HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 109

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

**Chapter 109**

“How could that man just appear at Josh’s school?” Althea whispered to herself, her fingers pressed firmly against her temple as if trying to squeeze out the tension that had settled there. A heavy weight sat in her chest, a feeling she had been valiantly attempting to push aside since the moment she woke up that morning.

Despite her racing thoughts and fraying nerves, she had somehow made it to the school, her body moving on autopilot while her mind was a chaotic whirlwind. As she stepped through the familiar entrance, she plastered on a practiced smile, a thin veneer that barely concealed the panic bubbling just beneath the surface.

All she yearned for today was simplicity—a chance to teach as she always did, to explore the world of geometric shapes in ways that would spark joy and understanding in her students’ eyes. She longed to see their faces light up with excitement, to be the teacher they eagerly anticipated each day.

“Alright, Althea. Just breathe. You can do this. Everything will turn out just fine,” she reassured herself, though the words felt hollow.

To her relief, she had successfully navigated through the first half of the school day, her students oblivious to the storm raging within her. She should have felt grateful for the semblance of professionalism she maintained, but the moment she stepped into the teachers’ lounge, took a seat at her desk, and caught sight of the framed photograph of her son, her composure shattered like fragile glass caught in a tempest.

“Miss Althea?”

The gentle voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her from the depths of her despair. It was Maria, her colleague and friend, who sat just a few desks away.

Althea turned her head, managing a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yes, Maria? What’s on your mind?”

“Do you have a moment to talk?” Maria asked softly, her gaze dropping slightly as if she were afraid of imposing. But she could no longer remain a passive observer. Althea was not just another teacher at SunRise; she was a vital part of what made the school feel like a nurturing family. Her warmth, her kindness, and the quiet strength she brought into each classroom were irreplaceable.

Althea nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude for Maria’s concern. “Of course, I have time. What’s troubling you?”

Maria slowly pulled out a chair and sat beside her, her expression earnest and steady. “I know this might not be my place to say,” she began, choosing her words carefully, “but for the past few days, you’ve seemed… different. Like there’s something heavy on your heart. Are you alright?”

Althea took a soft breath, her instinct screaming at her to look away, to deflect the question. Yet Maria’s gaze was unwavering—gentle and filled with concern. Pushing her away would only send the message that she was fine, that she didn’t need anyone’s help. But deep down, Althea knew she didn’t want anyone to worry about her.

“I’m okay,” she finally responded, forcing a small smile as she reached out to grasp Maria’s hand, hoping to quell her friend’s worries. “Just a bit tired, maybe.”

Maria’s expression told a different story. “Really?” she probed, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You didn’t even scold the kids who were late this morning. You’re usually the strictest one about that.”

A soft laugh escaped Althea’s lips—not because anything was humorous, but because she recognized how deeply her burden had seeped into her daily routine.

“Althea,” Maria continued, her voice now a soothing balm, “if there’s something you want to share, I’m here for you. I won’t push, but I can’t pretend not to see how much you’re struggling.”

Those words resonated within Althea, striking a chord she didn’t know was there. She didn’t quite know how to respond, only managing a faint, unconvincing smile. “Is it really that obvious?” she asked quietly, more to herself than to Maria.

“Yes,” Maria affirmed without hesitation. “You don’t have to carry this weight alone. If it’s too heavy, I’m here to help you bear it.”

“Thank you, Maria,” Althea whispered, her heart swelling with appreciation. “It means a lot to me.”

Maria studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Whoever has caused you this pain, I hope they realize… you still showed up today. You stood in front of your class, full of spirit, holding your head high, pushing through thoughts that I can only imagine are difficult to ignore. That alone makes you incredible.”

A genuine smile broke through Althea’s facade this time. “You have a talent for giving compliments that could rival a poet, Maria.”

“Oh, do I?” Maria replied playfully, her laughter ringing like a melody in the air. The sound was infectious, pulling a laugh from Althea as well. It wasn’t much, but it felt like a sliver of sunlight piercing through the thick clouds hanging over her heart. Just as she began to feel a little lighter, her phone buzzed on the table, cutting through their moment of connection.

Chase’s name flashed across the screen.

“Yes, Mr. Daven?” Arsen replied, turning slightly in his seat.

“This SunCity project—does it intersect with the Miller family?” Daven inquired, his brow furrowing with concern.

Arsen glanced back at him, taking a moment to process the question. He hesitated, then tapped something on his screen, pulling up an article. “I was just looking into that. I planned to brief you once I had finished—”

“Hand it over,” Daven commanded, leaving no room for debate.

Arsen passed the tablet back without protest. The car fell into a heavy silence as both men retreated into their thoughts, until Daven’s phone began to ring loudly, disrupting the quiet.

He glanced at the screen, a faint smirk curling at his lips.

Then he ignored it entirely.

Not even the slightest urge to answer.

It rang again. And again. Five… six times.

Finally, Arsen’s phone buzzed as well. He pulled it from his inner pocket, checked the screen, and turned toward Daven with a knowing look.

“Mr. Daven, I believe Madam Vanessa has been trying to reach you.”

Daven met his gaze with a wry grin. “Answer it. Find out what she wants. I have no interest in speaking with her. Make up something convincing… perhaps tell her I’m with Althea?”