HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 106

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 106**

“Mommy, why is Sunny in my room?!” Josh’s voice rang out, a mix of laughter and exasperation bubbling beneath the surface. His little face was scrunched up in confusion as he tried to shake off the persistent licks from their playful dog. “Oh my gosh, Sunny! Stop licking me!”

In the kitchen, Althea couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the delightful chaos unfolding in the other room. Her hands were busy assembling lunchboxes and preparing breakfast for her two boys. Well, technically three, as Chase would be arriving any moment to join them.

To be honest, she still felt a twinge of discomfort with the way Chase had seamlessly woven himself into their morning routine. Dropping Josh off at kindergarten before heading to work together was a new rhythm for her, and while she appreciated the help, the thought of imposing on his already packed schedule made her uneasy. As the principal of the school and the owner of the foundation, Chase’s days were filled to the brim. The last thing she wanted was to become an unwelcome interruption in his life—or worse, to disturb his much-needed rest.

But then again…

“Why are you stopping me?” Chase had once said, his tone laced with a hint of frustration. “I just want to be someone who’s actually helpful to both of you. Especially to Josh. Don’t see it as a burden, Althea. Every moment I spend with you two means the world to me.”

His words echoed in her mind, a gentle reminder that his intentions were pure, even if her heart hesitated to fully embrace this new dynamic. Ultimately, all she could do was exhale softly and allow him to do as he pleased.

Before long, a knock echoed through the house, and Josh, ever the eager one, bolted to the door. His laughter rang out, a bright melody that filled the air, with little Sunny scampering after him, tail wagging furiously.

“Be careful, Josh!” Althea called out, a trace of concern threading through her voice as she watched him dart away.

“Good morning, Uncle Chase!” Josh exclaimed, his face lighting up like a summer day as he flung himself into Chase’s waiting arms without a moment’s hesitation. The impact made Chase grunt softly, a mix of surprise and delight. Sunny, not wanting to miss out on the excitement, barked enthusiastically, his nose twitching as he sniffed the brown paper bag Chase held aloft. With a playful laugh, Chase lifted it out of reach, dodging the tiny dog’s eager attempts to get a taste.

“Good morning to you too, Josh. Whoa—easy there, Sunny! This isn’t for you,” Chase chuckled, ruffling Josh’s hair, which had been neatly combed just moments before.

“Uncle Chase!” Josh protested, his face scrunching up in mock annoyance.

“I promise I’ll fix it later,” Chase teased, his laughter infectious as he watched Josh’s little scowl transform into a reluctant grin.

“This house feels more and more lively every morning,” Althea remarked, setting down two plates of breakfast—one for Josh and another for Chase. “How long are you two planning to linger over there? Come on, sit down. We’re eating together.”

“Yes, ma’am!” both Josh and Chase chimed in unison, their voices a harmonious blend of mischief and cheer.

“Oh, and I brought cookies!” Chase added, lifting the paper bag with a flourish. “They’re homemade—my mom baked them. Josh mentioned he loved cookies during dinner last night, so she made these just for him.”

Althea blinked, taken aback by the unexpected gesture. “She didn’t have to go to all that trouble…”

Chase clicked his tongue in mild annoyance, a playful frown crossing his face. “Why do you keep calling her ‘Mrs. Miller’? She’s going to be your mother-in-law. You’re going to be my wife. Isn’t it only natural for her to send treats to her future grandson?”

Althea found herself at a loss for words.

She had never yearned for overwhelming warmth or unconditional affection. All she had ever desired was to be accepted—genuinely, yes, but without any extravagant displays. There was no need for grand gestures of love; if people could simply embrace her and Josh for who they were, that would suffice.

Yet, it seemed that fate—or perhaps God—had other, better plans in store for her.

The Miller family had welcomed her with open arms, their warmth and kindness wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. They were especially affectionate toward Josh.

“Yeah, Uncle Chase! Emma’s kind of nosy, but I like her anyway,” Josh chimed in, his enthusiasm palpable.

The dining room in Althea’s house was once again alive with laughter and chatter, mostly between Chase and Josh, who seemed to have an endless reservoir of topics to discuss. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, continuing all the way through the drive to Josh’s school.

However, the warmth of the morning shattered like fragile glass the moment Chase’s car rolled into the preschool parking lot.

Josh, in a flurry of excitement, unbuckled his seatbelt and leaped out, waving enthusiastically at his friends. Althea, however, hadn’t even begun to undo her own seatbelt when her gaze fell upon a figure she recognized all too well.

Daven.

He stood near the entrance, arms crossed, his expression serious as he conversed with Miss Tania, Josh’s head teacher. But when he turned and spotted Chase’s car, his demeanor shifted.

Althea felt her heart drop.

Her hand, poised halfway to the door handle, froze in mid-air.

Chase glanced over at her, concern etched across his features. “You okay?” he asked, following her line of sight with a frown.

“What is he doing here?” Althea whispered, her voice trembling slightly as the past she thought she had left behind loomed closer.