My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 232

Chapter 232: This is my penance Chapter 232: This is my penance Dylan’s eyes lingered on hers, searching for something beyond her composed exterior.

Slowly, his gaze dropped to the container before him, the memory of her holding a bowl earlier that morning flickering through his mind.

It turned out that she had prepared medicine for him, and the realization made his pulse quicken.

His throat tightened as warmth crept up his neck with self-consciousness, painting his ears a deep crimson.

“You didn’t have to do it,” he mumbled.

“I know, but I wanted to.” Their eyes met again, and the space between them seemed to dissolve for a moment.

The awkward tension from last night lingered, but beneath it was a tender thread of hope, a quiet connection that neither could deny.

Dylan reached for the container, his lips curving into a small, grateful smile.

“Thank you.” Ava’s heart raced as she watched Dylan drink the concoction without hesitation.

His quiet compliance sent a wave of warmth through her, a strange sense of belonging settling in her chest.

Her thoughts drifted back to their kiss, the electricity of the moment, and the undeniable connection they had shared.

Dylan finished, setting the container aside and dabbing his lips with a tissue.

He raised his eyes at her.

“Why are you still standing?

Sit down,” he instructed, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

He put the lunch box aside and added, “I’ll have this later.

Right now, I’ve something to tell you €“ it’s urgent.” Ava slid into the chair, her pulse quickening as worry gnawed at her when she heard his serious tone.

“Is it about the attack on me?” Dylan nodded, his expression darkening.

“Yes,” he began.

“But it’s more than that.” He leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly as he detailed his plan to trap Erica.

“Rylee has already made his move, just as we discussed.

The meeting rattled Erica.

She was so shaken that she reached out to Luke and met him at the Imperial Hotel.” “She met Luke?

At the Imperial?” Ava repeated with astonishment.

“Even knowing the rivalry between the Bakers and the Brooks?” Ava’s mind raced.

“If Erica and Luke are working together, this could be bigger than we thought.” “Exactly,” Dylan said, his tone steely.

“It’s clear she is planning something big.

I wouldn’t be surprised if she is behind the attack on you.

And Luke?

He is not innocent in this, either.

We were close to catching the goons who attacked you, but Nicholas’s men got to them first.

I’m confident he’ll uncover who hired them soon.” “Oh.” Ava’s expression softened with gratitude as her thoughts drifted to Nicholas.

His unwavering support had always been her anchor.

He had been instrumental in exposing Gianna, and now he was likely pulling strings to ensure Erica faced justice.

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

“Nicholas is a true friend,” she said cheerfully.

“Not only has he supported me in business, but he is also helping me bring those who hurt me to justice.” Dylan’s chest tightened at her words.

A flicker of resentment stirred within him.

Was Nicholas the only one she thought had helped her?

What about him?

He had been by her side, protecting her in countless ways, yet she seemed blind to his efforts.

Ava’s excitement bubbled over as she continued, “You know, Scott, the famous director, is ready to work with us on the short drama project!

We’ve even signed a five-year contract.

I’m sure it’s all thanks to Nicholas’ influence.

Otherwise, why would someone so renowned reach out directly to collaborate?” Dylan blinked at her in disbelief.

“You think Scott wants to work with you because of Nicholas?” he asked with incredulity.

“Yes,” Ava replied with conviction.

“Short dramas are booming in the entertainment industry, and many companies have already capitalized on them.

But I’m new to this field.

There’s no way a director like Scott would choose to work with me without the backing of someone powerful.” Her confidence radiated as she continued, “With Nicholas partnering on this project, I’m certain he’d do whatever it takes to ensure its success.” Dylan’s jaw clenched as frustration bubbled beneath his calm facade.

“How can you be so sure it’s Nicholas who arranged this?” His voice carried a hint of desperation.

“It could have been someone else.” “Who will help me other than Nicholas?” Ava countered.

“You’re giving him all the credit.” He couldn’t hide the ache in his voice barely concealed.

“But what if it wasn’t him?

Is Nicholas the only one who helped you?

How could you forget about me?” Ava’s heart skipped a beat as Dylan’s words struck her like a blow.

How could she forget?

She hadn’t.

She remembered every time he had saved her, every moment he had been there for her, yet she hadn’t considered that Dylan might have played a part in convincing Scott to collaborate.

But she quickly dismissed the idea.

Dylan wasn’t the type to hide his efforts.

If it were him, he would’ve told her outright.

“I remember your kindness,” Ava said softly, her smile returning.

“Kindness?” A scowl formed on his face.

“Do you think I’m doing all this out of kindness?” He loved her, which he had realized too late.

Ava’s smile faltered.

The pain in his eyes was too raw, transmitting to her.

She felt the ache in her heart, and she was at a loss for words.

Dylan looked away as he fought to rein in his emotions.

He had wanted to tell her everything-to confess that it was he who had persuaded Scott to join the project-but now, the thought seemed futile.

If she believed Nicholas was behind it, maybe it was better to let her think so.

After all, what good would his confession do?

Maybe she would just decline to take the help once she learned it was him who had arranged for Scott.

‘This is my penance,’ he thought bitterly.

‘My way of atoning for the mistakes I made in the past.’ He had initially planned to tell her everything he had kept from her.

But now, he had changed his mind.

“Forget it,” he muttered.

“Let’s resume our discussion on Erica.” He pushed aside the distress in his heart.

“Erica and Luke might be plotting to sabotage our upcoming projects,” he said, his voice steadier now, though his gaze remained distant.

“We can’t afford any leaks.

Stay vigilant.

Company’s confidential data can get compromised.” “I understand,” Ava replied resolutely.

“I’ll make sure everything stays secure.

You won’t have any complaints from me.” She rose from her seat.

If there is nothing else, I’ll leave.” “Wait.” Ava paused, turning back to him.

“Your father-how is he?” Dylan asked hesitantly.

“Are you planning to visit him?” Ava shook her head.

“He is getting discharged today.

I asked Ethan to bring him home.”