HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Althea left the room calmly, without rushing, leaving behind a heavy silence that settled over the three women. They sat frozen, caught off guard by her departure. Let them simmer in their irritation—it didn’t concern her anymore. After all the times they had belittled her, made her feel insignificant, perhaps this was the one moment she could afford to be selfish.

***

Not long after Althea’s exit, Kate sank onto the living room sofa, her face tight with frustration. The sting of Althea’s words lingered, refusing to fade. Since that absurd request for Daven to postpone the divorce—a plea so sentimental it almost seemed laughable—Althea had grown noticeably bolder, more daring. It grated on Kate’s nerves relentlessly.

“She’s getting more and more brazen every single day!” Kate snapped, her voice sharp with annoyance.

Kalina, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, added quietly, “She meant to insult us, Mom. It was deliberate.”

Felicia’s bitterness spilled out next. “I just want her out of the picture already. I’ve been counting down the days until Daven marries Vanessa. They genuinely love each other. How much longer does he have to sacrifice himself for that miserable excuse of a marriage?”

Kate nodded grimly. “You’re right, Felicia. I’m tired of this too. Why is Daven still humoring her ridiculous demands?”

Determined, Kate grabbed her phone and began scrolling through her contacts until she found the name she was looking for: Vanessa Blake. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she hit the call button. She knew exactly how to remind Althea of her place. In this house—and especially in Daven’s life—Althea was nothing more than a charity case, someone who didn’t belong.

“Sweetheart, we need to talk,” Kate said as soon as Vanessa picked up.

“What’s up, Auntie Kate?” Vanessa’s voice was warm, tinged with curiosity.

Kate chuckled softly. “How much longer are you going to call me that? In less than a month, you’ll officially be my daughter-in-law.”

Vanessa laughed on the other end, a light, happy sound. “Alright, Mom. So, what’s going on? Do you need something?”

“Nothing urgent,” Kate replied smoothly. “But… will you be seeing Daven this afternoon?”

Meanwhile, in the quiet kitchen, Althea stirred a pot of chicken broth slowly, her eyes shining with a soft, quiet happiness. She was eager to finish preparing the special lunch for Daven. Each small wish she held close was slowly falling into place.

She never could have imagined a moment like this—having the chance to make lunch for her husband.

Her left hand hovered over the pot, then she glanced toward the window where the morning sunlight poured gently through the sheer curtains. She exhaled softly.

“Even if this is the first and last time,” she whispered to herself, “I’m grateful you didn’t turn me away, Daven.” A tender smile curved her lips. “I hope that after I’m gone, you’ll remember to take better care of yourself.”

***

The lunchbox was packed with care, ready for Daven. Althea hoped he would enjoy the meal and that her visit wouldn’t interfere with his work.

She had decided to drive herself today, not wanting to inconvenience anyone in the house. Kate and her daughters were nowhere to be seen in the living room, giving Althea a moment of quiet before she set out.