HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 137

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 137**

“Oh, Josh,” Riana murmured, pulling him into a soft embrace, her heart swelling with empathy. It was impossible not to feel a profound sense of compassion when she heard such raw, unfiltered sentiments from a boy who had grown up with only his mother’s love. “Your father would be so proud to have a son like you.”

“Really?” Josh blinked up at her, his eyes wide as if he were trying to grasp the enormity of her words. “Mommy always says Papa’s looking down on me from the sky. That’s why I don’t have to be scared when I’m alone. And besides, I have Mommy. So I never miss Papa.” Riana’s gaze subconsciously drifted toward Althea, who stood quietly in the kitchen, her presence a silent witness to their conversation. Althea had been eerily quiet throughout, and Riana couldn’t help but wonder if she had absorbed every word. When their eyes met, Riana offered a reassuring look that seemed to convey, *You don’t need to worry. I understand why you’ve told Josh those things.*

“From today onward,” Riana whispered, her hand soothingly tracing slow circles on his back, “you have so many people who will look out for you. There’s Grannie, Granddad, Uncle Cale, and Uncle Chris. You’ve met them before, haven’t you?”

Josh tilted his head, deep in thought. “I think so… but I don’t really remember.”

“That’s perfectly alright,” she cooed, gently smoothing a hand over his tousled hair. “They’re coming over for dinner tonight. You’ll have the chance to meet them again.”

Josh nodded, his expression brightening just a fraction.

“And most importantly,” Riana added with a warm smile, “Uncle Chase will always make sure you’re safe.”

“Yeah!” Josh’s smile was instantaneous, lighting up his face. “Uncle Chase never goes far from me. Even when he’s a bit annoying, I know he’s the best.”

Riana chuckled softly, the sound a gentle melody in the kitchen. “That’s exactly how Uncle Chase is. But remember, he loves you very much.”

“I know,” Josh said, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek, his small gesture radiating affection. “Just like Grannie does. Right?”

Their laughter intertwined, filling the kitchen with a warmth that transcended the delicious aroma of roasted meat and melted butter wafting through the air. It was a kind of warmth that had nothing to do with the food itself and everything to do with the bond they were forging, one laugh at a time.

Althea watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling with gratitude for these fleeting moments. She wished, with all her being, that days like this could stretch on forever, a continuous loop of love and laughter.

“Mrs. Miller,” one of the staff members approached with a respectful nod, “Mr. Chase, Mr. Cale, and Mr. Chris will be arriving shortly.”

Riana’s smile blossomed even wider at the news. “Let’s go, Josh,” she said, glancing toward Althea. “You too, Althea.”

Meanwhile, on the road, the three Miller brothers were engaged in a lively discussion, particularly as the topic shifted to Chase Miller’s potential bride, Althea Grayson.

“What brought you back, Cale?” Chris asked, his arms crossed over his chest, a hint of suspicion in his tone. Cale, the quieter of the brothers who only spoke when it was essential, had unexpectedly called to announce his arrival at SunCity Airport. This was surprising, given that Cale’s business dealings in Singapore were supposed to occupy every waking moment of his life.

“What’s wrong with that?” Cale shot back, fixing Chris with a flat stare. “Am I not allowed to come home?”

Chase’s gaze sharpened, focusing intently on Cale. His second brother rarely spoke this much, and the seriousness in his voice commanded Chase’s attention.

“What about the boy’s father?” Cale finally asked, the question hanging in the air like a dark cloud. “Is he… gone? Or is he still alive?”

Chase wasn’t prepared to divulge the truth just yet. He had already resolved to tell his family who Josh’s father really was, but only after he had forced that man to bow his head and adhere to the boundaries Chase had meticulously set. He wasn’t naïve; he understood how that man operated.

Even now, Daven Callister’s men were lurking in the shadows, waiting for the slightest opening to get close to Josh.

“If the boy’s father has passed away, maybe you can still win his heart,” Cale continued, his voice steady but filled with caution. “Especially if it happened long enough ago. But if Josh’s father is still alive… aren’t you afraid he might return and shake the foundation of your relationship?”

Chase stared at Cale for a long moment, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his lips.

“I’m not afraid. If she dares to see her son, then… I’d say she’s completely lost her shame.”

Cale’s brow furrowed deeply, but after a brief pause, he replied, “I’ll assume you can handle your own affairs. I just hope you’re not making the wrong move.”

“Why does this conversation sound so serious?” Chris interjected, puzzled. “Am I the only one here who has no clue what you two are really talking about?”