HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 108

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 108**

As Josh bounded into the quaint little library, a spark of excitement lit up his face. “I didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Handsome!” he exclaimed, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm as he glanced up at Daven, whose presence seemed to cast a shadow in the cozy room.

Daven, flanked by Chase and Miss Tania, had just made their way to this treasured spot—one that had become the highlight of his visit. He walked beside Josh, who was practically bouncing with energy, and managed a faint smile. “And I didn’t expect to run into you either, little chatterbox,” he replied, his tone teasing yet warm.

Josh let out a hearty laugh, blissfully unaware of the tension that simmered between Daven and Chase, two grown men whose history was fraught with unspoken words and hidden motives.

Upon entering the library, which Miss Tania had taken such pride in, Josh could hardly contain himself. He broke into a small jog, his eyes sparkling as he raced toward the colorful bookcases that lined the walls. His fingers danced along the spines of the books, each title igniting his eager curiosity. “Look! These are new books! Miss Tania said someone amazing donated them. Can I know who the amazing and generous person is, Miss Tania?” His voice was a melody of innocence and excitement.

Miss Tania offered a slightly awkward smile, her gaze momentarily flickering toward Daven, who stood a few feet away, impeccably dressed and exuding an air of confidence.

“Someone amazing, huh?” Daven interjected smoothly, a faint smirk curling at the edges of his lips as he cast a sidelong glance at Josh. “Maybe it’s better you don’t know who that person is. Come on, let’s explore. Is there a book that catches your interest, Josh?”

“Hmmm… which one, I wonder?” Josh pondered aloud, his brows furrowing in concentration as he scanned the shelves with an earnest, thoughtful expression.

“Do you like the room?” Daven asked, his voice softening as he leaned slightly closer, genuinely interested in the boy’s response.

Josh nodded vigorously, his enthusiasm palpable. “Yes, Mr. Daven! It’s my favorite place now! I can read books about space and dinosaurs here! Oh—and there are so many fairy tales in the front section. Miss Spencer said if I ever want to read them to my friends, I can gather everyone in the center room.” His words tumbled out in a rush, each one filled with the kind of excitement only a child could muster.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Daven said, affectionately ruffling the boy’s hair. “I hope you’re not the only one who enjoys this place. I hope all your friends love it too.”

“They will, Mr. Daven!” Josh declared confidently, his eyes shining with the promise of shared adventures.

Meanwhile, Chase lingered near the door, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he silently observed the interaction. Every movement Daven made was scrutinized, and he felt a growing unease settle in his gut. Initially, he had thought this visit was merely a formality, but the way Daven was making an effort—subtle yet determined—to connect with Josh set off alarm bells in Chase’s mind. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Daven was starting to piece together the truth about Althea and her connection to the boy.

It wouldn’t take much for Daven to uncover the intricacies of Althea’s life in SunCity, along with the true identity of Josh. That was precisely why Chase had leveraged his influence—to block any inquiries, to keep anyone from digging into Althea and the boy’s past. He was resolute in his determination to prevent Daven from getting what he sought.

“Josh,” Chase called out gently yet firmly, his voice cutting through the library’s cozy ambiance. “Miss Spencer’s waiting for you. It’s time to head back to class.”

Josh flicked his gaze between the two men, a thoughtful expression crossing his face before he asked, “Can I give Mr. Handsome a hug first?”

Chase hesitated, his heart tightening. Josh’s eyes were wide and pleading, a look that tugged at something deep within him. Was this an unconscious bond forming? Did Josh even realize why he felt drawn to the man standing before him?

“Including Josh?” Chase didn’t bother concealing the sharpness in his voice, the tension between them palpable.

Daven paused, a faint smile gracing his lips. “Perhaps. But… why do you sound worried?”

Their gazes locked, neither man willing to yield, as if they were two chess players sizing each other up, both waiting for the other to make a move. The quiet tension stretched taut like a drawn bowstring, each heartbeat echoing in the silence.

At last, Daven’s thin, knowing smile broke the standoff. “Relax,” he said, his voice steady. “I didn’t come here to stir up trouble.”

Chase stepped forward, slow and deliberate, until he stood directly in front of Daven, the air between them thick with unspoken challenges. “I don’t know what your real intention is, Mr. Callister. But I hope you understand exactly where the line is. As the head of SunRise Foundation, I appreciate your interest in children. But if your generosity comes with strings attached… make sure those strings don’t reach toward Althea or Josh.”

Daven held Chase’s gaze, his expression inscrutable, a mask of calm that revealed nothing.

“Until next time, Mr. Callister,” Chase said, forcing a tight, professional smile. “Hopefully, at our next meeting, we’ll be discussing business or something that piques your interest. Aren’t tycoons like yourself always drawn to large-scale investments?”

Daven paused, a low chuckle escaping him, as if the absurdity of the situation amused him. “You’re right. I only take interest in big ventures. So… what offer do you have that might be worth my time?”