HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 217

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 217**

“I can’t let this opportunity slip away, can I?” Althea murmured, her breath barely escaping her lips as she fixed her eyes on Chase, hoping to solidify her resolve. “I have to go to court. That woman needs to understand that I won’t cower in the face of her venomous words any longer.”

Chase reached out, his fingers wrapping around hers with a reassuring warmth. “You’re not on this journey alone, my love. I will always stand by your side.” He pressed a soft kiss to the back of her hand, a tender promise meant to fortify her spirit.

The gentle caress of his lips ignited a flicker of a smile on Althea’s face, easing the tempest that raged within her heart. “I can hardly believe it,” she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. “All those memories I tried so desperately to bury have resurfaced. I can’t shake off the way Vanessa crushed my dignity beneath her heel. She never once showed me an ounce of respect.”

Chase’s gaze softened, his eyes locking onto hers with an understanding that transcended words. “I know,” he replied, his voice a soothing balm.

“She always made me feel so insignificant. No matter how hard I tried to stand tall, she had this uncanny ability to bring me down, to make me feel worthless.” Althea’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she fought against the tide, refusing to let them spill. “And now, all her cruelty is circling back to her, one harsh truth at a time.”

“People reap what they sow, Althea,” Chase said with conviction, though his tone remained gentle. “She chose that path, and now she must confront the consequences of her actions.”

Althea tightened her grip on his hand, her resolve wavering yet unyielding. “I don’t want to appear as if I’m celebrating her downfall. But deep down… I feel a sense of relief. A profound relief. Because finally, the world is beginning to see Vanessa for who she truly is.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of Chase’s lips. “You’re only human, darling. That relief is completely natural. You were her victim once, and now, justice is finally tilting in your favor.”

Althea nodded slowly, her heart heavy with concern. “But I worry about Theo. He has power and connections that run deep. I know he will do everything in his power to protect his family’s reputation.”

“That’s precisely why Adrian cautioned us,” Chase replied, his voice steady yet laced with concern.

Her anxiety deepened, her eyes searching his for reassurance. “If they decide to retaliate, what will happen—”

Chase raised a hand, gently tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, a simple yet intimate gesture. “You don’t need to let worry consume you. Theo may wield power, but he is not above the law. Every move he makes is under scrutiny now. And if he ever dares to lay a finger on you or Josh, I will be the first to stand against him.”

At least Arsen had assured him there wouldn’t be any reporters lurking around, no strangers secretly observing with hidden agendas. This moment was theirs, meant for a purpose that only Daven truly understood.

“Yes! I’m really happy, Mr. Handsome!” Josh exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.

Thud!

Josh’s shot sailed effortlessly through the hoop, scoring cleanly this time. His throws had become more precise after a series of earlier attempts that had missed the mark. Josh was not the type to back down easily; his determination was as relentless as ever.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Daven said, launching his own ball with a casual flick of his wrist. It sailed smoothly into the basket, earning him an impressed look from Josh.

**Chapter 218**