HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 162

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 162**

The dawn of a new day in SunCity unfolded with the familiar rhythm of life. The sun hung in the sky, casting its warm glow over the streets, and the air was pleasantly mild, devoid of the oppressive heat that sometimes lingered in the summer months. It was a day that seemed unremarkable, as if time itself had paused, allowing the world to continue on its predictable course.

Yet within Althea, a tempest brewed, fierce and unyielding, shackling her thoughts and emotions in a tight grip. Despite Lydia’s transfer to the city hospital, the news had been far from reassuring. The doctor had spoken to her with a calm demeanor, but the words echoed in her mind like a haunting refrain: it was merely a matter of time before Lydia would awaken from her deep slumber. He had promised to keep Althea informed of any changes, no matter how minute.

At least there was solace in the fact that she could visit her dearest friend whenever she felt the urge. She could take little Josh along, or perhaps invite Chase, whose support had been invaluable during this tumultuous time. He had stepped in as a pillar of strength, helping her navigate the storm that had engulfed their lives.

Just then, her phone vibrated, the message from Chase catching her attention. Althea found herself staring at the screen, her heart racing slightly. She had just dropped Josh off with Miss Spencer, and the boy had been reluctant to leave her side after their prolonged separation. It had taken Chase’s gentle persuasion the previous night to convince him that school awaited, even if his heart still longed to be with his mother.

[Chase: Wait for me to pick you up. There’s something I need to talk to you about. And don’t mind what’s around you. If it weren’t for the board meeting this morning, I’d already be at school-by your side.]

A frown creased Althea’s brow as she absorbed the words. What could he possibly mean? Why would he send such an enigmatic message?

She hastily typed a response, but when the seconds stretched into minutes without a reply, she reasoned that he must have gone into his meeting. Shaking off the unease that clung to her like a shadow, she slid into her car and drove toward the school, determined to immerse herself in the routine that had once brought her joy: teaching, smiling at the children, encouraging their bright minds, engaging in light banter with her colleagues.

However, the moment she stepped into the teachers’ lounge, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Whispers danced through the air, sharp and insidious, like knives aimed at her heart.

“I saw it on the news last night… could it be true?” one teacher whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

“My goodness, who would’ve thought? A woman like her, involved with some rich man. They said he’s a CEO from Mighatan,” another replied, incredulity lacing her tone.

“And shamelessly, she’s entangled with Chase Miller too. I don’t know whether to call her lucky or disgraceful,” a third added, the judgment heavy in her words.

Maria, always quick to defend her friend, snapped back with indignation, “What are you even saying? You’re talking without even knowing the truth, aren’t you?”

Althea felt her heart freeze, caught in a web of confusion. What were they discussing?

“Scandal in SunCity: Teacher Linked to Wealthy Businessman.”

“Althea Grayson—The Woman Between Two Powerful Men.”

Her heart raced, and her fingers shook as she scrolled through the headlines, her gaze locking onto the most damning image: a photograph of her with Daven. The angle and timing of the shot suggested an intimacy that was entirely misleading, a portrayal of closeness that felt like a betrayal. It painted their meeting as a clandestine affair, hidden away in the shadows of a quiet town, perfect for concealing the secrets of someone as powerful as Daven Callister.

“No… this can’t be real. How could this—” Her voice faltered, barely more than a whisper, choked by disbelief.

Suddenly, the door to the teachers’ lounge swung open, and Chase Miller stood there, his tall frame filling the doorway, his expression grave, and his eyes heavy with concern.

“Miss Grayson.” His voice was calm yet firm, cutting through the chaos that enveloped her. “Would you come with me for a moment?”