My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 144

Chapter 144: Surprise birthday party
They arrived at a luxurious hotel. Thomas led her confidently to the elevator, which took them to the banquet hall on the top floor. As the elevator doors opened, Ava noticed two impeccably dressed guards stationed at the entrance of the hall. With a courteous nod, they opened the doors wide, gesturing for them to step inside.

The hall was dimly lit. Ava hesitated on the threshold, her unease growing as she glanced around. The faint hum of murmured conversations, clinking glasses, and soft music reached her ears, but the faces of the guests were not visible under the dim light. The whole situation gave her a creepy vibe, and she grew uneasy.

She leaned toward her father and asked in a hushed tone, “Are you sure we’re in the right place? This doesn’t feel like a charity gala. Maybe it’s happening somewhere else?”

Thomas simply smiled. “Relax, Ava. We’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.” He raised his hands and clapped twice.

Ava looked at him with astonishment. Before she could ask anything further, a spotlight turned on, its beam falling directly on her. The sudden brightness startled her, and she instinctively raised a hand to shield her eyes. As the light bathed her in a radiant glow, voices rang out in unison: “Happy birthday, Ava!”

Guests cheered and clapped enthusiastically while colorful confetti rained down from above. Streamers burst from poppers with joyous cracks, spiraling like vibrant ribbons and cascading over Ava.

Ava stood motionless, overwhelmed by the scene before her. Then, her gaze swept across the room, recognizing familiar faces among the crowd. Her friends beamed at her, their excitement infectious.

Before Ava could fully process what was happening, Lola darted out from the crowd, her arms wide as she enveloped Ava in a warm embrace. “Happy birthday, Ava!” she exclaimed.

Ava returned the hug, her initial shock melting into a dazed smile.

“Happy birthday, Ava,” Ethan’s voice cut through the cheers. “I hope you like the surprise.”

Ava turned to face him, releasing Lola from her embrace. “You planned this!”

“We planned this.” Ethan’s lips curled into a boyish grin as he gestured toward Thomas. “It’s his idea. I only executed it.”

Ava’s smile softened as her gaze shifted to her father. “Papa, why didn’t you tell me about this?” Her eyes glimmered with affection.

Thomas chuckled. “If I told you, where would the surprise be? I wanted to see the wonder in your eyes, Ava. I wanted this day to be unforgettable for you. That’s why I invited all your friends.”

Tears of gratitude welled up in Ava’s eyes. She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “Thank you, Papa. You always know how to make me feel special.”

“Go and enjoy the night with your friends.” Thomas caresses her hair.

Lola grabbed her arm, practically pulling her across the hall. “Come on! I have so much to tell you.”

“Wait, what is the rush?” Ava giggled.

Lola turned to her, her face lighting up with a glint of mischief. “Guess who called me this morning?”

“Who?”

“Guess.”

“Ugh…” Ava rolled her eyes. “Lola, I’m terrible at guessing games. Just tell me already!”

“It’s Dylan.” Lola grinned, but Ava’s expression froze.

“Dylan? He called you?” Ava couldn’t believe it.

Lola nodded enthusiastically, her eyes dancing with glee.

“Why? What was he saying?” Ava asked, confused.

“He wanted to know about your likes and dislikes,” Lola replied. “I think he is really serious about you this time. He is trying really hard to win you back.”

Ava looked down at her fingers, her emotions a chaotic mix of confusion and disbelief. She had planned to leave the party after an hour, eager to return home and see what Dylan had prepared for her. But now, with her father’s heartfelt effort in arranging this surprise, she knew she couldn’t abandon the party halfway.

A pang of sadness touched her heart—she didn’t want to disappoint Dylan, but disappointing her father wasn’t an option either.

“By the way, where is he?” Lola’s curious voice broke through Ava’s thoughts, pulling her back to the present. “Is Dylan not invited?”

“I didn’t even know it was my birthday party,” Ava replied slowly. “Papa kept me completely in the dark. I have no idea if he invited him.”

Before Lola could press further, a smooth, confident voice sliced through the air. “Are you missing me?”

Startled, both women turned toward the source of the voice. There, striding toward them with an easy smile, was Nicholas.

“Nicholas?” Lola blurted out, her surprise evident in her wide eyes.

Ava stood frozen, stunned to see him.

Nicholas looked stunning in his white suit, the crisp fabric enhancing his sharp frame, while his bouncy red hair caught the light with every movement. His brown eyes crinkled as he grinned. His perfectly sculpted facial features could disarm even the sternest heart.

Lola was utterly captivated. Her mouth fell open slightly as she openly gawked at him. Leaning toward Ava, she whispered, “Wow! He is here too? Your father must think very highly of him.” She shot Ava a playful nudge with her elbow.

Ava shot her a warning look.

“Okay, I’ll grab a drink and leave you two to chat.” With a mischievous smile, Lola slipped away, though a pang of pity for Dylan crossed her mind. ‘Poor Dylan,’ she murmured to herself.

Nicholas took a step closer to Ava, his gaze steady yet soft. “Happy birthday,” he said warmly.

Ava returned his smile. “Thank you for coming.”

“Why wouldn’t I come? It’s your birthday.” He handed her a sleek file. “Here. This is for you.”

“What is it?” Curiosity sparked in Ava’s eyes as she took the file, her fingers brushing against the textured cover. She flipped it open carefully, her heart skipping a beat as her gaze fell on the contents.

“These are property transfer documents…” Her voice trailed off as she scanned the pages. She blinked and looked up at Nicholas, her expression a mix of astonishment and confusion. “Nicholas, are you serious? You’re transferring the Angel Hub to me?”

“I started the restaurant with you in mind,” he started. “Back then, I never imagined we’d become friends, let alone partners. It’s always been yours, Ava. I was just looking after it for you. Now, it’s time you officially own it.”

Ava shook her head, overwhelmed. “This is too much, Nicholas. I can’t accept it.” She closed the file and gave it back to him.

“Take it, I insist,” Nicholas said as he gently placed the file back into Ava’s hands. He clasped her fingers over the file. “I wouldn’t have survived if it were not for you. Whatever I do for you will never be enough to repay that debt. So please, let me express my gratitude.”

His serious tone softened into something playful. “And you really shouldn’t return gifts. It’s bad manners, you know.”

Finally, she sighed, surrendering to his persistence. “Okay, fine. I’ll take it.”

Nicholas let out a small sigh silently, grinning in relief.

Across the room, Ethan had been watching the exchange unfold. His jaw clenched as he noticed how close they stood, the ease in Ava’s posture, and the way she seemed to relax in his presence. His fists tightened at his sides.

“Who invited him?” he muttered under his breath, his anger bubbling just beneath the surface.