HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Althea found herself utterly captivated by the scene before her.

The instant her eyes fluttered open—after all that had transpired—she chose to lock the memory away deep within her heart. It was a moment too delicate, too precious, to be captured by mere words. One of the rarest and most beautiful experiences she had ever known. Made all the more poignant by the quiet chance to admire the man she had come to love so deeply, even if only in secret.

“How fortunate I am,” she breathed softly to herself. Her fingers reached out tentatively, hovering just above Daven’s temple, almost brushing aside the stray locks of hair that had slipped across his forehead. Yet, she hesitated. She dared not disturb him. Spending the night beside him had already surpassed her wildest dreams. And now, watching him sleep in such peaceful repose only stirred a bittersweet ache within her—a tangled blend of happiness and sorrow.

“Thank you… for granting my wish,” she whispered, her hands clenching into gentle fists as she added in a hushed tone, “I’m sorry if I was selfish.”

Tenderly, she adjusted the blanket draped over Daven, ensuring he was warm and comfortable. Then, with the utmost care and silence, she slipped from the room, mindful not to make a sound that might shatter his tranquil rest.

**

The dawn had yet to fully break when Althea busied herself in the kitchen. The morning air was crisp and cool, the faintest hint of chill lingering in the stillness. Her fingers moved deftly, slicing vegetables, boiling water, and preparing a modest but comforting breakfast: toast slathered with butter and a light chicken broth. She hoped to greet the day with a smile, quietly wishing that perhaps, just perhaps, Daven would come downstairs and join her.

“I’ll need to pick up a few things today,” she murmured to herself as she scanned the nearly empty pantry. Several staples had run out. Normally, the head maid managed the groceries, but sometimes Althea preferred to handle it herself. There was a strange satisfaction in choosing items with her own hands—it added a small spark of purpose to the otherwise monotonous rhythm of life in the Callister household.

“I should ask Daven if he still prefers the same peanut butter brand,” she mused, a soft smile touching her lips.

Just the thought of sharing such a simple, everyday conversation with him made her heart flutter unexpectedly. Absentmindedly, her hand drifted to her stomach, gently caressing it as if nurturing a fragile hope—one born from the night before—that her deepest wish might have been granted.

A child.

But the quiet happiness was short-lived.

“My darling Vanessa,” came Kate’s overly sweet voice, echoing down the hallway with a warmth that felt forced—an inflection she never once used for Althea. “I didn’t know you’d be joining us for breakfast!”

The unwelcome visitor was none other than Vanessa.

Althea should have grown accustomed to this by now, shouldn’t she? Especially since Ivy Callister’s passing, Vanessa had grown bolder, making herself at home in the house as if Althea were invisible. As though the fact that she was still Daven’s wife meant nothing at all.

But honestly—who in this house would stand up for Althea?

“Mom’s right, Vanessa,” Felicia said smoothly. “It’s such a pity… everything had to be put on hold.”

Vanessa smiled serenely, unfazed. “Oh, come now. I don’t mind. It’s only a month. That’s nothing.”

Kate nodded approvingly. “We’ll have plenty of time to plan the wedding properly. I want everything to be perfect for you and Daven.”

“Oh, me too!” Kalina clapped her hands excitedly. “I can’t wait to help you pick the dress. I just know a siren cut would look stunning on you.”

“And of course… a formal announcement from the Callister family,” Felicia added, pausing briefly as her eyes flicked toward Althea, who was silently cleaning the cutting board. “Vanessa’s name will replace… that one.”

“I doubt we’ll have to wait long,” Vanessa said with satisfaction. “It’s obvious who truly belongs by Daven’s side.”

Althea remained silent. She calmly returned to the table, placing the tea down and arranging the toast with deliberate care.

“Good morning, everyone,” she said softly, her voice steady and graceful. “Breakfast is ready. I hope it suits your tastes.”