My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 162

Chapter 162: Nicholas€™s hospitality Chapter 162: Nicholas€™s hospitality Ava’s jaw fell apart.

She had spoken casually, never imagining Nicholas would take her words seriously.

“Oh, no,” she said quickly, a faint flush rising to her cheeks.

“There is no need.

I’m perfectly fine as I am.

I’ll just sit here and enjoy the view.” She settled into the chair beside him.

Moments later, Alex reappeared, carrying a silver tray with an assortment of crunchy snacks and two tall glasses of chilled mojito.

He approached the table, placed the tray before them, and nodded politely at Ava.

“Alex, bring a sundress for Ava,” Nicholas commanded.

Ava froze mid-reach for her glass, her breath catching in her throat.

She turned to Nicholas, eyes wide with astonishment.

“Nicholas, really, you don’t have to-” “Consider it a small gesture to ensure you enjoy this moment to the fullest,” he interrupted her gently.

Alex nodded briskly, already moving to fulfill the request, leaving Ava to sit speechless.

Her cheeks were tinged with pink as she glanced out at the sea, her embarrassment mingling with a strange warmth at Nicholas’s unwavering attention.

“Nicholas, I told you€¦” “Relax, Ava.” Nicholas interrupted smoothly.

“I also want to go to the water.

And don’t worry,” he added with a playful grin, “I learned to swim after that€¦ incident.” Ava’s stern expression faltered, giving way to a small smile.

He settled into the wooden chair.

“Meanwhile, you can enjoy the refreshments.” Nicholas gestured toward the tray on the table.

He picked up one of the glasses and extended it to her.

“Thank you,” Ava said softly, taking the chilled glass from his hand.

She took a sip, letting the refreshing burst of lime and mint dance on her tongue.

Ava gazed at the waves as they crashed onto the shore, her heart suddenly turning heavy.

She had always thought of spending time like this on a beach with Dylan, playing in the water, and walking along the shore.

But Dylan had never made time for her, let alone taking her out.

And now, sitting there, looking at the ocean, she felt emotions crashing over her like waves.

Dylan had never cared about her desires, never paused to look at her the way she had wished he would.

Yet, despite everything, a part of her heart still ached for him and longed for his presence.

But the man sitting beside her wasn’t Dylan.

It was Nicholas.

Nicholas noticed the subtle shift in her expression.

He could tell something was disturbing her.

Clearing his throat softly, he broke the silence.

“You wanted to discuss something.” Startled out of her thoughts, Ava nodded and set her glass down carefully.

Her demeanor shifted, the melancholy in her eyes replaced by determination.

“Dylan has gone on a business trip,” she began.

“But he is not at the overseas branch.

I don’t know where he is or what he is doing.

Can you€¦ can you find out for me?” Her gaze met his, earnest and filled with hope.

Nicholas blinked.

Her request left him momentarily speechless.

He hadn’t expected her to ask this.

His chest tightened when he saw the worry in her eyes.

It seemed that she still cared about Dylan.

Forcing a smile, he lowered his gaze to his hands, his fingers curling slightly against his thighs.

“You really care about him,” he said softly, despite the ache in his chest.

“Alright.

I’ll find out where he is and what he is up to.

Don’t worry.

He will be fine.” But as he spoke, he couldn’t ignore the bitterness that welled up inside him.

Ava was indeed worried about Dylan.

But she wouldn’t accept it.

“I’m not worried about Dylan in that way,” she explained.

“I just€¦ something feels off about this trip.

I have this nagging suspicion that he is hiding something important.

I need to know what it is.” Nicholas raised his head sharply, her words catching him by surprise.

For a moment, he regarded her with an amused glint in his eyes.

“Are you suspecting he is with a woman?” he asked, a teasing edge creeping into his voice.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying!” she shot back, flustered.

Nicholas chuckled.

“Come on, Ava.

Admit it-you want me to keep an eye on him because you’re jealous.” “Nicholas, stop it,” she retorted, her tone a mix of annoyance and warning.

“I’m not jealous, and I don’t care if he is with a woman.” She turned her head away, arms crossing defensively over her chest.

Nicholas held up his hands in mock surrender, though the grin on his face betrayed his amusement.

“Alright, alright.

I’m sorry.

I won’t tease you anymore.” “You better keep that in mind,” she muttered.

As the sound of Alex’s footsteps approached, both Nicholas and Ava turned their heads.

Alex stepped onto the porch, holding a shopping bag in his hand.

“The dress is here, ma’am,” he said politely, extending the bag toward Ava.

“I hope you’ll like it.” Ava took the bag, her lips curving into a grateful smile.

“Thank you, Alex…

and I’m sorry for troubling you.” “It’s no trouble at all, ma’am.

Enjoy the evening.” Alex turned to Nicholas.

“Time to take your medicine.” He didn’t forget to remind him.

Ava moved her gaze past Alex and settled on Nicholas, studying him if he was okay.

For the first time, she noticed the pallor of his complexion and the dark circles beneath his eyes.

The vibrant energy he usually exuded seemed dimmed.

“Are you not feeling well?” she asked worriedly.

Alex instinctively moved to explain, but Nicholas quickly clasped his wrist, halting him.

“I’m absolutely fine.” His tone was light and reassuring as he forced a smile.

“I’m just a little tired, that’s all.

I came here to unwind.” Guilt flashed across her face.

“Oh€¦ I-I’m so sorry,” she apologized instantly.

“I disturbed you with my €“ issues.” Nicholas leaned forward slightly, his expression softening.

“Ava, you could never disturb me,” he said with quiet sincerity.

“I’m glad you’re here.

Please, don’t apologize.” He turned his attention to Alex with a brief nod.

“Bring the medicine.” “It’s here.” Alex pulled out a small strip of tablets from his pocket and extracted one, handing it to Nicholas along with a glass of water.

Nicholas took the tablet, swallowing it in one smooth motion before setting the glass down on the table between them.

With a subtle gesture, Nicholas signaled Alex to leave.

Alex turned and walked away.

The atmosphere grew quiet again, the sound of the waves and the distant cries of seagulls filling the air.

Ava continued to watch Nicholas, her worry lingering despite his reassurances.

But Nicholas smiled as he looked back at her.

“Why don’t you go inside and change your dress?” Ava nodded.

“Yeah, I’ll be right back.” She disappeared into the cottage.

Moments later, Ava came out, and Nicholas froze when his gaze fell on her.