HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 157

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

**Chapter 157**

“You really ought to consider heading home first, Mr. Daven,” Arsen suggested, casting a sidelong glance at him. Daven was fixated on the road ahead, his demeanor strikingly calm, far quieter than the animated man he had been during their drive from SunCity to Mighatan. Was this sudden tranquility a result of their recent visit to his grandmother’s grave?

Arsen couldn’t quite pinpoint the reason. Lately, Daven’s life had been a whirlwind of unexpected events, each one more tumultuous than the last. If their roles had been reversed, Arsen was certain he would have succumbed to the weight of such stress long ago.

“I already asked som—”

“No need,” Daven interjected, his voice low yet taut with an unspoken tension. “You know precisely what I’ve been waiting for all this time, don’t you?”

Arsen fell into a contemplative silence, fully aware of Daven’s deep yearning to connect with that little boy. The opportunity was right there, glaringly evident, and it was no wonder Daven was restless. But still…

“I understand your eagerness to see the test results, but—”

Daven shot him a sharp look, his displeasure evident. “If I go home now, I won’t be able to think straight. I’d rather head directly there. And why are you so intent on managing my actions?”

“That’s not what I—”

“Save it,” Daven interrupted, crossing his arms defiantly over his chest. “You should already know why I can’t wait. And… I’m not about to waste precious time just to change my clothes.”

A brief, heavy silence enveloped them. Arsen offered him an awkward glance, muttering, “My apologies, Mr. Daven.”

Daven remained silent, allowing the rest of the journey to unfold in a thick atmosphere of unspoken thoughts. His mind was a tempest of possibilities—what he would do once he had the results of the DNA test from those few strands of hair belonging to Josh, caught on the boy’s hoodie. His hopes soared dangerously high for a positive outcome.

At the very least… it would provide him with a piece of Althea’s legacy to claim.

His son.

Selfish, perhaps… but—

With a long, weary breath, Daven finally broke the silence. “Do you know what’s been the most suffocating experience for me today?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with sorrow. He kept his head bowed, fingers entwined, squeezing them tightly as if to contain the restless energy surging within him.

Arsen, unsure of how to respond, remained silent, granting Daven the space he needed to continue.

“I let Althea walk away because I perceived her as nothing more than a nuisance forced into my life. I never allowed her even the slightest inch of space in my heart to recognize the sincerity she brought with her. She demonstrated it time and again—but I was too ensnared in a hollow version of love.”

Daven exhaled heavily once more. “Pretty foolish of me, wouldn’t you say?”

“I’ve caused enough damage to Althea. Any apology I offer her might feel hollow. I’m certain she’ll never find it in her heart to forgive me easily. She even asked me that if we ever crossed paths again, we should treat each other as strangers—two souls with no shared history.” Daven let out a low laugh, but it was heavy with sorrow and regret.

“I could obliterate everything she holds dear, Arsen. I could drag her back to Mighatan if I chose to. Especially if this DNA test confirms that Josh is my son. I possess the power to do it. And if it meant going head-to-head with the Miller Group, I’m confident I wouldn’t come out on the losing end.”

“But, Mr. Da—”

“I know…” Daven chuckled softly, a hint of warmth returning to his tone. “I’m not going to do it, Arsen. Relax.”

Arsen’s shoulders relaxed, a quiet breath escaping him.

“She’s found someone who truly loves her. And I believe that man’s affection for Althea is not to be taken lightly. I’ve witnessed firsthand how fiercely protective Chase Miller is over Josh. The desire to bring her back to me… was extinguished from the very beginning. If I forced it, it wouldn’t just be Althea who suffered. Josh would feel the repercussions too.”

Daven fell into a contemplative silence for a moment. “All I desire… is to spend some time with Josh now and then. And… to hear him call me ‘Papa’ with his own lips.”

He closed his eyes briefly, savoring the thought. “That would be more than enough for me at this point.”

“Are you absolutely certain Josh is your biological son?”

Daven fixed his gaze on Arsen, his eyes intense. “You know my instincts rarely fail me, especially when it comes to my own bloodline. I don’t need a DNA test to affirm my certainty. My conviction regarding Josh is unshakeable. The only reason I’m pursuing this test is to obtain medical proof—solid evidence—that my blood flows through his veins as well. At the very least… it would prevent Althea from pushing me too far away from my own son, don’t you think?”