HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 152

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

**Chapter 152**

Mighatan awoke to a morning cloaked in a heavy, melancholic stillness—especially for Althea. The sun cast a muted glow through the curtains, but the brightness of the day did little to lift the weight pressing down on her heart.

With Lydia’s condition hanging in the balance, Althea had made the decision to remain by her friend’s side for the coming days. The uncertainty gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Chase, who had stepped up without hesitation to look after Josh. Chris and Cale had also offered their support, and she knew she owed them a personal debt of thanks. Without their kindness and willingness to help, she found herself at a loss for what she would have done in this tumultuous time.

“Don’t let it weigh you down too much, Althea,” Chase said, his fingers enveloping hers with a reassuring grip. His touch was warm and grounding, a lifeline in the storm of her worries. “We all want what’s best for Lydia.”

Althea released a slow, shaky breath, her heart racing in her chest. “You know, I’m terrified. She still hasn’t opened her eyes… I’m afraid—”

“There’s nothing for you to worry about.” Chase’s gaze was steady, locking onto hers with a determination that made her feel momentarily safe. “I’m doing everything I can for her, too. She’s my friend as well.”

A faint smile crept onto Althea’s lips, though it felt fragile, like a flickering candle in a draft. She glanced down at their intertwined fingers, then leaned her head gently against his shoulder, seeking solace in his presence. Anything to quell the restless worry that gnawed at her insides. “Thank you, Chase,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

“When you’re ready, we’ll go see Lydia’s doctor,” he said softly, his tone imbued with patience.

He was right, she reminded herself. She needed to find a way to calm the chaos in her mind. To push aside the dark thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her, thoughts of what might happen to Lydia. Her friend was strong; she had to believe that. Althea clung to that hope with every fiber of her being. And truly, having Chase by her side felt like a blessing. His words always seemed to arrive just when she needed them the most, steadying her like a lighthouse guiding a ship through a storm.

“Thank you,” she murmured again, the words slipping out with a sincerity that resonated deeply.

Chase tilted his head slightly, a curious expression crossing his face. “For what?”

“For being here with me?” She turned to face him fully, her heart fluttering as she met his gaze—those steadfast eyes that had been unwaveringly fixed on her for three long years. Despite the countless times she had resisted his advances, this time felt different. She was beginning to let him in, to acknowledge the warmth he brought to her life, a warmth she had tried to ignore for far too long.

“I’m glad I can be,” he replied softly, a hint of affection in his voice. “Sweetheart.”

Their eyes locked in a moment of shared understanding. In that quiet space, Althea felt a profound realization wash over her—was this what it truly felt like to be loved so deeply?

***

“How is she now?” Althea’s voice quivered as she posed the question, her heart racing in trepidation.

The doctor who had been attending to Lydia stood across from her, his demeanor composed yet the worry etched in his eyes was unmistakable. He, too, bore the weight of concern for his patient’s fate.

“No change yet,” he replied, his tone measured and cautious. “She’s past the critical stage, but there’s still no significant improvement. All we can do now is wait for her to regain consciousness.”

Althea’s gaze shifted to Lydia, who lay motionless, her body adorned with wires and tubes that snaked across her fragile form. The pallor had drained from her face, transforming her from a patient into a woman caught in the depths of a serene, undisturbed slumber. But still…

Althea’s heart ached at the sight. She hated that she was here, that her best friend was ensnared in this nightmare.

Her eyes stung with unshed tears. “Please… wake up, Lydia,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, yet filled with an urgency that echoed her desperation.

His hand moved in gentle circles across her back, soothing her in a way that felt both tender and protective. “You don’t have to thank me, sweetheart. I’m doing this because I don’t want your mind split in two. It’s better if we can all be close to Lydia.”

Althea nodded against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his support seep into her bones.

“So,” he said, loosening his embrace just enough to meet her gaze, “no more thank-yous. Let’s just pray she wakes up soon and comes back to us.”

She nodded again, the simple act a promise of hope.

For a while, they sat in silence, letting the ambient noise of the lobby fill the space between them. People passed by—nurses, doctors, visitors, each with their own urgency, their own stories woven into the fabric of the sprawling hospital in Mighatan.

“Chase,” she finally spoke, breaking the quiet.

“Hm?” he responded, his attention fully on her.

“Before we go back to SunCity… I want to visit somewhere.”

His brows knitted together in curiosity. “Where?”

“My mother’s grave,” she said softly, the weight of her words heavy on her heart. “And… Grandma Evelyn’s, too.”