HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 229

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

**Chapter 229**

“I really can’t stand hospitals,” Althea confessed, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped out of the car. The very sight of the building sent a wave of oppressive memories crashing over her. The birth of Josh had been a radiant moment, filled with joy and hope. Yet, the sterile walls and the antiseptic smell of hospitals always seemed to squeeze her heart, reminding her of the darkest day of her life. She could still vividly recall the moment her mother had taken her last breath, the blood loss stealing away the warmth of her presence. The accident had been horrific, a nightmare that still haunted her. If her mother hadn’t pushed her to the side of the road, Althea knew she might have perished alongside her.

Often, she found herself grappling with the question of why God had chosen to spare her life while taking her mother away. Especially after moving into the Callister household, she would often ponder, “Why do these thoughts keep resurfacing?”

The hospital corridor was eerily quiet that afternoon, the kind of stillness that felt heavy with unspoken words. Althea walked slowly, each step weighing down on her like an anchor, her heart sinking in rhythm with the steady beeping of the monitors from the ICU—the very room where her friend lay in a fragile state.

She settled into a chair beside Lydia’s bedside, gently grasping her friend’s cold hand. “I’m here, Lydia,” she murmured softly, her voice trembling. “How are you holding up?”

The machines were the only ones that responded, their mechanical whirs and beeps filling the silence.

“The doctors assured me that you’re stable, but… why haven’t you woken up yet? I really need you here with me.” She attempted a laugh, but it came out brittle and small, like a fragile glass about to shatter. “Don’t you want to hear my stories? You know I’m tangled up in this mess with that dreadful woman, right? I thought I had seen the last of her. But it seems like God has other plans for me, wanting to test my patience yet again.”

Lydia’s hand remained lifeless in hers, unresponsive. The doctors had reassured her that recovery was on the horizon, that Lydia’s vital signs were stable. Everything was technically fine, yet—

“Why won’t you wake up, Lydia? Is my life that entertaining in your dreams?” Tears began to spill over, cascading down her cheeks and dampening the back of her friend’s hand. “Please don’t have too much fun in your sleep, Lydia. I’m so alone. Even with Josh around, you’re the only sister I have.”

Bowing her head, Althea sobbed quietly, her heart aching as she prayed for divine mercy, pleading for Lydia to awaken and return to her as she once was.

After what felt like an eternity, Althea wiped her tears, attempting to regain her composure. Lydia remained unresponsive, her eyes still closed, as if locked away in a world Althea could not reach. A bitter smile crept onto Althea’s lips. “I’m heading to Mighatan tomorrow,” she said softly, almost to herself. “Even though I vowed I would never set foot there again.” She forced a laugh, but it sounded hollow, echoing the emptiness she felt inside. “I can’t just sit here doing nothing, Lydia. Vanessa keeps pushing my buttons. I have to confront her, even if it terrifies me.”

Her hand curled into a fist, determination flickering in her eyes. “You’d stand by me in this, wouldn’t you?”

***

The following morning, Mighatan welcomed Althea with a sky that resembled ash, heavy and foreboding. She was not alone in her journey; Josh sat beside her, his eyes wide with curiosity, while two staff members—sent by Chase—shadowed their every move, as if they were part of a protective barrier.

Initially, Althea had flatly rejected the idea of having bodyguards. But Chase’s insistence, combined with the gentle yet firm advice from Riana and Daniel Miller, left her with no room to argue.

“We just want to ensure your safety and Josh’s, Althea. Please… don’t make us worry,” they had pleaded.

How could she refuse such a heartfelt request, especially when Riana had spoken to her directly, her concern palpable?

Chase was scheduled to join them the following day; an unavoidable board meeting had him tethered to SunCity. His responsibilities as head of the foundation left him little room for flexibility, and Althea knew better than to demand more from him. After all, two staff members should suffice, right?

“Yay!!!” Josh shouted, nearly bouncing in his seat. “Did you hear that, Bumblebee? Mommy and Uncle Chase are taking me somewhere fun! I can’t wait!”

The little robot—Daven’s old gift—remained his cherished companion. Althea couldn’t bring herself to take it away from him; it was something that brought him genuine joy. Since their last encounter, Daven had kept his word—no messages, no demands to see his son again. He had promised that their meetings would be infrequent, and he had honored that promise.

Yet, Althea couldn’t shake the feeling that he was aware of her presence in Mighatan now. How could he not? She was there to finally confront Vanessa and end things once and for all.

The car glided smoothly into the hotel’s grand lobby, nestled in the heart of Mighatan’s bustling business district. The moment Althea and Josh stepped out, hotel staff greeted them with polished smiles, guiding them upstairs to their suite.

She was certain Chase had orchestrated every detail, ensuring that she and Josh would feel nothing less than comfortable during their stay.

And indeed, as the door swung open, a wave of soothing fragrance enveloped them. The suite was expansive—far larger than any standard hotel room. Pale marble floors gleamed, reflecting the soft glow of a crystal chandelier that hung gracefully from the ceiling.

The floor-to-ceiling curtains were drawn halfway, revealing a breathtaking view of Mighatan’s city center, where glass towers sparkled in the warm glow of the setting sun.

To the right, a cozy sitting area awaited them, furnished with plush cream leather sofas and a sleek glass table, which was neatly arranged with an assortment of treats: a box of decadent chocolate truffles, rows of vibrant biscuits, imported potato chips, and colorful fruit candies wrapped in shiny paper. Beside them sat a tray brimming with fresh orange juice, milk, and a selection of small bottles filled with children’s favorite drinks.

“Mommy! Look! There’s so much food!” Josh exclaimed, darting toward the table, his eyes alight with delight. He snatched up a box of chocolates, pried it open, and beamed with joy. “These are my favorite! How did they even know, Mommy?”