HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

That morning, the air in Daven’s study was filled with the subtle, soothing scent of jasmine tea mingling with the comforting aroma of warm, buttered toast. Sunlight streamed gently through the tall windows behind his desk, casting a soft, golden light that bathed the room in a quiet warmth. Daven sat back in his chair, his eyes quietly fixed on Althea as she carefully poured the tea into a delicate porcelain cup.

Althea appeared composed, serene even. Her smile was modest, not overly broad, but it brought a gentle warmth to the room, softening the morning light just a little more.

“Is this enough?” she asked softly, setting the teacup down beside Daven’s plate.

He gave a brief nod, his voice low. “Yeah.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t make you coffee,” she added, a hint of apology in her tone. “I think we’re out of the beans you like. I’ll pick some up this afternoon.”

Again, Daven’s response was a simple nod, almost distracted.

They ate quietly for a moment, the only sound the gentle clinking of cutlery against plates. If anyone had asked how Althea felt in that moment, her emotions would have been difficult to untangle. She wasn’t sure why Daven had chosen to eat here, away from the others, but now that she was in this sunlit, peaceful room with him, it felt intimate—almost tender. Without meaning to, she found herself smiling more than she had expected.

“What’s with you?” Daven finally broke the silence, his voice low but curious.

“What do you mean?” she replied, tilting her head slightly.

“You keep smiling.” He set his teacup down, eyes steady on her. “Is something making you happy?”

Althea hesitated, then let out a soft laugh. “It might sound silly, but… this is the first time I’ve had breakfast with my husband in a place where no one’s watching. No interruptions.”

Daven didn’t say anything at first. He stared down at his plate, but his gaze never wavered from her movements.

“You didn’t like that, did you?” she asked gently, sensing the subtle shift in his mood. “I’m sorry.”

“Why do you keep apologizing?” There was a faint amusement in his voice, though he didn’t let it turn into a smile. Watching her fidget nervously was oddly entertaining. “Stop overthinking everything.”

Althea lowered her eyes again, twisting the cloth napkin in her lap with trembling fingers. “Like I said… maybe it doesn’t mean much to you. But for me, just sitting here and eating like this—it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

A comfortable silence settled between them, thick but not uncomfortable.

Then, unexpectedly—

“How’s your body?” Daven asked quietly.

Althea’s eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly dropped her gaze.

“L-like usual,” she stammered, voice barely above a whisper. “I’m… I’m fine.”

He studied her closely, noticing the flush creeping up her cheeks and spreading to her ears. “Nothing hurts?” he pressed gently.

Daven turned to look at her, his gaze lingering longer than necessary. Then, with a simple nod, he gave his answer.

And in that moment, he saw it—the radiant smile that lit up Althea’s entire face, her bright brown eyes nearly disappearing behind the curve of her joy. It was as if sharing this quiet breakfast with him was the most precious gift she could receive.

“Thank you,” she said, still smiling, her voice as sweet as honey. “I know we probably won’t have many mornings like this—maybe not even two weeks more—but… I’ll remember this.”

Her words struck Daven like a heavy stone against his chest—solid, weighty, impossible to ignore. He didn’t like the suffocating feeling it brought, yet he couldn’t understand why her voice carried such quiet resignation, as if she had already accepted how fleeting these moments were.

Meanwhile, in the formal dining room, the atmosphere was anything but calm.

Vanessa, Kate, and the two daughters—Kalina and Felicia—sat around the breakfast table, barely touching their food. The warmth of their meals had long since faded, along with their appetites. And the cause of it all? Althea.

“Mom, can’t we just throw her out already?” Kalina grumbled, stirring her soup listlessly.

Kate clicked her tongue sharply, irritation clear in her voice. “If Daven weren’t standing in the way, I would have done it ages ago.”

“Does she really think one breakfast with him will change anything?” Felicia scoffed, narrowing her eyes with disdain.

“She’s pathetic,” Kalina added, her tone cutting. “She acts all innocent and soft, cooking breakfast and playing the perfect little wife. But we all know—”