to attend,” he explained briskly. “An old friend of mine is hosting it, and he made it clear that I can’t miss it. And you, my dear, are coming with me.”

Ava hesitated for a while. Attending a party wasn’t part of her plan. The remainder of Dylan’s request to return home before sunset tugged at her mind. “I don’t think I should go, Papa. I’m not in the mood for a party,” she said, her tone apologetic.

“Why not? You should socialize more often, Ava,” he insisted, his tone persuasive. “You’re the heir to Williams Holdings. It’s important for you to meet our clients and partners. Besides, it’s good for you to step out once in a while. Come on. Get ready.”

Ava hesitated, but she found it difficult to refuse her father’s request. “Alright, I’ll go,” she relented softly. “But I’m not staying long.”

Thomas gave her a triumphant smile. “Fair enough, darling. Now go get ready.”

With a resigned nod, Ava turned and made her way to her room. Thomas stood in place, watching her retreat with a knowing glint in his eyes. He had lied about the charity party. In reality, he had planned a surprise party for her.

“You’ll forget all about leaving early once you see what’s waiting for you.