HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 118

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

**Chapter 118**

“Enough is enough, Vanessa,” Daven’s voice sliced through the air like a cold blade. His tone was devoid of warmth, firm and resolute. “We will discuss this later.”

“When later?” she shot back, her frustration boiling over like a pot on the verge of spilling. She was acutely aware of Kalina’s desire for her to leave, but that didn’t matter now. “I need to talk to you, and I refuse to accept being treated like this! Do you even realize what I sacrificed just to be here?”

Daven’s jaw tightened, a clear sign that his patience was wearing thin. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, a storm brewing in his icy blue eyes. “Leave. Right now.”

But Vanessa stood her ground, refusing to back down. She took a step closer, her eyes blazing with determination. “No. I’m not going anywhere until you talk to me. Do you have any idea how difficult it is just to see you? Is this what our marriage means to you?”

Daven’s expression hardened further, his silence a chilling response that sent shivers down her spine. Without uttering another word, he stood up abruptly, his hand gripping her arm with a roughness that made her heart race.

“Daven!” Vanessa exclaimed, indignation flooding her voice as she struggled against his hold, her pulse quickening.

He remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead, as he marched out of the hospital room, dragging her along. Just outside, James and Arsen, who had been waiting with bated breath, stiffened in shock at the sudden upheaval.

“Tell her we’ll talk later,” Daven barked, shoving Vanessa toward James before releasing her arm.

James instinctively stepped forward to catch her, ensuring she didn’t lose her balance. He offered Daven a slight bow, his voice steady. “Yes, sir.”

“No! I still need to talk to Daven!” Vanessa protested vehemently, her voice cracking with emotion. She could hardly believe he was treating her this way. “Get out of my way! Don’t touch me!” she shouted at James, her anger palpable.

“Miss Vanessa,” James said in a calm, soothing tone, “let’s step aside for now. Mr. Daven has important matters to attend to. He did say he would make time for you later. So, I kindly ask—”

“Shut up!” Vanessa interrupted, her frustration boiling over.

In a moment of impulsive rage, her hand flew across James’s face, delivering a sharp slap that resonated throughout the hallway. The sound echoed ominously, and she watched in horror as the corner of his lip split open from the impact.

Vanessa froze, her heart sinking. “Oh my God—I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!” Panic surged through her as she reached out, her fingers trembling as she hovered near his face. “You’re hurt—are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Miss Vanessa,” James replied softly, a small, strained smile attempting to ease the tension.

“Fine? That’s not fine!” Vanessa exclaimed, her voice rising in desperation. “Let me see it—show me the cut!”

“I’m really okay. Come on, let’s just step outside and wait for Mr. Daven,” James urged, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to her frantic energy.

His soothing voice snapped her back to reality, and she turned sharply, finding Daven still standing nearby, watching them with an unreadable expression.

He was expressionless. Silent.

“You two seem… awfully close,” Daven remarked, folding his arms across his chest, his tone dripping with suspicion.

“It’s not what it looks like, Mr. Daven,” James quickly interjected, his voice steady but laced with urgency. “I was merely ensuring Miss Vanessa’s safety.”

“Don’t misunderstand,” Daven replied coolly, his gaze unwavering. “Just inform her not to bother me—especially not in the hospital. She should know better.”

James nodded, gently holding Vanessa back, aware of her simmering emotions. She was calmer now, but he knew better than to underestimate her unpredictability. With her, anything could happen when feelings ran high.

“We’ll take our leave,” James said hastily, guiding Vanessa away from the scene.

“Are you sure Mr. Chris will actually talk?” Arsen asked carefully, his brow furrowing. “Considering he’s Chase Miller’s younger brother?”

Daven smirked slightly, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “You doubt my abilities?”

“Not at all,” Arsen replied quickly, eager to assure him. “I would never question you, Mr. Daven. I’m merely considering all angles.”

Daven nodded, understanding the underlying caution. “Just relay the message to Harold. If that project is truly as strategic and profitable as they claim, there’s no way a corporation as significant as the Miller Group would let it slip away.”

Arsen gave a hesitant nod, still harboring doubts but knowing better than to argue with Daven. He stepped back, allowing Daven to enter his mother’s room, then returned to his duties—managing documents and preparing reports that required Daven’s signature. Every detail had to be flawless before reaching his boss’s hands. With Daven, even the slightest mistake could cost more than just a reprimand.

Just as he began reviewing the files again, his phone rang sharply once more. This time, it was an unknown number flashing on the screen.

Arsen hesitated, frowning at the unfamiliar caller. Who could it be?

Only on the third ring did he muster the courage to answer.

“What took you so long to pick up?” The voice on the other end was stern, commanding.

Arsen blinked in surprise. “I’m sorry—may I ask who’s speaking?”

“Theo Blake. Vanessa’s father. I need to speak with Daven.”

Arsen stiffened momentarily. “Ah—my apologies, Mr. Blake. I didn’t realize it was you.”

Theo let out an audible scoff, impatience lacing his voice. “So… when exactly can I speak to my son-in-law?”