HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 124

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 124**

“I will ensure Daven never overlooks me again,” Vanessa declared with a quiet yet unwavering confidence as she made her entrance into the opulent banquet hall.

The private ballroom, perched atop the five-star hotel, radiated an inviting warmth and an air of exclusivity. The soft, golden lighting from the crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a gentle glow, illuminating the polished wine glasses and the meticulously arranged dinnerware that adorned the tables. In the corner, classic jazz wafted through the air, played by a pianist and a saxophonist whose melodies intertwined in perfect harmony. The music was subtle, refined—just enough to complement the light murmur of conversation without disrupting the elegant stillness that enveloped the space.

Vanessa had been informed of her father’s early arrival. A server, dressed in crisp attire, guided her toward one of the plush lounge sofas where she could wait comfortably. Her father, Theo, was still deep in conversation with his aide, his brow furrowed in concentration as they discussed what was likely an important matter. She hesitated to interrupt, feeling the weight of the moment. After all, the other guests had yet to arrive.

Tonight was intended to be a private gathering—no media, no flashing cameras. Just an intimate dinner shared among the closest family members of both Vanessa and Daven, a chance to reconnect in a more personal setting.

Dressed in a deep blue satin gown that flowed elegantly around her figure, Vanessa exuded a stunning grace that was both sophisticated and understated. She settled into the sofa, her fingers absentmindedly scrolling through her phone to pass the time. Suddenly, a message from James illuminated the screen.

James:

Miss Vanessa, I have just received some intriguing news. Daven made a substantial donation to a kindergarten. He has been in SunCity all this while. There was work, yes—but he frequently visited the school. I’ve sent you the photos for your review.

Curiosity piqued, Vanessa scrolled through the images. The first photo showed Daven standing outside the school gate, casually dressed in a button-down shirt. In another, he was engaged in conversation with the headmistress, his demeanor relaxed. The next image captured him crouched down among a group of children, their faces radiant with joy as they played around him.

But it was the last image that made Vanessa’s breath hitch in her throat—Daven’s smile.

It was real. Genuine. Not the rehearsed smile he typically wore for public appearances.

And his eyes… they sparkled with happiness.

What was he truly doing there? Playing with children? At a kindergarten? Why now, of all times, when their marriage seemed to be teetering on the edge?

“Theo, they’re not here yet?” The sudden sound of her father’s voice jolted her from her thoughts.

“Not yet, Dad,” Vanessa replied, striving to maintain her composure. “But I’m certain they’ll arrive any moment now.”

“Good,” Theo muttered, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. “If this dinner falls apart again, you’d better have a solid explanation. The rumors swirling around make it seem like your marriage is in serious trouble.”

Vanessa fell silent, the weight of her father’s words pressing down on her. Lying to him was never a wise choice, but perhaps she could manipulate this situation to her advantage. “Daven promised he’d be here tonight. Besides, he’s with my mother-in-law right now.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” Theo replied, accepting a glass of wine from a passing waiter. He took a slow, deliberate sip, savoring the rich flavor as it warmed his throat. “The wine here really is exceptional.”

“I’m glad you like it, Daddy,” Vanessa said, forcing a smile.

As the soft piano continued to play in the background, Vanessa’s fingers instinctively reached for her phone once more. Her gaze lingered on the last photo James had sent her—longer than the others. Daven stood alone in the schoolyard, his eyes locked onto the camera as if he sensed someone watching him.

One thing was abundantly clear: Daven was concealing something.

The warm ambiance of the room began to feel strangely frigid.

Theo cast a brief glance at Vanessa before redirecting his focus to Daven. “You two are awfully quiet tonight,” he remarked, his tone casual yet pointed. “I hope that’s not a bad omen. I don’t like to intrude in your marriage, but… are you both doing all right?”

Vanessa responded with a soft smile. “We’re just savoring this family moment, Dad.”

Daven remained silent. He didn’t even attempt to engage in the trivial chatter that surrounded them. Unless the topic was business, he seemed entirely detached.

The arrival of the main course provided a much-needed reprieve from the tension. Conversation shifted to lighter topics—discussing the recent expansion of Blake Group, Theo Blake’s influence on Mighatan’s economy, and the ongoing success of the Callister family’s ventures.

But as soon as the second course was cleared from the table, Theo decided it was time to address the elephant in the room.

“Vanessa, Daven,” he said, his voice slicing through the lingering warmth, ushering in an unmistakable note of discomfort.

But Theo was beyond caring. He needed clarity.

“I want to talk. Especially with both of you.” He set his spoon down deliberately, the sound echoing in the suddenly tense air. “It’s best that you both be honest with me, so I can grasp exactly what’s happening here.”

His eyes moved between them, lingering on each face. “Not as Theo Blake, the businessman. But as a father—one who’s trying to understand.” He took a deep breath, his expression serious. “Are you truly okay? Or should I start believing the rumors that have been circulating?”