HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 149

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 149**

“Okay, so… you know what you need to do, right?” Chris inquired, his gaze fixed on Josh, who sat beside him in the car.

With a grin that stretched from ear to ear, the boy responded, “Of course! I’m not about to spill the beans about our whole day at the arcade. Or mention the hamburgers, ice cream, pizza, and… soda.”

Chris chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. “You’re a great little reminder, you know that?”

Josh’s expression shifted slightly as he focused intently on Chris. “But Uncle Chris,” he said, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern, “is Mommy at Grannie’s house? She’s making dinner, right?”

“Not quite yet, buddy,” Chris replied, affectionately ruffling Josh’s tousled hair. “But don’t let that get you down. You’ve got Uncle Chris and Uncle Cale here with you. Plus, Grannie has already invited Jack, Emma, and Ethan to stay over. They’ll be here tomorrow!”

Instantly, Josh’s face brightened, his previous frown vanishing like mist in the morning sun. “Then I won’t be lonely!” he exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

“Exactly! Now, let’s go see Grannie and Granddad.”

“Let’s go!” Josh shouted, practically bouncing out of his seat.

As they emerged from the car, the two of them walked hand in hand, their steps syncing in a cheerful rhythm. Josh’s eager strides were infectious, and Chris couldn’t help but smile to himself. Spending the day with such a joyful nephew had turned out to be unexpectedly delightful; he had relished every moment spent playing and laughing together.

That evening, the grand Miller residence radiated a warmth that perfectly complemented the crisp air of SunCity. The soft golden glow from the porch lamps spilled over the steps, creating an inviting ambiance that welcomed anyone who approached. As Chris and Josh stepped through the imposing front doors, they were greeted by several staff members, their faces bright with recognition.

“Good evening, Mr. Chris, Mr. Josh,” one of them said with a polite nod.

Chris returned the gesture, his demeanor calm. “Mr. and Mrs. Miller are waiting for you in the main sitting room,” the staff member informed them.

“Have you prepared a room for Josh?” Chris inquired, handing the boy’s bag to a staff member. Suddenly, a thought struck him. “Josh, where’s your hoodie?”

Josh blinked, his brow furrowing in thought. “I think I left it in Mr. Handsome’s car,” he replied, a hint of worry creeping into his voice.

Chris sighed softly, his concern evident. “Alright, I’ll have someone pick it up for you.” He pulled out his phone, turning to the staff member. “Please take Josh to Grannie. I’m sure she’s been waiting for him.”

“Yes, Mr. Chris,” the woman replied, her attention shifting to Josh. “Come along, Mr. Josh. This way, please.”

Josh nodded obediently, his excitement palpable.

“Mrs. Miller has prepared pasta carbonara for your dinner,” the maid, Brenda, continued. “But if you’d like something else, just let us know, and we’ll have it ready right away.”

The boy’s ocean-blue eyes sparkled with delight. “Really? I can’t wait to try Grannie’s cooking!”

Brenda smiled warmly. “Mrs. Miller made it especially for you.”

Josh’s steps quickened as he raced toward the sitting room, barely able to contain his eagerness to see her.

“Grannie!” he called out, his voice ringing with joy as he spotted the silver-haired woman waiting for him.

“There you are, sweetheart!” Riana exclaimed, her smile radiating warmth and affection. “Come here and give Grannie a big hug!”

Without hesitation, Josh dashed into her open arms, enveloping her in a tight embrace.

“You didn’t forget me, did you?” she asked, her voice laced with playful concern.

Josh laughed, loosening his grip just enough to look up at her. “How could I ever forget Granddad?”

Daniel, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, chuckled. “Then… when am I getting my hug?”

Before Josh could respond, their moment was interrupted by a new voice. “Just got home, Josh?”

It was Cale Miller. Unlike the warm and easygoing Chris and Chase, Cale’s demeanor was quieter, edged with an authority that could even be intimidating. Josh had always felt a little uneasy around him.

“Yes, Uncle Cale,” he replied, his voice small.

After everything he had done, every calculated move he had made to get closer to Josh, he had never envisioned a day like this—a day when he could finally satisfy the gnawing curiosity that had taken root in his chest.

And he wouldn’t have to resort to anything reckless or frightening to the boy. His agreement with Chase would remain intact. But now… he had a golden opportunity, and he was determined not to squander it.

A DNA test.

That was all he needed. Just one test to erase all doubt and finally answer the question that had haunted him for so long.

Was his instinct correct?

Closing his eyes, he allowed his mind to replay the moment he had first met Josh—the boy’s gaze, filled with something unspoken that had struck him in a way he couldn’t quite articulate. When Daven opened his eyes again, a fierce determination burned within him.

“Not much longer,” he murmured, almost as if making a promise to himself.

“Arsen,” he called out to his ever-present assistant, his voice steady.

“Yes, sir?” Arsen entered the room, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. Ever since Daven had returned from his outing earlier that day, there had been something different about him—a faint smile that lingered, a fire igniting his eyes, and an energy that seemed to elevate his mood to exhilarating heights.

“Find the best doctor in Mighatan,” Daven ordered, his voice low and precise. “Someone trustworthy to run a DNA test. If I do it at a hospital in SunCity, that man will know instantly. Forget about getting the results—he might even cancel the TnC Group contract the very same day.”

A faint smirk tugged at Daven’s lips. “Why didn’t I think of this sooner? Chase Miller guards Josh’s privacy with an iron grip. This isn’t just about affection—he’s hiding something significant about the boy. There’s no reason he should’ve gone to such lengths to make a deal with me over Josh… unless…” He shook his head slowly, his mind racing. “It’s suspicious. Very suspicious.”

Arsen glanced down at the envelope Daven handed him, his brow furrowing. “Is this…?”

“Yes. Josh’s hair. Handle it with extreme care, and make sure only I see the results.”

“Understood, Mr. Daven,” Arsen replied, his tone serious.

“Let’s see,” Daven said quietly, his eyes fixed on the hoodie, “if this is merely my obsession with Josh… or if he truly is my son.”