HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 150

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 150**

“Mr. Daven,” Arsen announced as he entered the spacious apartment, a steaming cup of his boss’s preferred coffee carefully balanced in his hand. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that SunCity had a café that could meet Daven’s notoriously high standards for coffee. It was a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but one that made his daily tasks a bit easier.

“You’re here already?” Daven’s voice rang out, filled with a hint of surprise as he descended the staircase with his characteristic self-assuredness. A paper bag dangled from his fingers, and Arsen’s curiosity piqued upon noticing it contained Josh’s hoodie. Daven, despite his confident demeanor, seemed to carry a weight of reluctance about returning to Mighatan.

By the time the afternoon sun began to wane, they would be en route. Their business in SunCity was nearly complete, with only one final routine meeting left before the first phase of their project would kick off. It could very well be a month before they returned to gauge the progress of their efforts.

“Didn’t you ask me to come earlier? You mentioned wanting to meet Josh before we drove back to Mighatan. Plus, you have that online meeting scheduled,” Arsen reminded him, trying to gauge his boss’s mood.

Daven clicked his tongue, a sign of mild annoyance that was all too familiar.

“So I prepared everything as usual. I thought if you wanted to make any last-minute changes, I could handle them right away,” Arsen added, studying Daven’s expression with a puzzled frown. “Did I say something wrong?”

It was his usual routine to anticipate Daven’s needs, ensuring that every detail was meticulously arranged. Yet, the way Daven was looking at him, with that sharp, inscrutable gaze, left him feeling unsettled.

“No,” Daven replied after a moment’s pause, his tone unexpectedly softening. “You’ve always been perfect at your job.”

“Thank you.” Arsen felt a rush of confusion at the compliment, unsure of how to respond. “Well then, enjoy your coffee, Mr. Daven. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”

Once Arsen exited the apartment, leaving Daven alone in the expansive space, Daven turned his attention to the floor-to-ceiling windows. He gazed out over the cityscape of SunCity, a habit he had developed over time. Below him, the streets were alive with morning activity—people bustling about, cars navigating through the organized chaos. The honking was far less aggressive than what he was accustomed to in Mighatan. This place had a rhythm all its own—vibrant yet not overwhelming.

“Is this why Althea feels so at home here?” he mused, taking a sip of his coffee. “Yes… given her personality, it does seem to fit her.”

A gentle breeze wafted through the slightly ajar window, brushing against his face like a whisper. The distant hum of the city began to fade, replaced by an enveloping stillness. In that quiet moment, his thoughts coalesced around a singular, unsettling possibility—Josh might actually be his biological son.

He would be lying if he said he hadn’t replayed that night in his mind countless times. The night when Althea truly became his wife. The woman he had married but never truly connected with, who had endured his emotional detachment due to a misguided promise. Everything had shifted in an instant. Even though it had been brief, he could vividly recall the events of that night.

For Daven, it wasn’t the first time he had shared a night with a woman. But for Althea, it had been a moment of firsts—her first experience of intimacy, her first touch.

And if that night had indeed led to a certain outcome, he had to figure out a way to claim that “outcome” as his own. Even if…

“What am I supposed to do, Althea?” he whispered to himself, clenching his eyes shut as frustration bubbled within him. “Why would you do this to me?”

Damn it! Daven cursed inwardly, the sting of self-recrimination cutting deeper than he expected. How could he have allowed himself to entertain such selfish thoughts after all he had put Althea through?

Perfect timing.

With purposeful strides, Daven exited his car, a paper bag in hand that contained the hoodie Josh had accidentally left behind in his vehicle.

“Good morning, Josh,” he greeted warmly, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he turned to Chris, who looked momentarily taken aback. “Morning, Mr. Chris.” He handed over the paper bag. “Apologies for not being able to see you last night. You know how Mr. Harold can monopolize a conversation.”

“Mr. Handsome!” Josh’s face lit up at the sight of him, his excitement infectious.

Chris chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “You’re right—he’s definitely in a good mood today. You must have signed that partnership contract with him. What else could explain this shift in attitude?”

Daven smiled, the meaning behind it deliberate. The truth was… not entirely that straightforward. Yet, there was no harm in twisting it to his advantage. “Here, this is your hoodie. I heard from Uncle Chris that this one’s your favorite, Josh?”

Josh nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling. “Uncle Chase bought it for me when we went to a baseball game last year.”

Ah, Daven realized with a jolt—Josh was under Chase Miller’s protection. A misstep on his part could jeopardize everything he had planned.

“In that case, you’d better take good care of it.” Daven ruffled the boy’s hair affectionately, his eyes never leaving Josh, observing every small movement he made. “Would it… be alright if I hugged you?”