HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 103

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**

**Chapter 103**

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you to SunCity, Mr. Daven,” Harold, the mayor, beamed with a hopeful expression that seemed to light up the room. “Your presence here is nothing short of a blessing for our city. Many of these projects have been languishing for far too long, held back by insufficient funding and a lack of clear direction.”

Daven offered a courteous nod, his gaze fixed on the intricate blueprints sprawled across the expansive meeting table. These were not just mere plans; they were visions for public facilities, green space enhancements, and a vibrant new cultural center that could breathe life into the community. He listened intently to Harold’s enthusiastic explanations, even as his mind drifted, caught in a web of thoughts that felt far removed from the present moment.

The hour was late, yet Harold had insisted on this meeting, driven by a sense of urgency that Daven could appreciate. As a businessman with a keen eye for opportunity, he was not one to squander such moments, even if his thoughts were currently tangled in restlessness and unease.

“I share your excitement,” Daven replied, his tone measured and calm, arms crossed over his chest. He wanted to project an air of composed interest, even though the prospect of expansion in SunCity was undeniably alluring. But that wasn’t the primary reason for his visit.

If it hadn’t been for the growing curiosity surrounding the boy named Josh, he would have stayed away entirely.

“I genuinely believe these projects will create a lasting impact—especially for the next generation,” Harold continued, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “If you’re on board, I can begin preparing all the necessary documents and a comprehensive presentation. We’ll have everything ready within a week.”

“Sounds good,” Daven replied succinctly. “I’ll have my team review everything. Ensure the reports are comprehensive.”

“Absolutely. We’re optimistic that this will pave the way for a long-term partnership.”

The meeting concluded swiftly, with Harold extending an invitation for dinner. Daven declined, his refusal polite yet resolute. He cited his recent arrival in town as the reason, but the truth was he intended to linger in SunCity a bit longer. The second invitation? That one would not be met with a refusal.

As he exited the room, Daven felt Arsen’s silent presence trailing behind him. Their car awaited them outside City Hall, gleaming under the fading sunlight. Once the door shut and the quiet enveloped them, Daven turned to glance at his assistant through the rearview mirror.

“This information…” Daven began, his voice low and edged with intensity. “You’re certain it’s credible?”

Arsen nodded firmly. “I’m confident, Mr. Daven. Though, to be honest, I didn’t expect it to be real. Initially, I thought it was just one of those ridiculous rumors—gossip circulated by individuals who simply don’t like Miss Vanessa.”

“Just don’t leave any marks on my body, James,” Vanessa’s voice was soft yet tinged with urgency. “You never know—my husband might come home. I don’t want to raise any suspicions.”

Daven’s fists clenched involuntarily. That voice—there was no mistaking it. It was unmistakably Vanessa. And James. He felt the weight of the truth crashing down upon him, unable to argue against the reality he was hearing. He recognized those voices too well.

“I was just… too blind. Or perhaps I placed my trust in her too easily,” he muttered bitterly, exhaling sharply as he pushed the tablet away in frustration. “Was this affair the reason she started distancing herself from me?”

Since entering the car, Arsen had remained silent, his eyes trained on Daven through the rearview mirror, fully aware of how deeply this revelation must have shaken him. It wasn’t just Daven—Arsen himself could hardly wrap his mind around it.

How could someone who appeared to love her husband so profoundly betray him in such a way? Right beneath his nose, basking in the trust and freedom that came with being a respected public figure—his wife, a celebrated actress.

“Would you like to stop somewhere, sir?” Arsen ventured cautiously, his voice laced with sympathy. “I’m truly sorry, Mr. Daven. I know this is difficult for you.”

But Daven remained unresponsive, his gaze fixed on the cityscape slipping by outside the window. A part of him desperately sought some justification—any reason—to dismiss the damning evidence he had just witnessed. Yet the truth was too stark, too undeniable.