HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 212

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke 212**

**Chapter 212**

“We’ve reached our destination, Mr. Daven,” Andy announced, casting a quick glance at him through the rearview mirror.

The car had been idling for what felt like an eternity outside Josh’s school, their intended stop on this late morning. Yet, Daven remained motionless in his seat, his gaze fixed on the closed gates of the school, as if they held the answers to questions he was too afraid to voice.

“I doubt Young Master Josh will be out anytime soon. His dismissal is still about twenty minutes away,” Arsen interjected, sensing the heavy silence that had enveloped them since their arrival. Daven’s usual composure had evaporated, replaced by an unsettling tension that hung around him like a storm cloud.

“I know,” Daven replied tersely, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with an inner turmoil that was palpable. “It’s just… I suddenly find myself terrified that I won’t be able to keep my emotions in check.”

Arsen, recognizing the depth of that fear, offered what little comfort he could muster. “I believe the right moment will present itself for you to reveal the truth to Young Master Josh. When that moment arrives, I have faith that he will grasp why you felt compelled to keep it hidden for so long.”

“I hope you’re right,” Daven sighed, the sound escaping him like a deflated balloon. He pulled out his phone with shaky hands, his fingers hovering over the screen as he composed a message to Althea. Charging in without a plan just to see Josh was a reckless gamble he couldn’t afford to take; the stakes were too high.

Daven: Thank you for allowing me this opportunity. I’m currently outside Josh’s school. Would it be possible for me to spend a couple of hours with him?

His heart raced as he awaited her response, his hand lingering over the door handle, a fierce yearning to rush to his son battling with the nagging fear of overstepping his boundaries. The mere thought of Althea outright denying him, of shutting him out from Josh’s life, was a torment he couldn’t bear. Among the ruins of his life, the truth about Josh was the one precious thing he clung to, and he couldn’t jeopardize it with a hasty decision.

Althea: Go ahead. Just let me know where you’ll be spending time with him.

“Oh, no,” Tania quickly replied, shaking her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I don’t think it would be appropriate.”

“That’s a relief,” Daven said, glancing at his watch. “Josh should be finishing class any moment now, correct?”

“Yes, Mr. Daven. Allow me to escort you to his classroom,” Tania said, her professional demeanor returning as she led the way.

As they walked, Daven felt the tension in his chest ease just a bit, their conversation shifting to light-hearted topics about the school. He inquired about Josh’s progress, and with each detail Tania shared, his heart swelled with an uncontainable joy. Hearing about his son from someone else’s perspective was a gift he had longed for.

“I’ll wait here,” Daven said, halting just before they reached the classroom door. From within, the delightful sounds of children singing and laughing floated out, a melody that filled him with hope as the final moments of class ticked away.