HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 112

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

**Chapter 112**

“Mr. Daven,” Arsen called out gently, his voice barely breaking the serene atmosphere that Daven had meticulously crafted for his morning ritual. Daven occupied a solitary corner of the café, which boasted a sleek, industrial aesthetic, just a stone’s throw away from Josh’s school. Before him, a porcelain cup of black coffee sat, still releasing wisps of steam into the cool morning air. The rich, bold aroma of robusta beans enveloped the space, yet Daven’s expression remained an inscrutable mask, betraying nothing of his thoughts.

As Arsen approached, he extended a work tablet with both hands, his demeanor respectful. “Mrs. Vanessa just sent her updated schedule, Sir,” he stated, his tone cautious, aware of Daven’s mood.

Daven cast a cursory glance at the screen, then redirected his attention to his coffee, which had become his only companion in that moment. The schedule held no significance for him. Normally, he would scrutinize every detail, always searching for an opportunity—any opportunity—to connect, even if just for a fleeting moment. The thought of sharing a meal with his wife, whether a simple lunch or a stolen dinner, was a desire that drove him. He would move mountains for those brief instances. Yet, there were times when work forced him to cancel, just as it had for Vanessa.

And therein lay the crux of his turmoil, didn’t it?

A nagging doubt had begun to gnaw at him—had Vanessa truly been canceling her plans because of work? Or was it James who had been occupying her time? The realization struck him like a cold wave: why had he never considered this before?

Damn it. How long had he been a pawn in this cruel game?

“Don’t waste my time with irrelevant matters, Arsen,” Daven said sharply, his voice cold and clipped, a clear indication that he was not in the mood for any distractions this morning.

“But—”

“I don’t care what that woman’s schedule looks like,” Daven interrupted, his tone icy. “Just keep it.”

Arsen nodded stiffly and retreated, knowing all too well that once Daven had made up his mind, there was little room for discussion. Honestly, if he were in Daven’s position, he might have responded in the same manner.

Yet, this chaos had ensnared him too. His phone had been buzzing incessantly, mostly with calls from Vanessa.

What was he even supposed to do in the midst of this tangled web?

Meanwhile, Daven took a measured sip of his coffee, his gaze drifting out through the tall glass windows of the café to the street beyond. All he could do was wait—savor his breakfast and the bitter solace that caffeine provided.

Then, as if on cue, a neutral-colored car pulled up, the familiar vehicle that delivered Josh to school each morning. Daven’s eyes were riveted to it, unable to look away for even a second.

Sure enough, moments later, little Josh sprang from the back seat, a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. Following closely behind was a man—Chase Miller.

But it was the woman who exited from the front passenger seat that seized Daven’s attention.

Althea Grayson. His ex-wife.

At that time, Daven had dismissed it all as trivial. A waste of energy. Why bother with such efforts when they were heading towards divorce anyway?

But now—now he couldn’t ignore the memories that had etched themselves into his mind. That month had left an indelible mark on him. Her sincerity—her quiet, unwavering care—had lingered.

And today, she was smiling like that once more. But this time… that smile wasn’t meant for him.

Had he overlooked something all along? Was this what she had genuinely desired—not wealth, not the prestige of joining the Callister family, but something far more profound? To be loved. To be seen. To be cherished without conditions or expectations.

Were those the only things she had ever yearned for? The kinds of things that had always seemed so insignificant—until now.

Daven averted his gaze, his coffee now half-finished, but it no longer held the same warmth it had when he first tasted it. Now, it was bland, much like his life had become lately—empty, devoid of flavor.

“I mean… I shouldn’t be jealous of the life she has now, right?” he murmured to himself, his eyes downcast. “Yet seeing the three of them together—like a real family—only intensifies that part of me that still longs for a home, a marriage brimming with love, warmth, and equal devotion… it aches even more.”

His gaze drifted back to the street. Josh was waving goodbye to Chase and Althea before heading into class with his teacher. Moments later, the two adults climbed back into the car, their movements reflecting an easy coordination that spoke of routine and familiarity.

Daven’s hands balled into fists. “Why couldn’t I have that with her?” he whispered softly, almost as if seeking an answer from the universe. “What’s wrong with me?”