My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 147

Chapter 147: She doesn’t want me anymore.
On the other hand, Dylan instantly grabbed the phone, his heart leaping with hope that it was a message from Ava. But the name on the screen made him pause.

“Ethan? His brows knitted in confusion. “Why would he text me?”

With a mix of curiosity and unease, Dylan opened the message. His posture stiffened when he saw the photographs of Ava celebrating her birthday with her friends and family. But it was the picture of her standing beside Nicholas, smiling warmly at him, that struck Dylan like a blow to the chest.

“What is she doing with him?”

He read the accompanying message, each word sinking into him like a dagger. He couldn’t believe that Ava had celebrated her birthday without him. A painful weight settled in his heart, his hand moving to his chest.

‘She didn’t want me there. She doesn’t want me anymore.’ The thought was like poison, spreading through his veins, making it hard to breathe.

Dylan’s gaze shifted around the room. The vibrant tulips he’d carefully arranged, the cheerful balloons and streamers swaying gently in the air, and the cake he had baked with so much care—all of it now felt meaningless.

What once seemed like a warm, inviting setting now felt cold and mocking. The table, perfectly set with her favorite dishes, stood as a bitter reminder of his failed attempt to make her happy.

He was disheartened, and the pain in his heart was unbearable. ‘Is this how it felt when you were neglected?’ He lowered himself into the nearest chair, shoulders slumping under his despair.

A bitter smile curled his lips. “Ava, you just know how to make me regret. If this is your way of punishing me for the past, I accept it. I deserve it. But please…” His voice broke, and he swallowed hard. “Please don’t ever think of leaving me.”

He clasped the phone, his head hanging low. Without warning, a drop of tear escaped his eyes.

Inside the car…

Nicholas stole a glance at Ava, noticing the way her gaze was fixed blankly on the passing scenery. Her usually bright demeanor seemed dulled, her expression clouded by thoughts he couldn’t quite decipher.

“Are you okay?” he asked, breaking the silence.

Ava blinked, as though waking from a dream. She turned to him with a faint smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

But as her gaze drifted back to the window, her smile faded, and the tension in her posture returned. Her anxiety grew with each passing kilometer.

Ava had no idea how to face Dylan. She had promised to be home early, yet here she was, nearing midnight. What excuse could she possibly give?

Her father’s decision to exclude Dylan and Lilianna from the birthday celebration loomed in her mind. Though he hadn’t voiced his disapproval outright, his actions were enough to make it clear that he was disappointed with Dylan.

Ava couldn’t ignore the silent signal and resolved to move out of Dylan’s place. She couldn’t upset her father.

Nicholas, sensing the heaviness of her mood, attempted to lift the atmosphere. “There is some exciting news about our business.” He glanced at her, hoping to see some light return to her face.

His words caught Ava’s attention, and she turned to him, her expression softening just a little. “Oh? What news?” A flicker of curiosity broke through her worry.

“I’ve been speaking with some screenwriters,” Nicholas said with enthusiasm. “Their ideas are fresh and promising. I think you’d really like them.”

Ava’s lips curved into a genuine smile. “That sounds wonderful. I’d love to take a look.”

“I’ve arranged a meeting with them tomorrow. It’ll be a great opportunity to finalize things. Why don’t you join me?” He had deliberately chosen Sunday, knowing Dylan wouldn’t let Ava leave the office on the working days.

Ava hesitated for a moment, considering his suggestion. Then she nodded. “That’s a good idea. I’ll come.”

Nicholas beamed, his relief and joy evident. “Perfect!”

Ava’s thoughts momentarily shifted from her worries to the possibilities Nicholas had laid out.

Finally, the car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the towering gates of Dylan’s sprawling villa. The grandeur of the estate was illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed lights.

“Thanks for the ride, Nicholas,” Ava said politely as she unbuckled her seatbelt.

“Anything for you,” Nicholas replied with a charismatic smile, his eyes lingering on her as if he wanted to say more.

“Good night,” she murmured. “See you tomorrow.”

She stepped out of the car. The guards pulled the heavy gates open, and she slipped through the entrance, her figure disappearing into the estate.

Nicholas remained parked, his hands resting lightly on the steering wheel as his gaze stayed fixed on the villa. The gates closed slowly.

“Dylan…” He sighed in dismay. “It’s a shame you weren’t at the party. You’re clinging to something that’s already slipping through your fingers. Why fight a battle you’ve already lost?”

With a slight shake of his head, he gripped the wheel and turned the car around.

As Ava stepped into the house, her breath hitched, her eyes widening at the sight before her. The living room glowed faintly under the soft, golden light of flickering candles. Strings of tulips and streamers draped elegantly across the curtains, while colorful balloons clung to the ceiling.

Her steps faltered as her feet brushed against something soft. Looking down, she saw an aisle of vibrant tulip petals leading toward the dining area, bordered by delicate candlelight.

The silence of the house pressed heavily on her, amplifying her guilt. Ava followed the trail hesitantly, her heart sinking further with every step. When her gaze finally landed on the dining table, her breath caught again.

Dylan was slumped over, his head resting on his folded arms, his fingers loosely curled around an empty glass. A drained bottle of whiskey lay discarded beside him.

Her eyes flitted across the table, taking in the untouched plates of food and the forlorn birthday cake sitting at the center.

Ava’s lips trembled as she stepped closer. “Why, Dylan?” she murmured with sorrow. “Why now? If only you had shown this care before… things might have been different.”

She stood there, torn between the love she once knew and the pain it had caused. The flickering light danced across Dylan’s face, highlighting the lines on his forehead. Even in his sleep, he seemed disturbed.

Ava let out a weary sigh and gently tapped Dylan’s shoulder. “Dylan,” she called softly.

“Huh?” His head lifted up, his movements sluggish and disoriented. His bloodshot eyes squinted as he tried to focus on the figure before him. In his dazed state, she appeared almost otherworldly. For a moment, he thought it was the faceless woman from his nightmare.

Panic overtook him. “Get away!” He swatted at the air wildly, recoiling as though warding off a ghost. “Don’t come closer to me!”

Before Ava could react, Dylan scrambled to his feet in a frantic attempt to escape. His unsteady legs betrayed him, and he stumbled backward, collapsing heavily into the chair.

Ava was stunned. “What’s wrong with you? It’s me.” She stepped closer, her hands reaching out instinctively to steady him.

But Dylan recoiled violently, shoving her hands away with a force that startled her. “Don’t touch me!” he yelled with a strange mix of anger and despair. “Get out of here!”