HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 222

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke 222**

**Chapter 222**

The cheerful rhythm of Josh’s small footsteps danced through the air, creating a light-hearted melody that contrasted sharply with the heavy silence surrounding Daven. He stood there, rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on the retreating figure of his son, feeling an overwhelming swell of emotions. It was as if his heart was caught in a tempest, screaming out the truth he could scarcely utter—that Josh was his own flesh and blood. Yet, the words remained lodged in his throat, suffocated by the bitter weight of reality that pressed down on him.

Chase, ever the sentinel, glanced back over his shoulder, offering a solitary nod. It was a silent reminder, a clear message that he had extended a lifeline to Daven, but it was a fragile one, and there would be no further chances.

In response, Daven returned the gesture, a slight dip of his chin, acknowledging the unspoken agreement that he would not overstep the scant boundaries that had been drawn.

Althea, resolute and unwavering, didn’t spare a glance back. Her grip on Josh tightened, as if he were the only anchor in a stormy sea, the sole reason for her stability. The flicker of pity she had felt just moments before was forcefully suppressed, crushed beneath the weight of her determination. She couldn’t allow Daven to slip away into the shadows she had so meticulously constructed, especially with the looming threat of Vanessa Blake still casting a long shadow over their lives.

“They look… so happy, Arsen,” Daven murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with a deep ache.

“You deserve happiness too, sir,” Arsen replied softly, his tone imbued with sincerity. “I truly believe that despite the relentless storms you’ve weathered, there will come a day when you feel that joy again.”

Arsen spoke from the heart; he felt the same pang of sorrow at the thought of how little time Daven had with Josh. Yet today, he had witnessed something extraordinary: the genuine smiles that had graced Daven’s face, pure joy that had emerged not from the ruthless world of business or the pursuit of power, but from a simple afternoon spent in an arcade with his son.

He had even taken the liberty of postponing several urgent calls from Callister Group’s executives, unwilling to shatter that delicate moment of fatherly connection.

“Yes, Mr. Daven,” Arsen responded, falling in step beside him.

They turned away from the small family, walking in the opposite direction, and Arsen finally began to relay the updates he had been holding back, the weight of them pressing down on him.

“Today marked the hearing and submission of evidence regarding your divorce, Mr. Daven. Although Vanessa’s side has been twisting the facts to their advantage, your legal team has performed admirably. The reporters camped outside the courthouse are still on standby, but most headlines are focused on Vanessa and her own scandals—not just those involving her agency, but also with significant clients.”

Daven chose not to engage much in the conversation. As long as the proceedings continued to unfold in his favor, he felt no need to drown himself in every intricate detail.

“And regarding the defamation lawsuit involving Miss Althea—the evidentiary hearing is scheduled for next week. Shortly thereafter, the court will issue its ruling, Mr. Daven. There’s a strong possibility that Miss Althea will be summoned to Mighatan.”