My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 96

Chapter 96: His angel

Ava breathed out a long sigh as Dylan left, her shoulders sagging. The tension in her pulse still throbbed. A part of her still reeled from the fact that Dylan hadn’t bothered checking on her while she needed him the most. Why did he come now that she was awake?

‘I don’t need him,’ she thought furiously.

Across the room, Nicholas observed her quietly, his own heart swelling with joy as he witnessed Ava taking his side over and over again. He recalled Ava standing in front of him as a shield, blocking Dylan’s punch.

It was unexpected, but to Nicholas, it was the most beautiful moment of his life. That brief moment of her protectiveness was profound, deeply stirring something within him. No one had ever stood up for him the way she had—not like this. She was truly an angel, fiercely protective and compassionate, and he found himself overwhelmed with gratitude.

“Thank you for standing up for me,” Nicholas said softly, drawing her from her thoughts. “You did it again.”

Ava looked up. When she saw the gentle gratitude in his eyes, she felt a wave of embarrassment rise within her. Her gaze dropped briefly, her mind filling with fresh indignation over Dylan’s outburst. “I’m so sorry, Nicholas. I apologize on behalf of Dylan. He can be… impossible.”

But Nicholas cut her off gently. “Don’t apologize because of him. That’s not yours to carry. If anyone should apologize, it’s him.”

“He’ll never apologize,” Ava muttered, feeling aggrieved. “He thinks he is always right. So self-righteous… so arrogant.”

Nicholas studied Ava’s face, noticing the pain lingering in her eyes, a hurt so raw he wondered why she had ever considered giving Dylan another chance.

“I know there must be some reason you decided to give him a chance,” he started, unable to contain his wonder. “But…Dylan doesn’t seem like someone who regrets his actions. He is impulsive, possessive, and sometimes even dangerous. It worries me that he might end up hurting you again.”

“I didn’t let him back because I softened towards him,” she explained. “This isn’t about forgiving him. But this is very unlikely for Dylan to beg me for a second chance. I have a feeling there is something more going on. I need to find out what he is planning, so I’m only pretending to give him another chance.”

Relief flooded Nicholas’s face, and a flicker of hope danced in his eyes. Her words filled him with quiet confidence; there was still a chance for him to win her heart. “I’ll be here for you, no matter what. If you ever need my help, just call.” He offered her a reassuring smile.

That smile worked like a soothing balm for Ava, lifting a weight from her heart. She returned the smile. “Thank you, Nicholas. Really.”

Then, a thought flashed across her mind. She recalled the anonymous messages she had received a while ago. She thought the mysterious sender might be Nicholas. If he wanted to keep it a secret, she would respect that.

Maybe he didn’t want to overwhelm her with his favors, she thought. But she couldn’t suppress her curiosity either. “By the way, did you find anything out about the fire? It seemed to have started so suddenly.”

Nicholas’s face grew solemn, a spark of anger flashed in his eyes for a split second, but he quickly masked it with his naturally calm demeanor. “It was a short circuit.”

He didn’t tell her the whole findings. Deep down, he knew there was more. The tampered security footage told him it was no accident; it was a calculated move meant to sabotage him and destroy his work. He had his suspicions about who was behind it, but until he had solid evidence, he would keep that knowledge close.

Despite his attempts, his tone betrayed his emotions, and Ava noticed. She watched him closely, sensing he wasn’t telling her everything. Her doubt that he had sent her the footage intensified.

“Thank you, Nicholas, for making the time to visit me. It really means a lot,” she said softly.

“I’ll certainly come to see you. No amount of work is more important than you.” He had made a mistake by leaving her alone in the fire, and he regretted it. He wouldn’t do such things again. Ava’s happiness and her safety would be his priority from now on.

“You must be hungry. Why don’t you eat some fruits?” He picked up an apple and reached for the knife.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that, Nicholas. I can peel it myself.”

“I want to. I insist.”

As he focused on peeling, Ava watched him, feeling a sense of warmth. But then, her expression shifted, taking on a more serious look. “I need your help, Nicholas.”

“Anything for you. Just say it.”

Ava’s expression turned solemn. “I want you to send word to Gianna that my condition is getting worse. Make sure she doesn’t find out I’m recovering.”

Nicholas squinted, trying to read her intentions.

“Her birthday is in two days,” Ava continued. “I’ve got a big surprise in store for her.”

Understanding dawned on Nicholas, and a sly smile crept onto his lips. “Not a problem at all,” he assured her.

Ava’s lips curled into a contented smile as she took a bite of the apple Nicholas had carefully peeled for her. Just then, the door opened, and Lola appeared.

“Nicholas!” Lola’s voice carried a note of surprise. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “You’ve become quite friendly with my friend.” A teasing smile played on her lips.

Nicholas smiled back at her. “Your friend is lovely. She has a way of making anyone fall for her.”

“Oh! I see.” Lola smirked, winking at Ava meaningfully.

Ava shot her a warning glare, but it was to no avail. Lola was undeterred. “Cutting fruits for her! You are quite the romantic,” she teased. “Someone is definitely lucky.”

Ava felt her cheeks grow warmer. “Lola!” she hissed under her breath, trying to rein in her friend’s teasing.

But Lola wasn’t finished. “Well, Nicholas, do you like my friend?” she asked boldly. “Be honest.”

“I like her,” he said without hesitation, his gaze locking with Ava’s for a brief. “But I won’t force her. The decision will be Ava’s.” He knew she wasn’t ready to start another relationship, and he could wait. “Anyway,” he stood up, “I have things to deal with. Since you’re here, Lola, take care of your friend.” He gave Ava a nod of farewell. “See you later.”

Lola watched Nicholas leave, her gaze lingering on him. “Awe! He is such a gentleman.” When she turned back to Ava, her smile disappeared. Gloominess replaced her earlier playful demeanor.

She moved closer to the bed and said apologetically, “I was so scared when I didn’t find you. I never thought that you would be trapped inside the restroom. Thank goodness… Dylan rushed in to rescue you, without caring about the fire spreading. He got you out just in time.”

The revelation hit Ava like a bolt of lightning. “Dylan…he saved me!” she exclaimed with disbelief.