HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 134

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

**Chapter 134**

“Thankfully, Miss Vanessa is in no real danger.”

Daven let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, a wave of relief washing over him. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, and he struggled to comprehend the turmoil that must have gripped Vanessa’s mind to lead her to such a reckless act. How could she inflict such harm upon herself? The chaotic scene replayed in his mind—the panic, the urgency… it had all unfolded in a blur. The deep cut on her arm had bled profusely, staining the sheets beneath her.

“Thank you, Doctor,” he managed, forcing a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. At least, for now, the immediate threat to Vanessa’s life had been averted.

“For the time being… I recommend you stay by her side until she regains her strength,” the doctor advised, his tone professional yet laced with concern.

Daven didn’t bother replying to the suggestion. Instead, he found himself rooted to the spot, silent and still, until the doctor finally stepped out of the room. Once alone, he turned his gaze back to the woman lying vulnerable on the hospital bed.

Her left arm was encased in a long bandage, and the pallor of her face was stark against the white sheets. It was a jarring contrast to the fiery woman who had burst into his office just hours before, full of anger and determination.

“What were you even thinking?” he whispered to himself, the words barely escaping his lips. The frustration bubbled within him, forcing him to pull a chair closer and settle beside her bed.

The silence in the room was thick, and it wasn’t long before Arsen entered, carrying a folder filled with updates on the chaos Daven had left behind. Daven felt the urgency of his responsibilities pressing down on him—he had to act quickly. He was scheduled to leave for SunCity in a few days, and Chris Miller had confirmed their meeting. This was an opportunity he couldn’t afford to squander.

Arsen’s gaze drifted to Vanessa, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. He hadn’t anticipated that she would go to such extremes. It all felt so… selfish. If she was so desperate to avoid divorce, why would she betray him in the first place?

“I believe Miss Vanessa brought that folding knife on purpose,” Arsen remarked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “She must have anticipated how the conversation with you would unfold—how cornered she would feel.”

Daven rubbed his temples, trying to ease the tension that had built there. “Maybe,” he replied, leaning back in the chair, fatigue settling into his bones like a heavy weight. “Assign a couple of people to keep an eye on her. I doubt this will be the last time she tries to pull something like this.”

“Yes, Mr. Daven,” Arsen responded, jotting down notes.

“And ensure that no journalist dares to publish anything reckless. Not unless Vanessa herself decides to drag this mess into the public eye,” Daven added, his voice firm.

He hadn’t intended to linger in that room any longer than necessary. Just as he was about to leave, a weak voice halted him in his tracks.

“Where… am I?”

Vanessa’s voice was fragile, as if she were just emerging from a fog. She had just regained consciousness.

Daven turned, his expression unreadable. “Let’s just say you’re standing at the gates of hell.”

A faint smirk appeared on her lips, a flicker of defiance. “So, you were worried about me?”

“I could have walked out without a second thought. But what you did was disgusting, Vanessa. In my office. In my space. I refuse to bear witness to your demise today.”

“Your words cut deeper than you realize, Daven,” she replied, her voice laced with pain.

He remained silent, the bitter memories of their last confrontation replaying in his mind—the words that had driven her to this hospital bed.

“I’m not finished talking, Daven!” Vanessa’s voice rose sharply, filled with desperation. “If you dare walk away from me, I will do this again!”

“No,” he replied flatly, the finality of his words echoing in the room. “I have no intention of staying with you after all this.”

And then—

“Aaagh!”

“Vanessa! Are you out of your mind?!”

Just the memory of that moment reignited a fire that he had hoped would stay buried. The anger surged back, no matter how hard he tried to suppress it.

“I have no reason to be here anymore. I’m leaving,” he declared, his voice resolute.

Vanessa’s tears flowed freely, her voice breaking with raw emotion. “Is there really no part of you left that still loves me? Not even a little?”

“I did love you,” Daven replied, his voice steady. “Until the day I discovered your betrayal. Don’t try to twist it with excuses, Vanessa. The more you resort to these stunts, the more certain I become about my decision.”

Vanessa’s face paled, and her breath hitched as she struggled to find the words. “I don’t want to lose you, Daven. Please. I’m sorry. I mean it—I’m so sorry.”

He hesitated, allowing the silence to stretch between them. Slowly, a faint, almost bittersweet smile crept onto his lips. He stepped forward, reaching out to gently rest a hand atop her head—a soft, final gesture.

“Live your life well, Vanessa. I intend to do the same. Goodbye.”