HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 126

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

**Chapter 126**

Theo shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his posture tense and his expression a mix of concern and frustration. He remained silent, his thoughts swirling like a storm within him. Across the table, Daven sat still, his gaze fixed intently on the untouched glass of wine that seemed to mock the weight of the conversation hanging in the air.

Kate continued, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife. “And now here you are,” she said, her tone cool and unwavering. “Sitting here in tears, as if you’ve never experienced love? Do you even grasp how many women would give anything to be in your shoes? Daven has the means to support three generations, and yet you chose to prioritize your career—your television appearances—over standing by him in this marriage.”

Vanessa inhaled sharply, her breath hitching in her throat. The tears that streamed down her cheeks were no longer mere theatrics; they were genuine, raw, and deeply painful. Kate Callister’s words had struck a chord within her, reverberating through her very core.

“I didn’t choose to work because I didn’t value Daven,” she whispered, her voice trembling as she fought to maintain her composure. “I just… I wanted to be independent. We agreed on this, didn’t we, Daven?” Her eyes searched his for affirmation, a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.

“Independence is admirable, Vanessa,” Kate replied, her tone softening just a fraction, as if she could sense the turmoil within Vanessa. “But don’t let your desire for independence blind you to the love that’s right in front of you. Don’t lose someone who truly cares for you just because you feel the need to prove that you can thrive without him.”

Vanessa’s head hung low, shame washing over her like a tidal wave. The weight of Kate’s words felt like a physical blow, leaving her breathless and vulnerable.

Felicia, who had remained an observer throughout this tumultuous exchange, regarded Vanessa with a blank expression. She sensed that this conversation was nearing its end, a culmination of the tangled web of lies Vanessa had been weaving for far too long. All Felicia could do was silently wish that her older brother would eventually uncover the truth about his wife’s actions behind his back.

Finally, Theo broke the oppressive silence, his voice steady yet laced with undeniable gravity. “So… the rumors weren’t entirely unfounded?”

Vanessa remained silent, her head bowed even lower, as if the weight of her shame could somehow draw her into the floor.

“Daven, do you have nothing to say?” Theo pressed, his voice tightening with disappointment. The realization that these accusations had not come from a rival, but rather from Kate Callister herself, left him bewildered. He rubbed his temple, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Are you really going to hide behind your mother’s skirts now?”

“And why is that?” Theo pressed, a challenging edge creeping into his voice.

“I worked tirelessly to build my career from the ground up, Dad. You know everything I’ve sacrificed to reach this point,” she replied, her voice gaining strength, fueled by her determination.

“You don’t have to abandon your career, Vanessa,” Daven interjected gently, his tone soothing. For the first time that evening, a soft, kind smile broke across his face, directed solely at her—Vanessa Blake.

But then, with a calmness that sent shockwaves through the room, he added, “Because as of this moment, I’m divorcing you.”

Vanessa’s eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of shock and horror flooding her expression. It wasn’t just her reaction; every single person at that dinner table froze, the air thick with tension.

“What… did you just say?”