My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 161

Chapter 161: Nicholas€™s condition is deteriorating Chapter 161: Nicholas€™s condition is deteriorating Nicholas froze, his body stiffening as though an icy grip had seized him.

For a moment, it felt as if his heart had stopped entirely, his ears filled with a deafening ring.

The words Elijah had spoken echoed in his mind, each syllable cutting deeper than the last.

This man-his so-called father-was asking him to exploit Ava for a business deal.

“That’s why you’re here,” Nicholas hissed, the tremors in his hands betraying his mounting frustration.

“Not to save me.

Not because you care.

But because you see me as a pawn in your schemes.” Elijah didn’t flinch.

He folded his arms across his chest, his expression impassive.

“Think whatever you want,” he said with a shrug.

Help me, and I’ll make sure you get a suitable donor.” The room seemed to grow colder as Elijah’s words settled.

Nicholas’s breath hitched, his expression shifting from anger to something darker-a mix of fury and disgust.

“Do you even hear yourself?

Do you understand what you’re saying?” “No matter how much you try to rile me up with that attitude of yours, I won’t let it get to me,” Elijah said with a humorless smile.

“What we Bakers couldn’t achieve in years, you managed to do in just days.

You got close to Dylan’s wife.

You’ve made me proud.

Now it’s time to use that closeness for the family’s benefit.

Do this for us, and I’ll grant you whatever you wish.” The audacity of those words sent a fresh wave of rage surging through Nicholas.

His entire body screamed for him to rise and throw this man out of the room.

But his weakness betrayed him, the persistent pain in his chest pinning him to the bed.

“Get.

Out.” The words left his lips in a venomous hiss, his breathing labored and erratic.

“What did you say?

Are you asking me to leave?” Elijah squinted at him with disbelief.

“Don’t forget I am your father.” “Alex!” Nicholas’s body trembled as he fought to maintain control.

“Tell him to leave.” “You€¦” “Mr.

Baker,” Alex interrupted Elijah, stepping forward.

“Please leave.

He is not well, and this is making his condition worse.

Please€¦” He gestured toward the door.

Elijah snorted derisively, his sharp eyes flicking between Alex and Nicholas.

“This conversation is far from over.” With that, he stormed out.

Nicholas collapsed back onto the bed, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath.

Alex hurried to his side, adjusting the oxygen mask.

“Breathe,” Alex urged.

“Please, just breathe!” Nicholas’s chest heaved as he gasped for air, his trembling hand clutching at the sheets.

Panic surged through Alex as he watched.

Realizing the severity of the situation, Alex turned toward the door and shouted, “Doctor!

Help, please!” A doctor burst into the room, flanked by several nurses.

He moved swiftly to the bedside, gesturing for the nurses to bring the equipment.

The room buzzed with activity as the nurses worked with practiced efficiency.

One adjusted the oxygen mask, increasing the flow, while another prepared an IV line.

Alex hovered nearby, his hands clenched into fists, helpless but unwilling to leave his side.

After some time, Nicholas’s condition was stabilized.

The doctor made him sleep and left the ward, the nurses following him.

~~~~~~~~~ The next day€¦  Nicholas stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his tailored navy blue shirt.

The sleeves were rolled neatly to his elbows, giving him an air of effortless confidence.

Yet, as his reflection stared back, it betrayed him.

His pale complexion and the faint dark circles beneath his eyes refused to let him forget his reality.

His posture stiffened.

A flicker of worry crossed his mind.

His posture stiffened.

‘If she sees me like this, she’ll suspect something’s wrong,’ he thought.

But canceling the meeting wasn’t an option.

He forced a smile, trying to chase the paleness away from his face.

No matter how much he tried, the weariness clung to him like an unshakable shadow.

“Is it necessary to go there?” Alex’s voice from behind caught his attention.

“You should have rest at the hospital.” Nicholas glanced at his wristwatch, pretending to be adjusting it.

“I am fine, Alex.

Don’t be anxious.” “How can I not worry?” Alex countered, his frustration evident in his tone.

“You are still pale.

You should cancel the meeting and head back to the hospital.” Nicholas sighed.

“I don’t want to be in that hospital.

It feels like a prison-a constant reminder of how sick I am.

I want to live the time I have left on my own terms.

I feel alive when I’m working, meeting people, eating what I want.

I refuse to waste away waiting for death.” Alex fell silent, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

He reached into his pocket and handed Nicholas a small white tablet.

“Your medicine.” Nicholas took the tablet, placing it in his mouth and accepting the glass of water Alex held out.

He tilted his head back, swallowing it in one swift motion.

“The car is ready,” Alex mumbled, taking the glass from his hand.

Nicholas gave a small nod and turned back to the mirror one last time.

“Let’s go.” The two stepped out of the room together, Alex’s worry evident in his every glance, while Nicholas walked with determined strides.

It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the resort where Alex had reserved for Nicholas.

Ava had not arrived yet.

As they stepped into the resort, the sprawling expanse of the resort unfolded before them.

A pristine sandy beach stretched into the horizon, kissed by the cold, crisp afternoon breeze that carried the unmistakable scent of saltwater.

Nicholas scanned the surroundings.

“Call her and check where she is.

I’ll go wait there.” He moved toward the beach.

A row of wooden benches lined a stone pathway leading to charming cottages nestled in the soft sand.

Nicholas strode forward until he reached the cottage Alex had reserved for him.

Stepping inside, Nicholas went to the porch.

The view was breathtaking-endless blue waves stretched into the horizon, their crests shimmering under the afternoon sun.

Palm trees swayed gently on either side.

The chirping of seagulls mixed with the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore created a melodic symphony.

Nicholas sank into a sturdy wooden chair on the porch, his eyes fixed on the ocean.

The sun hovered near the edge of the horizon, its fiery glow spilling across the restless water, painting it with streaks of gold and amber.

Alex approached from behind and leaned in slightly.

“She is here,” he murmured.

Nicholas didn’t turn but gave a small nod, his gaze still on the horizon.

“Arrange some refreshments.” Alex acknowledged the order with a quick nod and left, his footsteps fading into the distance.

Nicholas remained seated, his expression unreadable.

Nicholas caught the faint click of heels approaching over the wooden floor, accompanied by the delicate waft of a floral perfume.

A knowing smile crept across his lips as he rose from his chair and turned around, his gaze meeting with Ava’s.

Ava looked as stunning as ever.

Her white blouse was crisp and elegant, paired with tailored black trousers that accentuated her poise.

Her smile mirrored his as she stepped closer.

“Wow,” she said, glancing around with appreciation.

“This is such a lovely spot to unwind.

I wish I had my sundress with me.

I’d love to enjoy the water.” “That’s not an issue.

I can arrange a dress for you.”