HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 179

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 179**

“My desires must be pushed so far down. Do you know what that feels like?”

For the first time in his life, Daven found himself ensnared by a profound sense of defeat. It was as if the very air had been sucked from his lungs, leaving him crushed beneath the weight of his own tumultuous thoughts. Helpless. The memories of the past loomed over him, casting a long shadow that he could not escape.

Arsen stood nearby, grappling with how to respond to such raw vulnerability. He could sense the turmoil swirling within Daven, and truthfully, if he were to find himself in Daven’s shoes, he would likely be drowning in the same despair. Perhaps even more so. He doubted he would possess the strength that Daven seemed to muster, even in this moment of utter hopelessness.

“I have proof, Arsen. Enough to make the world see that Josh is my son, my flesh and blood. I could go after Althea and Chase, fight them publicly, and claim Josh in front of everyone. I could do it.” Daven’s voice dripped with bitterness, each word tinged with a sense of longing and frustration.

He inhaled deeply, his breath uneven and shaky. Today had dragged him through a chaotic storm of emotions, unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

“But I choose silence. Because I know that the moment I reveal the truth, the uproar will never end. Vanessa will lose her mind, and Althea… she’ll only be shattered all over again. And Josh’s life will never be the same.”

His fists clenched tightly at his sides, his face a battleground of fury and despair. “God… I’m so sick of all this drama. I’m sick of Vanessa and her endless games. She’s crossed every line imaginable.”

Arsen spoke gently, hoping his words would provide some steadiness to Daven’s turbulent thoughts. “I understand how unbearable Miss Vanessa’s actions have been. But in my humble opinion, you made the right choice, Mr. Daven. Restraint does not equate to defeat. Besides, Mr. Chase and Miss Althea haven’t prevented you from visiting, have they? You still have plenty of opportunities to be close to young master Josh.”

Daven fell into a contemplative silence, allowing Arsen’s words to settle within him like stones dropped into a still pond.

“There will come a time when you can stand proudly and declare that you are Josh’s father. And by then… perhaps your relationship with Miss Althea and her family will have healed.”

“You think so?” Daven’s voice held a hint of skepticism, his heart aching for a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.

Arsen stepped closer, his expression earnest. “At the very least, this is the best way to protect young master Josh. To me, you are a man—and a father—worthy of pride.”

Daven let out a hollow laugh, one that echoed with self-doubt. “If I were truly a man to be proud of, Arsen, I wouldn’t have endured my wife’s affair.”

Arsen stiffened at the mention of Vanessa, but he quickly countered with conviction. “Miss Vanessa, in my eyes, has always been a woman incapable of appreciating what she has been given. You don’t need to shoulder the blame for her choices, Mr. Daven.”

Daven pressed his fingers to his temple, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Damn it… fine.” He snatched the phone up, hitting accept with a sense of dread, and barked into the receiver, “What else do you want, Vanessa?!”

Arsen flinched at the sharpness of Daven’s tone, startled to realize it was Vanessa—calling relentlessly, each ring a reminder of the chaos she had infused into their lives. Without uttering a word, he stepped aside, granting his employer the privacy he knew was necessary for what would undoubtedly be an explosive conversation.

On the other end, Vanessa’s voice crackled with urgency, thick with panic. “Daven… you must listen to me. You can’t be serious about divorcing me. No. No, you can’t—”

“Why not?” Daven interrupted, his brow furrowed in disgust. “As I mentioned earlier, I’ve already filed the petition. And I made it perfectly clear, didn’t I? Get yourself the best lawyer you can find and be ready to face me in court. If you can’t—”

“No!” Vanessa’s voice broke, desperate and trembling. “You can’t do this to me, Daven! I love you. I love you so much, Daven. Haven’t you seen it? Haven’t you felt how much I—”

“I don’t need your love, Vanessa. Enough is enough.” His voice dropped to a growl, heavy with irritation. He was on the verge of hanging up when Vanessa’s voice erupted through the line, a mixture of half-scream and hysteria.

“IF YOU GO THROUGH WITH THIS, I’LL KILL MYSELF! DO YOU HEAR ME, DAVEN? I’LL KI—”