My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 229

Chapter 229: Spicy food Chapter 229: Spicy food Dylan’s eyes moved to the vendor, who tossed handfuls of bright red chilies into the smoking wok.

His heart clenched further in dread.

When the plates arrived, the food practically glowed with heat, vibrant red and glistening with fiery oil.

Ava picked up her chopsticks, took a bite, and sighed in exaggerated contentment.

“Mm, it’s so good.” Dylan stared at his plate like it was a challenge issued by a fire-breathing dragon.

‘You’re evil,’ he muttered inwardly.

Maybe this was her another way to take revenge on him.

“Come on, tough guy,” she teased.

“Don’t let a little spice defeat you.” He hesitated, then took a cautious bite.

The burn hit instantly, a searing heat that traveled from his tongue to his throat.

His face turned crimson, and he fumbled for his water cup, only to find it empty.

Ava nearly doubled over laughing.

Dylan swallowed.

He didn’t know whether he had chewed the food or not.

“Not bad,” he croaked, eyes watering.

Despite the inferno in his mouth, he couldn’t help but smile at her sheer joy.

He took another bite, this time bracing himself for the heat.

“You’re doing great,” Ava teased, pretending to offer him another bite from her plate.

“Want some of mine?

It’s even spicier.” Dylan groaned, shaking his head, but his grin didn’t waver.

“You’re having way too much fun with this.” Ava leaned in, her voice softening.

“You’re such a good sport.

This is going to be an unforgettable night.” His heart thumped, the heat fading just a little in the face of her words.

“Anything to see you this happy,” he admitted.

His eyes were red-rimmed, and beads of sweat dotted his temples as he fanned his mouth with a napkin.

Despite his discomfort, he kept going, determined to match her pace.

Ava’s teasing grin faded, replaced by a tender smile.

She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly over his hand.

“Okay, okay, I think you’ve proven how tough you are.

Let’s have some sweet.” Dylan smiled through his teary eyes, setting his chopsticks down.

“Dessert?

You’re saving my life.” She turned to the vendor and quickly ordered, “One serving of sweet coconut rice and mango, please.” Moments later, a small plate arrived, adorned with golden slices of ripe mango nestled beside a mound of sticky rice drizzled with creamy coconut sauce.

Ava pushed the plate toward him.

“Here, this will cool you down.” He picked up a piece of mango and took a bite, sighing as the sweet, silky fruit melted in his mouth.

Ava giggled, scooping up some sticky rice, and held the spoon out to Dylan.

“You survived the spice gauntlet.

I think you’ve earned this.” Dylan leaned forward and ate it.

“For someone who just tortured me with chilies, you’re surprisingly sweet.” They shared the dessert slowly, savoring each bite.

By the end, Dylan was exhausted but strangely exhilarated.

Ava’s smile was brighter than ever, and Dylan couldn’t help but think that no five-star restaurant could ever top a night like this.

Ava and Dylan strolled side by side, the backs of their hands brushing lightly against each other.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Ava felt a sense of ease.

The bitterness toward him in her heart seemed to disappear.

She found spending time with him exciting.

She glanced at Dylan, his face now relaxed.

Tonight, their laughter had built a bridge over the cracks that had threatened to pull them apart.

Ava didn’t want the night to end; she wanted to savor this precious peace for as long as she could.

As they turned a corner, Ava’s eyes caught sight of a small cart on the sidewalk, lit by a single flickering bulb.

The cart was packed with stuffed toys, their vibrant colors glowing softly under the light.

The vendor, a middle-aged woman, was carefully wrapping up her wares for the night.

Ava tugged on Dylan’s sleeve.

“Wait, look!” she said, pointing toward the cart.

“A stuffed toy cart!

Come on!” Before Dylan could respond, she was already pulling him toward the cart.

Ava greeted the woman warmly.

“Are you still open?” she asked cheerfully.

The woman smiled.

“For you, of course.

What would you like to see?” Ava scanned the cart, her eyes sparkling as she pointed to a pair of small, plush foxes with soft orange fur and a white-tipped tail.

“That one,” she said, reaching out to touch its fluffy ear.

“It’s adorable.” Dylan stood back, watching as Ava’s fingers danced over the toys, her smile brighter than he had ever seen.

She was like a little girl again, completely entranced by the simple joy of picking out a stuffed toy.

He couldn’t help but smile himself, at the sight of her carefree nature.

“You really like these, huh?” he teased.

Ava turned to him, her grin playful.

“What?

You’re never too old for a stuffed animal.” She handed him one of the foxes.

“This one is for you.” She held up the one in her hand.

“And this is mine.

Same pinche.” Dylan smiled as he looked at the stuffed fox.

“Very funny.” Ava giggled, turning to the vendor.

“We are taking these.” Dylan paid the bill.

As they resumed their walk, Ava clutched the fox tightly to her chest.

“Thank you for tonight, Dylan.

I enjoyed it a lot.” Dylan couldn’t tear his eyes away from Ava-the way her hair caught the light, the curve of her lips as she hugged the stuffed fox, her smile so genuine it made his chest tighten.

The weight of everything he had kept bottled inside became unbearable.

The ache of missing her, the regret for the distance that had grown between them, and the overwhelming need to bridge that gap surged within him.

His hand shot up, brushing against her cheek gently.

Ava’s smile faltered, her eyes widening slightly at his touch.

Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum.

She didn’t move away.

Instead, she stood frozen, caught in the intensity of Dylan’s gaze.

“Ava,” he murmured, his voice rough.

Her lips parted as though to speak, but no words came.

She was lost in his eyes, in the warmth of his hand against her skin.

For a moment, it felt as if the walls she had built around her heart had cracked, letting in the flood of emotions she had tried so hard to suppress.

Dylan’s gaze dropped to her lips, his resolve slipping entirely.

Slowly, he leaned in, giving her every chance to pull away.

But she didn’t.

She couldn’t.

She was tethered to the moment, unable to break free even if she wanted to.

And then, his lips brushed hers softly as though he were afraid she might vanish.

The kiss was gentle at first, like a whisper of a promise, but it deepened as his emotions spilled over.

Ava’s eyes fluttered shut, her hand finding its way to his chest.

The kiss carried the weight of everything they couldn’t say aloud, a blend of longing, regret, and a spark of hope.

Unhealed wounds began to mend.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered against her lips.