HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 220

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 220**

The atmosphere thickened with an oppressive silence, wrapping around Daven like a heavy fog. He found himself fixated on the table before him, his heart constricting painfully in his chest. After what felt like an eternity, he finally broke the stillness, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with resignation.

“All right.”

Althea released a slow, deliberate breath, feeling a weight lift slightly from her chest. At least she had voiced her thoughts; it was imperative to establish a boundary, even though deep down, she harbored a strong conviction that Daven could never truly feel for her the way she wished.

“But I want to ask just one thing,” she said, her tone shifting to one of guarded inquiry.

She turned to face him, her eyes narrowing with skepticism. Her brow knitted together as she braced herself for whatever request he might dare to make.

“Would it be… possible for me to spend some time with Josh? I’m not asking for much—just whenever I’m free, maybe once a month? To take him out, play with him, that’s all.”

Althea considered his words with a critical eye, her gaze searching his face for sincerity, for any hint of deceit.

“Please, Althea. I’m not asking for much. I won’t even tell Josh who I really am unless you give me permission.” Daven’s eyes were filled with an earnest plea, revealing a yearning that was palpable in the air. It was evident that nothing mattered to him more than this simple request. Nothing at all.

“I’m begging you,” he whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

“Are you sure you can control yourself?” Althea’s voice was steady, yet it carried an undercurrent of caution.

“Yes. I promise I can,” Daven responded without hesitation, his tone resolute. “I want to make amends for my past mistakes. To atone for them in whatever way I can. I won’t intrude upon your life or your relationship with Chase. I truly am happy for you. All I want is to be by Josh’s side, even if it’s just as a father he sees occasionally.”

Althea leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms tightly over her chest, her eyes still fixed on him, unwavering. The man who had always exuded calm and composure, admired for his ability to command respect with so few words, was now unraveling before her. He appeared restless and desperate, as if every syllable she uttered could dictate the trajectory of his life.

With a long, weary sigh, Althea finally spoke, “I’ll think about it. But I can’t make any promises right now, Daven.”

“Thank you. That’s more than enough,” Daven murmured, though the sorrow in his voice was unmistakable, slipping through the cracks of his carefully constructed facade.

A heavy silence enveloped them again, punctuated only by the distant clinking of silverware from another table. Daven felt his heart shatter, piece by agonizing piece, while Althea remained composed, resolute, already forging ahead without a glance back. But he couldn’t remain passive. No—he had to fight for this, no matter how arduous the struggle.

“Maybe once we resolve this mess with Vanessa, I’ll finally be able to breathe a little easier. Without the constant fear that some reporter will suddenly appear and ruin my time with Josh.”

“It’s fine,” Althea replied curtly, her tone dismissive as they stepped into the brisk afternoon air.

Outside, Arsen stood waiting, steadfast and loyal as ever. Daven’s trusted aide remained close at hand, his presence eliciting a slight furrow in Althea’s brow when he greeted her.

“Good afternoon, Miss Althea. It’s been a long time,” Arsen said, offering a respectful bow to the woman who had once been Daven Callister’s wife—a woman he had always believed was far more deserving than Vanessa Blake, the choice Daven had ultimately made. Time had vindicated his judgment.

Vanessa was nothing more than a self-serving individual, driven solely by her own ambitions. Quick to cast blame on Daven, she had been the very root of their marriage’s demise.

“Good afternoon, Arsen. You’re right; it’s been a while,” Althea replied, offering him a faint smile that barely masked her guarded demeanor.

“I hope you’re well and happy,” Arsen said, inclining his head toward Daven, a silent reassurance that the area was secure—no reporters, no lurking paparazzi ready to pounce.

Daven exhaled, feeling a touch more at ease in the presence of his loyal aide.

“Thank you,” he murmured, grateful for a moment of respite amidst the turmoil swirling in his heart.