HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 214

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

**Chapter 214**

“Good afternoon, young master Josh,” Arsen greeted with a respectful nod, his voice smooth and warm.

“Hello… good afternoon?” Josh responded, his voice trailing off as his gaze flickered to Daven. He was clearly puzzled, silently inquiring about the identity of this unfamiliar man.

“This is Arsen,” Daven explained with a gentle smile, affectionately ruffling Josh’s tousled hair. “You’ve met him a few times, haven’t you? Arsen is my assistant.”

“Good afternoon, Uncle Arsen,” Josh echoed, his voice now brimming with newfound confidence.

“Please,” Arsen replied, holding the car door open with an inviting gesture.

Josh hesitated for a moment, glancing down and feeling a bit awkward. “I… I can do it myself, Uncle Arsen,” he insisted, a hint of stubbornness creeping into his tone.

“But I’d like to do it for you,” Arsen replied, his eyes twinkling with kindness.

That simple statement coaxed a small smile from Josh. “Thank you.” He accepted the offer and climbed into Daven’s sleek black car, the door closing behind him with a satisfying thud. He settled into the plush seat, adjusting it until it cradled him just right. His eyes widened in delight when he spotted a small table filled with an assortment of his favorite snacks. And then—oh wow—a flat-screen TV flickered to life, playing one of the hottest movies at the moment: *Demon Hunter*.

“Your car is… so cool,” Josh exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he took in the luxurious interior.

“Do you like it?” Daven asked, a proud smile stretching across his face.

“Yes!” Josh replied enthusiastically, patting the seat beside him as if inviting Daven to join in his joy. “I really like it.”

“I’ll have someone—”

“Can I eat these snacks, Mr. Handsome? This one has chocolate inside, right?” Josh interrupted, his eyes gleaming with eagerness.

Daven stifled a laugh, unable to resist the charm of Josh’s enthusiasm. “Yes. They’re all yours. But for now, you can only have one. Lunch comes first—we don’t want your stomach to hurt. Let’s not make your mommy worry, okay, Champ?”

Josh nodded obediently, his expression turning serious for a moment. “Right. I don’t want Mommy to be sadder than she already is.” He accepted the chocolate truffle that Daven carefully unwrapped for him, biting into it with sheer delight. “This is so good, Mr. Handsome. Are you sure all of this is really mine?”

Josh tapped the toy’s head and shouted, “Turn right!” The little robot spun clumsily, causing Josh to erupt into fits of laughter. “Hahaha! That’s hilarious. See? It actually listened to me!”

“I saw it,” Daven replied, a soft smile gracing his lips. “Looks like you’ve got a talent for commanding robots.” He teased lightly, even as an unspoken sorrow weighed heavily on his heart, a reminder of the regrets he carried.

My son is healthy and full of life. He’s right here beside me, yet I can’t hold him the way I want to. Dear God… what am I supposed to do?

“Then I’ll be the robot commander!” Josh declared, pushing the toy toward him with enthusiasm. “Mr. Handsome, now you try giving it an order.”

Daven took the robot, glancing at Josh with a mixture of affection and longing. “Bumblebee, forward,” he murmured. The toy obediently obeyed, and Josh erupted into laughter once more.

“Perfect! It listens to your voice too!” Josh thumped his chest proudly. “That means we’re a great team!”

Daven lowered his head slightly, meeting his son’s bright, shining eyes. “Yes. We’re a great team.”

My wonderful boy. He tightened his grip around the robot, feeling as though it was the only thing keeping him tethered to this moment, preventing him from reaching out, pulling Josh into his arms, and never letting go.