HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 224

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 224**

“Yes! I promise I’ll take care of it.”

The vehicle fell into a tranquil hush, the only sound being the gentle hum of the robot nestled in Josh’s lap. As the minutes slipped by, Josh’s vibrant energy began to fade; a deep yawn escaped him, and he leaned back into the plush seat, surrendering to sleep. The robot remained still, a comforting weight against him.

Chase, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, lowered the soft background music that had been barely audible. His voice, now a gentle murmur, broke the silence. “He seems really happy today.”

Althea kept her gaze fixed on the passing cityscape, her voice barely rising above a whisper. “Yes. He’s happy.”

“But you’re not.”

At his words, she turned her head, their eyes meeting in the dim light cast by the streetlamps outside. For a fleeting moment, a torrent of emotions surged within her, a desperate urge to spill the burdens that weighed heavily on her heart. Yet, she swallowed her truth, opting for a facade. “I’m fine.”

Chase’s expression softened, a knowing smile gracing his lips. He reached across the seat, gently taking her hand from the fabric of her skirt, his grip firm yet tender. “You can’t fool me, sweetheart. So… what’s bothering you this time?”

Althea allowed his hand to remain intertwined with hers, their fingers locked together as if they were both seeking comfort in each other’s presence during the ride back to the Miller estate. She chose silence, turning her attention back to the window, her thoughts drifting amidst the kaleidoscope of city lights. Deep down, she grappled with a painful truth: The one I’m truly worried about… is you, Chase.

“You don’t want to discuss it with me?” His tone was gentle, coaxing her to open up.

“It’s not that… it’s just…” Her voice trailed off, the hesitation palpable in the air between them.

The car glided through the night, wrapped in a blanket of stillness. Minutes passed, stretching into what felt like an eternity. Finally, Chase’s voice broke through the quiet once more, steady and low. “Althea… may I ask you something?”

She straightened, curiosity piquing her interest. “Of course. What is it?”

She lifted her head, her clear eyes locking onto his. “I have to consider your feelings too, Chase. I don’t ever want you to think I’m still holding onto him. I can’t allow our relationship to be shaken just because Daven tries to use Josh as a means to get close to me again.”

Chase exhaled softly, his expression softening. “Althea… I know you don’t love him anymore. I truly believe that. But I also understand that Josh will always be a part of him. That’s a truth we can’t erase. The real question is whether we can establish a boundary—one he won’t be able to cross.”

She held his gaze, contemplating the weight of his words before giving a small, resolute nod. “That’s exactly what I keep questioning. Boundaries. I won’t let Daven cross them. I promise you that, Chase.”

He reached out, enveloping her hand in his warm grasp. “That’s enough for me. As long as I know you’re here by my side, I’ll never feel threatened—by anyone. Not even Mr. Callister.”

A faint smile blossomed on Althea’s lips, her fingers tightening around his in a silent vow. “Thank you. I never want doubt to come between us.”

The car continued its journey, the glow of the city lights fading into the encroaching night. In the back seat, Josh slept peacefully, a small smile lingering on his face as if dreaming of happier times. Up front, Althea and Chase held onto each other’s hands, quietly fortifying their hearts against the storm that loomed just beyond the horizon.