HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 105

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 105**

“Josh is fast asleep,” Chase said, a broad smile lighting up his face as he gently closed the door to Josh’s bedroom. “I think he really wore himself out playing with Emma and my other two cousins.”

“Yeah,” Althea replied, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she handed him a steaming cup of tea. “Do you want to sit for a bit? Your mom brought way too much food.”

Chase accepted the cup, their fingers brushing together in a delicate touch that sent a warmth blooming in Althea’s cheeks. Their eyes locked for a moment—his gaze warm and inviting, hers lingering with a hint of surprise.

“Wouldn’t it be nicer if we sat on the couch instead?” Chase suggested, his voice low and inviting.

“Why?” Althea asked, a playful smile dancing on her lips. Chase hadn’t released her hand yet, and the intimacy of the moment hung in the air between them. “I just want to stay close to you,” he replied, his sincerity wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

Althea laughed softly, her heart fluttering. Ever since she’d returned home, the weight she had carried for so long had begun to lift. She never would have believed that a simple moment like this could bring such joy into her life.

“Thank you,” Chase said quietly, his eyes tracing the softness of her expression, the tension in him dissipating with each passing second.

“I should be the one expressing gratitude,” Althea said, gently squeezing his hand. “Thank you, Chase.”

They settled onto the couch, barely an inch separating their bodies, as if the space between them was a mere formality. The living room was bathed in a gentle glow from a small lamp in the corner, casting a warm and intimate light that enveloped them. The aroma of the tea wafted through the air, mingling with the distant echoes of laughter and the comfortable silence that wrapped around them like a familiar embrace.

Althea’s mind drifted back to earlier that day, when she had found herself sitting across from the Millers. The memory of Riana Miller’s probing questions echoed in her thoughts, particularly when Riana had asked the same question twice, as if seeking reassurance straight from Althea’s lips.

“Yes, I’m Joshua Grayson’s single parent. It’s not that I don’t want to talk about the past; it’s just—”

“I imagine your past wasn’t an easy one, Miss Grayson. Am I right?” Riana’s tone softened, empathy threading through her words.

The shift in Riana’s demeanor left Althea momentarily speechless, caught off guard by the unexpected warmth.

“There are times when a woman doesn’t owe anyone the details of her past—especially when she’s chosen to raise her child on her own, without anyone’s help,” Althea finally replied, her voice steady, though uncertainty lingered in her heart.

“I heard you work as one of the teachers at the foundation Chase manages?” Daniel Miller interjected, his curiosity evident.

“Yes, Mr. Miller,” Althea answered cautiously, aware of the weight of her words. “I have to work to support us.”

“But Josh seems incredibly close to you, doesn’t he?” Riana added, her eyes searching Althea’s. “Doesn’t he ever feel lonely while you’re working?”

That question always felt like a double-edged sword, but Althea couldn’t ignore it—not when it came from Chase’s mother.

“You’re right,” she said gently, her voice calm. “I’d say we rely on each other. That’s probably why we’re so close. And… I really do everything I can to make sure Josh never feels alone. I try my best to split my time, even when it’s not easy.”

“Are you… happy?”

The question startled Althea, and she looked at Riana, confusion flickering in her eyes. What was she trying to imply?

“Don’t worry,” Riana said gently, her voice soothing. “My husband’s been eager to talk to Josh all evening—we just didn’t know how to approach him. I’m sure he’ll show him the chocolate tower he had specially ordered.”

Riana settled back beside Althea, but the younger woman remained silent, her mind racing to process everything that had just transpired.

“What’s wrong? You don’t look happy. Tell me, what does Josh like? I’ll have Susan prepare—”

“There’s no need, Mrs. Miller,” Althea interrupted quickly, her heart racing. “It’s not that I’m unhappy… I just didn’t expect you and your family to approve of our relationship.”

Riana smiled gently, understanding shining in her eyes. “Why wouldn’t I give you my blessing?” She leaned in slightly, clasping Althea’s hands firmly in hers. “Chase has told us a lot about you. Maybe… for two years now.”

Althea’s eyes widened, shock coursing through her.

“I wouldn’t exaggerate,” Riana replied with a soft click of her tongue. “Every time we asked to meet you—or tried to convince Chase to bring you to us—he always refused. Said you were still turning him down.”

Althea was left speechless, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.

“Don’t get me wrong. Chase may be my eldest son, but we’re quite close. That’s why I was so curious about the woman who could affect him this deeply. And now… I understand why he’s been so careful about introducing you to us.”

“Thank you,” Althea whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

“There’s no need to be so shy,” Riana said, giving her shoulder a gentle pat, the warmth of her touch reassuring. “So… would both you and your son be willing to come to our home? As part of the Miller family? As the wife of my eldest son? My daughter-in-law?”