HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 130

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 130**

Kate’s brow furrowed as she leaned forward, her piercing gaze fixed on Felicia, a mix of determination and uncertainty swirling in her eyes. “So, what you’re suggesting is that this situation is somehow a form of payback for Daven’s past mistakes?”

Felicia shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, though a flicker of doubt crossed her face. “I’m not outright claiming it’s revenge, Mom. But isn’t it possible that karma operates just as people say it does?”

Daven reclined in his chair, releasing a heavy sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world. “Look, I know I wronged Althea. I’ve never tried to deny it or make excuses. But from the very start, I made it clear that I never wanted that marriage.”

An uneasy silence enveloped the room, thick and palpable.

“But with Vanessa, I’ve been faithful. Not once have I strayed. You all know that, don’t you?”

Kalina met her brother’s gaze, her voice steady and unwavering. “I believe you, Daven. I’ve never ignored the struggles you’ve faced in the past. Regardless of what transpired tonight, you have every right to feel hurt. Vanessa definitely crossed a line.”

Felicia nodded in agreement, her tone noticeably softer. “I share your sentiments, but still… the two of you need to communicate. Sit down as adults and really talk this through.”

“I’ve tried, you know,” Daven replied, his voice barely above a whisper, as if admitting defeat. “More times than I can count. Every time I attempt to discuss something serious, she diverts the conversation. It’s always the same excuses—work commitments, packed schedules, contracts, advertisements, promotions, interviews. There’s always something more pressing than me.”

Kate fell silent for a moment, her fingers idly rubbing her temples as she delved deep into her thoughts. “Maybe… just maybe, we’ve played a part in this too. The way we’ve pressured her for grandchildren, or insisted she live here with us. Asking her to scale back on her work outside the home. Perhaps all that pressure made her feel the need to… escape.”

Kalina frowned, her expression darkening. “So now we’re to blame for this? No, Mom. I can’t accept that your expectations somehow justify Vanessa’s actions.”

“I’m not saying that,” Kate replied gently, her voice laced with concern. “I’m merely trying to trace back the events. To comprehend what could have driven her to this point. We all know Vanessa isn’t the type of woman who can be easily controlled. And I realized that from the very beginning.”

“Is it because you wanted her to be home more?” Daven questioned, his tone steady as he fixed his gaze on his mother. “Did you envision a daughter-in-law like those in traditional families? Someone who rises early, brews tea, prepares breakfast, greets everyone with warmth in the morning, joins us for dinner, and stands by her husband during family gatherings?”

Kate hesitated, her silence stretching out.

“I could have made her fit that mold, Mom. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with being at home, is there?” Daven continued, his voice rising slightly with passion. “It’s not a prison. It’s our home—a sanctuary where we gather, share moments, and live together in something deeper—a bond we call family. All I ever asked of Vanessa was a little of her time. Not her entire life.”

“That’s precisely what I’m asking, Daven,” Kate said with a weary sigh. “Did my expectations push her too far? Did I stress her out to the point where she felt compelled to betray you?”

“Cutting back on work isn’t an unreasonable demand,” Kalina interjected sharply. “There are countless wives who once had thriving careers but chose to step back to prioritize their families, especially when they have a partner who can support them financially—if that’s even what Vanessa was concerned about.”

“Kalina’s right,” Felicia chimed in, her tone more assertive. “I know a friend who relinquished her executive position at a major company in the U.S. just for her husband and children. And you know what? She’s happier than she’s ever been.”

“Do you know why Vanessa never genuinely considered stepping back from her career, Felicia?” Kalina shot back, her eyes narrowing as she turned to her sister.

Felicia’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why?”

“Because if she reduced her work hours… when would she find the time to see that man and indulge in her little escapades?”

“Miss Vanessa’s assistant just arrived at the hospital. His presence seemed to help calm her down—she still appears to be in shock over Mr. Blake’s condition.”

Ah. So James did indeed go to the hospital. That was hardly surprising. There was no chance that man would leave Vanessa to face everything alone.

“Thanks for the update, Tony. If my schedule allows, I’ll visit Mr. Blake tomorrow.”

“We would be honored to have you, Mr. Daven.”

Once the call ended, Daven sat in contemplation, the information swirling in his mind. Strangely enough, it solidified his resolve regarding the decision he had already made.

He stared ahead, his voice emerging calm—perhaps too calm—but it cut through the silence like a sharpened blade.

“I’ve already given her a chance to talk. Tomorrow will be the final day before I make the irrevocable decision to divorce her. Just once—I’ll listen to whatever reasons she has to offer. But if it all sounds like mere excuses…”

His gaze shifted to meet his mother’s, a fierce determination glinting in his eyes. “Then I won’t hold back any longer. I’ve had enough of everything she’s done behind my back, Mom.”

Kate remained silent, her lips pressed together in a thoughtful line, wrestling with her own emotions.

“You… you won’t resent me for divorcing her, will you?”