HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 221

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 221**

As they stepped out of the café, Althea moved ahead with a purposeful stride, her steps unwavering against the backdrop of the bustling street. Daven trailed behind, deliberately slowing his pace, his gaze fixed on her petite silhouette. There was a time when Althea had appeared delicate, as if the world could easily overwhelm her. Yet now, she exuded a quiet strength, a sense of self-assurance that had been meticulously forged over the course of seven long years.

Before long, they arrived at the play area, where the sound of laughter pierced through the air like a bright melody. Josh, with his boundless energy, dashed toward Althea, his face radiant with joy. Nearby, Chase stood with a broad grin, though the weariness etched on his features was unmistakable; keeping up with Josh was no small feat, requiring an almost endless reservoir of energy.

“Mommy!” Josh exclaimed, launching himself into Althea’s legs, wrapping his small arms around her with an exuberance that spoke volumes. His eyes sparkled with delight, reflecting the pure joy of a child.

Althea knelt down, her fingers gently combing through his tousled hair. “Did you have fun today, sweetheart?” she asked, her voice laced with warmth and affection.

“I did!” Josh beamed, the excitement practically radiating from him. He turned his gaze toward Daven, his enthusiasm bubbling over. “Especially because I got to play with Mr. Handsome! We had the best time, Mom! We played so many games. Oh, and guess what—the best part was… Uncle Chase kept losing to me!”

Althea’s eyes widened in playful astonishment, a soft smile of pride gracing her lips. “So you’re a real pro at the arcade, huh?” she teased, her heart swelling with maternal pride.

“Of course! I had the best coach!” Josh’s laughter echoed around them, infectious and bright. “Right, Mr. Handsome?”

Daven felt a familiar pang in his chest. Each time Josh called him that endearing nickname, it felt like a knife twisting inside him. How he wished to hear the boy call him Dad, a title that felt so tantalizingly close yet painfully out of reach.

“You’re a quick learner, champ. The best copycat I’ve ever seen,” Daven replied, trying to keep the mood light, though his heart ached with longing.

Josh giggled, his joy spilling over like a fountain. “I love spending time with you, Mr. Handsome.”

“I do too,” Daven managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Oh, how he yearned to scoop Josh into his arms, to hold him close and shower him with affection, filling the air with laughter and love. But the reality of the moment weighed heavily on him. Not here. Not now.

Althea gently took Josh’s hand in hers. “It’s time to go home, sweetheart. You need to rest. You still have school tomorrow, remember?”

Chase stepped forward, his hand resting firmly on Daven’s shoulder. “It’s time to head home, Mr. Callister.” His tone remained polite, but the finality in his words was unmistakable.

Josh pulled away reluctantly, his expression still pleading. “Do I really have to go?”

“Yes, sweetheart,” Althea reassured him, her voice soothing and gentle. “You can play again another time. Mommy promises I won’t stop you—as long as the time is right.”

Josh glanced back at Daven one last time, waving his little hand with a hopeful smile. “See you again, Mr. Handsome!”

Daven’s smile faltered, rigid at the edges, but he lifted his hand in a weak wave. “See you, Josh.”

With that, the boy grasped Althea’s hand, while Chase walked alongside them. Together, they painted a picture of a perfect little family, and Daven felt the weight of unspoken words settle heavily in his chest. He didn’t need to vocalize it; the truth was clear to him—the happiness that wasn’t his to claim.